Reigning champions Banbury face a tough opening game as they host Great & Little Tew in the first round of matches in the Dennis Swanton Under 15 competition, which gets under way next week.

The county’s youth competitions kick off this weekend, with 38 teams competing in the 20 overs-a-side competition.

The Oxfordshire under 13 league, with 34 clubs competing, begins tomorrow.

Aston Rowant, who did a cup and league double last year, will face some stiff competition as they find themselves in the same group as last year’s runners-up Thame and semi-finals Horspath.

Meanwhile, the Under 13 Ron Maudsley Knockout Trophy begins next weekend, with 35 teams taking part.

The Under 11 competition has 25 entries, while the under 17 championship, which does not start until July, also has 25 clubs taking part.

Following the success of Oxfordshire’s first girls’ competition last year, there will be two competitions in 2009, junior and senior.

The junior competition is for under 12s and has ten clubs participating, while the senior competition for under 15s has eight entries.

  • CUMNOR CC have launched their popular summer academy weeks for six to 14-year-olds.

The academy will run between July 20 and August 7 from 10am to 4pm.

ECB qualified coaches will run courses in groups of eight, covering fitness, batting, bowling and fielding skills.

The cost is £125 per week. For more details, visit cumnorcricketclub.com or call 07885 321053.