Team manager Bob Gilkes believes the result of Oxfordshire's opening EBA Middleton Cup clash against Berkshire at Suttons on Saturday will be crucial to the outcome of Group 3A.

Oxon can look forward to home games against Hampshire on Saturday, June 14 and Isle of Wight on Saturday, July 5 - both at Banbury Central.

But Gilkes stressed that the match against Berkshire was of paramount importance.

"We will have a better idea of things after the Suttons game," he said. "That is make-or-break with it only being a four-team group.

"Really what happens in the first game determines the fate for the group."

At the same time, Gilkes feels Oxon are geared up for the campaign.

"I think the players are ready to go and this year for the first year in many we are injury-free," he said.

"I think our chances are certainly as good as anyone else - I really do.

"We may lack any international players, but we make up for that by gelling and the compatability of the players, and a willingness to do our damnedest."

Lee Young and Mike Petersen are named in the side after being recalled to the squad this season.

Oxfordshire (v Berkshire, Sat, Suttons BC): C Whitehead, Ge Moon, B Sparkes, C Carpenter; K Holloway, R Redford, S Richens, G Lucas; J Philpott, I Henwood, M Timms, Gr Moon; M Nash, M Petersen, M Charlett, A Prew; L Young, R Clanfield, R Buckett, M Sykes; S Claridge, N Lewis, N Rae-Welsh, H Watts. Res: A Ley, A McIntyre, S Timms.

COUNTY TOP TWO FOURS Oxfordshire (v Surrey, Sun, Banbury Borough): J Philpott, N Rae-Welsh, A Prew, Gr Moon; K Holloway, H Watts, M Sykes, G Lucas.