Sommers Home Counties Premier League

The war of words between Aston Rowant and Thame Town continued ahead of tomorrow's matches in Division 2 West.

Rowant were less than happy with the pitch during last week's defeat at Church Meadow, so capatin Paul Humphreys is pleased to be at home tomorrow against Basingstoke & North Hants.

He said: "It wasn't a good wicket to do anything on let alone play cricket.

"It suited them because they have got spinners.

"But that's probably where we'll have to leave it."

Thame skipper Adam Krol felt there had been little wrong with the surface last week, and Chris Wynd, who leads the side at top-of-the-table Tring Park in Krol's absence, agreed.

Wynd said: "They weren't good enough to play on that wicket.

"They are always moaning and looking for excuses. We still managed to bat well"

On the field, Paul Plumridge replaces Thad Cooper as Rowant's only change.

Humphreys added: "Basingstoke are a bit hit and miss, but if we get Mitchell Stokes out their batting line-up is not that strong.

"We were in a good position against them last time. I don't think we'll be particularly concerned about them."

For Thame, Richard Carr replaces Krol (holiday), while Chris Broughan comes in for Rob Layton.

Wynd added: "We often do quite well against Tring. We don't often lose to them."

A Thame win would help Kidlington's promotion prospects, but Wynd said: "We don't look to do other teams favours. We just focus on ourselves."

All-rounder Duncan Bradshaw returns in place of Craig Woods for Kidlington's trip to struggling Kew.

Kidlington have lost two of their last three games, but captain Dave Taylor is keeping positive.

He said: "There are still four games to play. It is anyone's league in the top four.

"It is disappointing that it is out of our hands, but we still have Tring to play.

"It's a tough league and the teams that were expected to be top are all there.

"No matter what happens, we have had a fantastic season."