Kieren Bushnell previews the OCA League season, which starts on Saturday

New Charlbury captain Ashley Rump believes his club are about to embark on a fresh era as the season gets under way this weekend.

Division 1 side Charlbury are in the process of rebuilding their clubhouse following the devastating floods of 2007, while on the field, Rump feels the club’s youth policy is starting to pay dividends.

The 23-year-old – a player who has also benefited from Charlbury’s youth section – takes over the reins for the first time tomorrow at west Oxfordshire rivals Freeland.

He said: “We have a strong side, more than capable of holding our own. With the talented youngsters coming through, we could push for the top if we can stick together.”

Off-spinner Bimalka Liyanarachchi returns to the club from Kidlington as vice-captain.

Freeland skipper Les Hole also points to youth as the future as they return to the top flight.

Hole believes his talented young players can consolidate in Division 1 following last season’s promotion.

He said: “It’s a big step from Division 2 to Division 1, but it will be a good learning experience.

“I think with the talented young players we have a bright future.”

Reigning champions Tetsworth will have to make do without Hyron Shallow.

The big-hitting West Indian ace has joined Cherwell League outfit Twyford, and his departure will be a big relieffor the league’s bowlers!

Rolando Wright will spearhead Tetsworth’s attack, while Del Cyrus returns to open the batting, along with his brother Rashid, who is back after a two-year absence.

Westbury must make do without the services of last year’s star batsman, Ben Rae.

Rae, who scored more than 1,000 runs for the club last season, is now back in his native New Zealand.

Westbury will again be captained by Richard Tredwell, and despite the departure of Rae, he hopes for a successful season.

Tredwell said: “We were runners-up last year, and I’d like to think we can finish in the top half at least.”

East Oxford will be one of the favourites to take the title, in their first season in the top flight.

The club have won every section at the first attempt since they entered the league in Division 7 in 2003.

Former Bicester & North Oxford all-rounder Tauqeer Hussain and ex-Beaconsfield seamer Mohammad Sarfraz have committed to the club, and will be key players as they seek to win a seventh consecutive title.

Shrivenham will hope for a better season after narrowly avoiding relegation last season, while Great Horwood will also be happy just to stay in the division.

Horley’s talented youngster, Harry Smith, will be one to watch as they look to build on last season’s fourth-place finish.

Smith, an Oxfordshire under 17 batsman, scored heavily last season, and is a precocious talent for this level.

Oxford Caribbean will hope to push harder for the title this season, with captain Richie Matthews looking to improve on last season’s third place.

Marcham will be led by star batting all-rounder Matt Launchbury, who will look for improvement after last year’s sixth-placed finish.

OCA League results will appear every Monday in the Oxford Mail.

Match reports, pictures and latest tables will now appear on Tuesdays in order to increase our coverage of the league.

Clubs are reminded that results must be reported by midnight on Saturday to the league’s press and results officer.