CRICKET: Oxford open up at Cove (From Bicester Advertiser)

CRICKET: Oxford open up at Cove

10:30am Saturday 5th January 2013 in Sport

Serious Cricket Homes Counties Premier League

OXFORD will open their bid to bounce back from last season’s relegation from the top flight with a trip to Cove in what may be a pivotal season for the league.

The first round of games in Division 2 West on Saturday, May 11 also sees Great & Little Tew, last season’s Cherwell League champions, entertain Harefield, while Aston Rowant visit Farnham Royal.

It represents a fresh challenge for Oxford, who are at home to Farnham Royal on week two, while Rowant entertain Tew in an Oxfordshire derby.

Tew then host Oxford in week three when Rowant visit Reading, last season’s Morrant Thames Valley League champions.

Banbury, last year’s Division 1 runners-up, open their programme in the top flight at home to Welwyn Garden City.

The north Oxfordshire club then visit North Mymms, last season’s Division 2 East champions, in week two.

Banbury visit Henley in an Oxfordshire derby on Saturday, June 8.

However, it could prove a season of transition for the league with the threat of a breakaway by the Hertfordshire clubs still looming large.

Letchworth and Sawbridgeworth, supported by Welwyn Garden City, have submitted proposals, involving the format of the game, for clubs to vote on at the Home Counties’ annual meeting at High Wycombe on Tuesday, January 22.

And if they don’t receive support, they could decide at the Saracens Hertfordshire League AGM on Monday, February 25, to form their own premier league from 2014.

OPENING DAY FIXTURES

(Saturday, May 11)

Div 1: Banbury v Welwyn Garden City, Harpenden v Potters Bar, Henley v High Wycombe, Slough v Burnham, Tring Park v North Mymms.

Div 2 West: Cove v Oxford, Falkland v Dinton, Farnham Royal v Aston Rowant, Great & Little Tew v Harefield, Reading v Gerrards Cross.

• THE Brackley Midweek League hold their annual meeting at the Cropredy Sports Pavilion on Monday, January 28 (7.30pm).

Any enquiries regarding entries should be directed to David Cherry on 01295 7506120 or email bbt.tbb@hotmail.co.uk.