Oxfordshire champions Cumnor will open the defence of their county crown in the npower Village Cup with a trip to Kingston Bagpuize.

A reduced entry of 12 teams – compared with 20 last season – sees all the sides go straight into the second round.

Horspath, county runners-up for the last three years, have a home tie against Tiddington.

2nd round: Horspath v Tiddington, Warborough & Shillingford v Hanborough, Kingston Bagpuize v Cumnor, Kidmore End v Oxford Downs, Bledington v Shipton-under-Wychwood, Aston Rowant v Cropredy.

BANBURY CC’S youth team players can look forward to receiving coaching from former England one-day wicket-keeper Paul Nixon at Blessed George Napier School on Sunday.

The Leicestershire captain will take a session with the under 10s and under 11s from 10am to 12noon, before coaching the under 13s and under 15s from 1-4pm.

In between Nixon, who played for England in the 2007 World Cup, will hold a question and answer session with all the youngsters.

THREE umpiring courses are being offered in Oxfordshire in 2009.

They kick-off with a four-week course at Great & Little Tew CC on March 4.

A foundation course, it is for those interested in cricket, who may be called upon to umpire for their clubs.

A two-week introduction to OCA League umpiring course is being held at Swinbrook CC on April 1.

This course is aimed at new OCA League umpires, or those requiring a refresher.

A BTEC course begins in October. It is aimed at those interested in a career in umpiring, and offers a nationally recognised qualification.

After a ten-week Laws of Cricket course, there will then be a further five weeks, covering man management and field craft in January 2010.

This is followed by a full season’s practical experience.

Anyone interested in the courses should contact Mick Warren on 01993 836083 or visit www.umpires.tv.