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Division 2 West

Thame Town captain Rob Brooks admits being pragmatic may be the way forward, although it goes against his nature.

Brooks, whose side host Falkland tomorrow, likes to play attacking cricket.

But he was happy for them to bat out for a draw on a tricky pitch at Burnham last week, and would not rule out more of the same.

“I got it wrong with the toss last week,” said Brooks.

“They didn’t know what to do either. The wicket was just turning miles by mid way through our innings.

“After the closeness of last season, it was probably our best bet not to risk it and give them a win.

“It is not very exciting, but it may be best.

“However, I still faced eight balls and scored nine. I still can’t block it!”

Seventeen-year-old Magdalen College School pupil Tom Hogan replaces Michael Beard, who is bowling to England and West Indies players in the nets at Bristol ahead of Sunday’s One-day International.

Brooks said: “The youngsters are the best fielders and they are all keen to play.

“I will look to get him as high up the order as I can.”

Aston Rowant’s matches have been far from dull so far as they have twice been left hanging on with nine wickets down.

They will look to avoid a hat-trick when they host Reading.

Thame Town (v Falkland, home): Hogan, Parmar, P Patel, Lachlan, L Merry, Brooks (capt), Bhatti, Higgs, Barnett, S Patel, McBrien.

Aston Rowant (v Reading, home): Morrick (capt), Jewell, Morgan, Walker, Watling, Lyon, Miles, Penhale, Humphreys, Dutton, Davis.