Westbury, the Oxfordshire Cricket Association champions, have applied to join the Cherwell League – two years after turning down the chance, writes Michael Knox.

The club, based near Brackley, dominated the OCA season by adding the Airey Cup success to their Division 1 title.

After they won the OCA title in 2013, Westbury decided not to step up to the Cherwell, but want to make the move now.

“The time is right for the club to move up a league if we want to progress,” said Westbury captain Richard Tredwell.

“We’ve got a side full of youngsters and we would risk losing some of them, if we didn’t seek to play a better grade of cricket.”

Their application will be discussed at a Cherwell League committee meeting.

“In the past, OCA champions, such as East Oxford last year, have been placed in Cherwell Division 4, which would allow us to find our level,” said Tredwell.

However, the 48-year-old won’t be leading Westbury into their new era.

“I’ve been captain for 18 of the last 19 seasons,” he revealed.It’s an ideal time for a younger man and Tom Wilson will be taking over.”