England's World Cup winning captain, Charlotte Edwards, officially opened Didcot’s refurbished pavilion.

Edwards, who led England’s women to victory in Australia last year, coached Didcot’s under 13 players and faced the pick of their bowlers in the nets.

She will also be coaching girls at the club on certain evenings this month.

The pavilion has greatly improved changing and social facilities including new showers, kitchen and a paved spectator area.

Club member Gordon Latimer, who led a sponsored bike ride from John O’Groats to Lands End last summer to raise £15,000, drove the fundraising.

Visit www.didcotcricket-club.co.uk for more information on girls’ coaching.

THE MP Sports Cherwell League and the Oxfordshire Cricket Association (OCA) are allowing matches to start early on Saturday so players can watch England in the football World Cup.

England face USA at 7.30pm at which time play could still be under way in both leagues.

Cherwell games can start at 12noon, provided both teams and, in Divisions 1-4, umpires agree.

The OCA are allowing either a 12.30pm start or 35-over fixtures starting at 2pm.

Should England win their group, the Cherwell will follow the same policy for their round of 16 game on June 26.

BANBURY were knocked out of the ECB National Club Championship at the second-round stage after a five-run defeat at Knowle & Dorridge.

In a rain-reduced 36-over-a-side match, Banbury, who were missing several players due to Oxon call-ups, came just short of victory despite half centuries from Ollie Murrey and Ollie Wright.

Batting first, Knowle made 199-3, with Luke Parker hitting exactly 100.

Opener Ed Smith gave Banbury’s reply impetus with 40, then Murrey (53) and Wright (51) picked up the baton.

But they closed on 194-8, with William Mottram taking 3-43.