Peter Fenn begins his series previewing the new Oxford Times Cherwell League season, which starts on May 10.

Trevor Spindler

Didcot will be placing great reliance on the old guard to assist new skipper Andy Broughton, who has taken over from Julian Hitchman.

The club welcome all-rounder Paul Oakey back after several seasons away, and are hoping that new seamer Steve Richardson's Cheshire League experience will stand them in good stead.

Bicester & North Oxford 2nd will be looking for twins Lewis and James Holton to continue their push for first team cricket.

James should relish the pace and bounce afforded by the pitches at Chesterton, but unhappily ligament problems will sideline Lewis for some time and other commitments may limit the appearances of seamer Dave Clark.

The batting looks strong and skipper Matt Collins has a useful crop of spinners to pick from.

Wallingford will miss the bowling of John Brannan, who is hanging up his boots to look after Hithercroft Road's Sports Club.

Batsman Tom Wigley returns after a year off and the club will be looking to old handsTrevor Spindler, the leading Division 4 wicket-taker with 60 victims last season, and Rob Sessions, the club's leading scorer with 556 runs last term, to deliver the goods again.

Henley 2nd bid to bounce back after their relegation last season.

Young seamer Danny Pawson is expected to push for a regular place along with 16-year-old batsman Neil Sweet, who has progressed through the colts' team.

New players Chris Harrigan, an opening batsman, and Alan Williams, a wicket- keeper batsman, should also strengthen the side.

Brackley will be seeking to build on last seasons's Division 5 title success, but may be without opening bat Sandy Tysoe, who has suffered ligament damage.

Jon Blencowe returns after a two-year absence, while skipper Keith Cartwright will be adding newcomers Chris Finster (all-rounder) and Neil Bellingham (seamer) to his squad.

Brackley are also running a 3rd XI in the South Northants League, and hope to attract more youngsters.

Wendover are banking on a blend of youth and exper- ience.

Their under 15 side won the Bucks County Cup and this may mean promotion to the senior side for the likes of 16-year-old Ashley Smith and his 15-year-old brother Shaun as well as Tom McKee and David Gulliver.

Long Marston have lost a number of their more experienced hands, but this paves the way for youngsters such as pace bowler James Hale and all-rounders Ian Demain and Mark Green to push for regular first team places.

The division is completed by Challow & Childrey 2nd, Tiddington 2nd and Buckingham 2nd, who were promoted from Division 5 last term.

See also www.cherwellcricket.com