Paul Taylor's appointment as Banbury's new player-coach appears to have been an inspired choice, judging by early-season performances both on and off the field.

In his first match, the former Northants and England left-arm seamer produced a sparkling half-century, which helped to secure an exciting victory over Home Counties Premier League champions Finchampstead.

Then last Saturday, Taylor prodcued a deadly spell of 6-21 which left derby rivals Bicester & North Oxford desperately hanging on for a draw.

Off the field, Taylor has been a great hit during his sessions on Thursday and Friday nights.

"Paul's absolutely brilliant at coaching the kids, who are spellbound by him," said Banbury chairman Martin Phillips.

Phillips had been forced to find a successor to another former England man Neal Radford, who gave up last season.

It was Radford who contacted Taylor, with a view to succeeding him.

"After 17 years of county cricket, I decided it was time to retire," said the 37-year-old Taylor.

"But I wanted to play as a high a standard of cricket as I could for the next five or six years.

"When I saw the set-up at Banbury and the fantastic facilities here, I knew this was exactly what I was looking for."

Taylor will not be involved in the commercial activity that occupied much of Radford's time, as he has other cricketing commitemts.

He was recently appointed the ECB's Cricket Development Officer for Huntingdonshire, who have ambitions on becoming the 21st team when the Minor Counties Championship switches to three divisions of seven.

In addition he will be playing Minor Counties cricket for Norfolk, who beat ten other counties for his services.

Taylor's arrival at White Post Road has coincided with the departure of Radford, talented all-rounders David Taylor and Shahbaz Ali and the retirement of skipper Neil Megson.

With a number of teenagers in the side, Banbury, the 2000 champions, may not be title contenders this season, although they have made a bright enough start.