Oxfordshire have high hopes as they embark on their new Middleton Cup campaign on Saturday, June 7.

ob Gilkes's team kick off with a trip to Hampshire at Atherley, followed by another away match against the Isle of Wight at Plesseys BC on June 21, and finally, a home fixture against Middlesex at Banbury Central on July 26.

With a victory and a narrow defeat behind them in trial matches, Oxon are confident of improving on last year's position of group runners-up.

Gilkes said: "There is a good spirit in the squad and everyone is looking forward to it, but it is imperative that we get off to a winning start.

"The first game is of monumental importance. If you don't hit form in the first of the three, it is very difficult to quality."

Oxon introduce county Under 25 champion Nick Welsh (Rover), John Philpott (Summertown), Barry Foster (Headington) and Sammy Timms (Carterton) for the debuts, while there is plenty of experience in the likes of Alan Ley, George Moon and Robin Hewson.

However, there is no room in the line-up for the father and son duo of Chris and Glenn Allen.

OXFORDSHIRE

Stuart Richens (Carterton), Andy Wise (Carterton), Robert Clanfield (Carterton), Baden Sparkes (Carterton).

Keith Holloway (Banbury Borough), Barry Lambourne (Shiplake), Ryan Buckett (Stuarts), Greg Moon (Banbury Borough).

Jim Gamage (Summertown), Paul Comley (Rover), Robin Hewson (Summertown), Alan Ley (Summertown).

David Clanfield (Carterton), Barry Foster (Headington), Gary Lucas (Banbury Borough), Alan Prew (Banbury Borough).

Nick Welsh (Rover), George Moon (Banbury Borough), Paul Justin (Carterton), Calvin Carpenter (Banbury Borough).

John Philpitt (Summertown), Sammy Timms (Carterton), Colin Whitehead (Summertown), Mark Charlett (Summertown).

Reserves: Les Campion (Banbury Central), Chris Earl (Rover), Rod Foster (Headington), Lee Young (Carterton).