Former Buckinghamshire bowler David Taylor gets his chance to stake a claim for a place in Oxfordshire’s Middleton Cup side in the opening trial match against North-amptonshire at Oxford City & County on Saturday (2pm).

Taylor, from Thame, who has played in the Middleton Cup for his old county, will lead in a rink skipped by captain Alan Prew, which also features Ian Henwood and Calvin Carpenter.

Headington’s Colin Whitehead and Carterton’s Stuart Richens also feature after becoming available for the first time since Steve Gilkes took over as manager in 2012.

Carterton’s Baden Sparkes, who was missing last season due to a persistent knee problem, is also recalled along with Oxford City & County’s Paul Comley.

Oxfordshire (v Northants): D Taylor, I Henwood, C Carpenter, A Prew (capt); AJ Docherty, P Comley, R Redford, M Sykes; M Nash, S Cooper, S Richens, B Sparkes; S Watts, G May, J King, M Charlett; L Young, M Hancock, B Lambourne, P Sharman; D May, S Claridge, C White-head, I Snowdon. Res: Re Clanfield, K Holloway, A Kemish, G Schwab.

HEADINGTON’S Gary May has been selected for an England junior international trial at Leamington Spa on May 26.

OXFORDSHIRE Ladies lost 114-99 to Leicestershire in the Middle England League at Oxford City & County.

Oxon only won on two of the six rinks, with Caroline Campion skipped their highest-winning side of Margaret Stacey, Cathie Brittin and Daphne Jacob to a 25-10 win.

Oxfordshire 99 (4pts), Leicestershire 114 (13) (Oxon skips first): C Campion 25, J Bontoft 10; S Amos 10, D Hurst 28; J Berry 15, K Kyle 20; D Knight 16, S Rawnsley 23; G Gilkes 18, J Irons 15; W Cross 15, J Roreham 18.

THAME kick-started their 90th anniversary celebrations by playing an Oxfordshire mixed team.

The Oxon line-up, which included England Ladies internationals Katherine Hawes and Carol Galletly, proved far too strong for Thame, winning on all rinks.