Cricket: Adams back for derby

From the archive, first published Friday 4th Jun 2004.

Home Counties Premier League: All-rounder Russell Adams returns for Oxford's trip to face arch rivals Banbury in Division 1 tomorrow.

Adams was away on holiday as Oxford slipped to the foot of the table following a rain-affected draw against Finchampstead at Roman Way last Saturday.

He comes back into the side in place of Mohson Rana, while paceman David Angove has recovered from the cramp which forced him to miss Oxfordshire's match in Devon.

Despite being bottom, captain Rupert Evans is not unduly alarmed.

"We need to improve our concentration levels," he said. "They have got to be right for all three sessions, not for two and a half."

And he added of Banbury: "I still think they have set the benchmark for Oxfordshire clubs.

"I think their approach to cricket is very good and they have arguably the best player in the league in Craig Haupt."

Andrew Sabin's impressive form has earned him a call-up to open the batting for Banbury.

He comes into the side in place of Ian Tew, with Paul Taylor likely to revert to the middle order.

Off-spinner Jimmy Phillips comes back into the side following exams, with Ollie Murrey dropping out.

Skipper Richard Kaufman, who was playing for Derbyshire 2nd this week, said: "It is a big game. I know they are bottom of the league, but that is a bit of a false position.

"They are a good side, and whoever plays better on the day will win."

Leaders Henley's title ambitions face the acid test when they take on dual champions High Wycombe at the Brewery Field.

And the game is given extra spice with Henley all-rounder David Taylor facing his former club for the first time since he left in acrimonious circumstances at the end of last season.

Captain Mick Hilditch, who leads an unchanged side, said: "He is used to that because he used to play for Banbury. We are focusing on the team, not David Taylor."

Thame Town left-arm spinner Kevin Crawford is out for the season due to illness.

Captain Rob Brooks, who takes his side to bottom club NPL Teddington in Division 2 West, said: "It leaves a big hole in our spin attack, but the boys are looking forward to winning a couple of games for him."

All-rounder Luke Merry makes his seasonal debut.

Luke's father, spinner Steve Merry, and batsman James Hewitt also return with Carl Sellwood, Ben Hewitt and Ricky Bhatt dropping down to the 2nd XI. Chris Wynd remains unavailable.

All-rounder Nick O'Hara is going to the Vodafone Derby and misses Aston Rowant's trip to Beaconsfield.

Dave Ridgeley takes his place as Rowant seek their first win.

TOMORROW'S TEAMS

Banbury (v Oxford, home): Smith, Sabin, Haupt, Kaufman (capt), Beck, P Taylor, C Taylor, Harding, Hill, Launder, Phillips.

Oxford (v Banbury, away): Mustow, Crosby, Laudat, Cook, Jobson, I Evans, Nawaz Ali, Adams, Shazad Rana, Angove, R Evans (capt).

Henley (v High Wycombe, home): Ellison, Allaway, A White, Mordt, D Taylor, Murphy, Edwards, Barber, D White, Hilditch, Sana.

Aston Rowant (v Beaconsfield, away): Morgan, Watling, Willesee, Eaton, Plumridge, Ridgeley, Mickel, Hutton (capt), Foster, Needham, Humphreys.

Thame Tn (v NPL Teddington, away): Cook, Parmar, Lachlan, Brooks (capt), A Wynd, Krol, L Merry, Gharsonia, J Hewitt, Hooper, S Merry.

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