Oxford batsman Paddy Stern and Banbury left-arm spinner Luke Ryan make their Minor Counties Championship debuts as Oxfordshire ring the changes for the clash with Herefordshire at Luctonians, starting on Sun- day.

The pair are among five changes for the Western Division clash following the disappointing six-wicket defeat by Cornwall in their opener at Challow & Childrey two weeks ago.

Banbury batsmen Chris Smith and Ian Tew also come into the side along with Bourton Vale paceman Ryan Newhook.

Out go Cheltenham opener Keith Mustow, who has an ear infection, Leamington Spa's Rob Williams, who broke a toe against Cornwall, and Oxford's Adam Cook, who is unavailable due to work commitments.

Oxford seamer David Slade and Abingdon Vale left-arm spinner Paul White are the bowlers to miss out from the Cornwall game.

County skipper Hawtin, who is also Banbury's wicket-keeper, is perfectly placed to measure Ryan's progress this season.

And he said: "Luke has been bowling very well in the last three or four weeks and obviously he can bat. We had a long tail against Cornwall, so that relieves that problem."

Commenting on the county's other debutant Stern, Hawtin said: "Paddy did particularly well in the Oxon Development games last year.

"He averaged 50 and it's a good opportunity for a young lad to come in and show what he can do."

Newhook has fond memories of playing Herefordshire, having taken a hat-trick against them as Oxon ended a two-year drought without a win at Bicester & North Oxford in 2004.

He missed last season through injury, but is now fit again.

Hawtin added: "He swings the ball. It gives us a different type of bowler to the other two seamers, Hewitt and Arnold, so it gives us a number of options."

Hawtin stressed that Oxon must focus on posting a total of 300 plus in the first innings after being bowled out for 258 by Cornwall despite Banbury's Craig Haupt contributing a magnificent 144.

"If someone gets 140, we have got to look to get at least 350, and we didn't, so that is something we have got to really concentrate on," he added.

"If we don't bat the full 90 overs in the first innings it is really hard work. If you do that and get 300 plus you are in control of the game."

Oxfordshire: Hawtin (capt) (Banbury), C Smith (Banbury), Si Hole (Oxford), Haupt (Banbury), Tew (Banbury), Stern (Oxford), Hewitt (Sunbury), Ryan (Banbury), Phillips (Banbury), Arnold (Banbury Twenty), Newhook (Bourton Vale).