Bicester and North Oxford have a score to settle when they take on reigning Home Counties League champions Banbury at Akeman Street tomorrow (11).

Twice last season Banbury turned over their derby rivals on the way to their title.

"To be honest, we did not compete in either game," admitted Bicester captain Darryl Woods. "I am sure that they will find us a much stronger side this year".

The recruitiment of Australian star Rod Davison has given Bicester a big lift.

"As reigning champions and with the start they have had this season, Banbury are clearly the team to beat," said Davison.

"They have a strong bowling attack and, in Craig Haupt, they clearly have the league's in-form batsman."

However, despite averaging over 60 in his first two games, the former New South Wales opening batsman believes that Bicester have not yet seen the best of him.

He said: "The wickets over here are still fairly soft and green, very different from the hard, quick tracks back home, and it will take a little time to adjust."

Woods is delighted his side have taken 39 points from their first two games, but recognises that Banbury represent their stiffest test so far.

Bicester will be without Oxon skipper Rob Williams for this match because of work commitments. Stuart Kennedy comes into the side.

Banbury are unchanged from last week's extraordinary drawn game against Beaconsfield when openers Haupt and Andrew Sabin put on an unbroken 312 for the first wicket, with Haupt claiming the league's first double-century.

The stand was also a league record, beating the unbeaten 220 put on by the same pair against Luton last year.

"Bicester look stronger this year, but we've won the last four games against them and I'm confident we'll do well," said Banbury captain Neil Megson.

Bicester (v Banbury, home): Woods (capt), Davison, J France, B France, Hawtin, Savin, Chapman, Kennedy, Jeacock, Slade. Stanway.

Banbury: Megson (capt), Haupt, Sabin, Barratt, Shahbaz Ali, Smith, Radford, Taylor, Rorich, Hill, Adams.