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Bicester & North Oxford skipper Darryl Woods is looking for his side to get their promotion bid off to the perfect start on Saturday when they travel to Banbury 2nd for their The Oxford Times Cherwell League Division 1 opener.

Last season, Bicester got off to a great start, only to fade at the end, but Woods is expecting great things from his young side.

Bicester will be looking to Oxford University all-rounder Duncan Bradshaw to lead their charge.

Bradshaw (pictured), who scored a first-class century for Oxford UCCE against Notts in The Parks last month, has been snapped up from Kidlington.

However, they will have to do without his services tomorrow at Banbury 2nd, as he is not available for selection until next weekend.

Bicester's overseas player Andrew House, who has played first grade cricket for Wynyard in Australia, is a strong middle-order batsman and is set to make his debut.

He will keep wicket when Phil Warson becomes unavailable later in the season.

With Gary Sansome back from injury and Paul Jeacock expected to be available more, the side looks more balanced than in previous seasons.

Woods is also hoping to see his son, Matthew, a 16-year-old Middlesex Junior Academy player, Northants Under 19 player Krishan Talsania and Oxfordshire youth batsman Nat Watkin make their mark.

The skipper says he can't wait for the campaign to start.

"Our target for this season is to finish in the top-three," said Woods.

"We're going to have a fairly young side, but hopefully we can build on what we started last year. With them being a year older they should have learned a few lessons.

"Bradshaw is a classy player who can add depth to our batting and can turn his arm over when he needs to. We haven't had that calibre of player here for a long time."

Woods added: "I'm really looking forward to the new season and Banbury will provide a good test."

Bicester (v Banbury 2nd, away): D Woods (capt), Sansome, S Talsania, Fitzsimons, House, Bryan, West, M Woods, Jeacock, K Talsania, Matthew.

FIXTURES Div 1: Banbury 2nd v Bicester & NO.

Div 2: Oxford & Bletch N v Abingdon Vale.

Div 4: Banbury XX 2nd v Twyford.

Div 5: Abingdon Vale 2nd v Oxford & Bletch N 2nd, Bicester & NO 2nd v Great Brickhill.

Div 7: Bicester & NO 3rd v Milton Keynes Park 2nd.

Div 8A: Oxford 4th v Oxford & Bletch N 2nd, Witney Mills 2nd v Great Tew 2nd.

Div 8B: Twyford 2nd v Buckingham 2nd.

Div 9A: Oxford & Bletch 4th v Banbury XX 2nd.

11:17am Thursday 8th May 2008

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