Home Counties Premier League

Oxford face the toughest yet to their Division 1 title credentials when they host leaders High Wycombe tomorrow.

Just one bonus point separates Wycombe and second-placed Oxford at the top, who have each won five out of seven matches.

Oxford captain Jason Harrison, who previously skippered Wycombe to three titles, said: "They have got an excellent player roster this year.

"They have shown this with their league position, but we are up for the challenge.

"It will be interesting to see how both sides are in terms of playing style.

"We did the double over them last year, so me being a former captain was put to bed then.

"But they are much stronger side this season."

Among Wycombe's new signings this season are top order batsmen Matthew Eyles, who has returned from Gerrards Cross, and Leo Taylor.

Buckinghamshire wicket-keeper David Cranfield-Thompson and Australian seamer Tim Cece have also boosted their ranks.

For Oxford, all-rounder Graham Charlesworth returns in place of Pat Jobson, but Rupert Evans is still absent due to a family bereavement.

Harrison added: "We know we will miss players throughout the year, but we have the squad to cope with that."

Opening batsman Chris Smith and spinner Luke Ryan return for Banbury's game at Welwyn Garden City, but Nathan Hawkes is on Northants duty.

Marc Rorich, who missed out last week due to work commitments, comes into a 13-man squad.

Captain Benji Hector said: "Last week was a tight game and we lost it in small areas.

"The top four all got in and got out and we let a few catches slip by in the field.

"We need to sharpen up a bit, but I think the top six will be close all season."

Thame Town captain Rob Brooks says his side must be more disciplined when they visit Wokingham in Division 2 West tomorrow.

And he admits he must lead by example after being out cheaply against Farnham Royal last week.

"We lost wickets at crucial times in that match," said Brooks.

"Some of our most experienced players were guilty of giving our wickets away.

"We have to work on our discipline a lot this week and make sure we post a total that gives us a chance.

"It was the first time we've been rolled over.

"Manoj Parmar and I were out within three overs of each other, which wasn't good enough.

"I should have knuckled down."

Thame make one chage with spinner Steve Merry coming in for his first game of the season in place of Sammy Lachlan (work).

Fifteen-year-old all-rounder Michael Beard may, therefore, have more of a bowling role.

Kidlington welcome back spinner Bimalka Liyanarachchi for their trip to fellow strugglers Burnham.

Bimalka, who has been away at a wedding in Sri Lanka, replaces Aquib Lakab.

Kidlington are looking to secure a new overseas player, but it is unlikely any signing would be available for Saturday.

Captain Shahbaz Ali stressed spirits were still high despite being bottom of the table.

"Our heads haven't dropped," he said.

"We know we're good enough. We just need one win and hopefully we'll get going."

Oxford (v High Wycombe, home): Cook, Harrison, Laudat, Sharma, Porter, Crosby, Charlesworth, Hutcheson, P Evans, Vainker, Brooks.

Banbury (v Welwyn Garden City, away): from C Smith, Hole, Haupt, Hector (capt), Noble, E Phillips, Rorich, Ryan, Hawtin, Taylor, E Smith, Newhook, J Phillips.

Thame Town (v Wokingham, away): Parmar, Beard, Krol, Bhatti, Brooks (capt), L Mery, Meredith, Higgs, S Merry, Barnett, Mitty.

Kidlington (v Burnham, away): Shahbaz Ali (capt), Taylor, Buckingham, Nawaz Ali, Shazad Rana, Oliver, Kitson, Pearson, Jamil Faruq, Bimalka, Faisal Chaudry.