Banbury have signed New Zealander Lance Shaw and he is set to make his debut at Tring Park in Serious Cricket Home Counties League Division 1 tomorrow.

The 27-year-old seamer has played 27 first-class games for Auckland, picking up 83 wickets at an average of 28.68.

His best figures of 5-59 came against a Central Districts side, which included Kiwi Test all-rounder Jacob Oram.

Shaw, who was due to arrive in England in the early hours of this morning, will boost a Banbury squad, which has lost Luke Radford due to a stress fracture.

He also has experience of English playing conditions, having had spells in the Bradford League with Bradford & Bingley and Great Witchingham in the East Anglia Premier League.

Skipper Ian Hawtin said: “He is an experienced guy. We needed to strengthen our seam bowling attack and this is the ideal opportunity.”

With batsman Craig Haupt and seamer Ashley Blanchard unavailable, Banbury are seeking clearance from the Home Counties to give Sam Cheshire a first-team debut.

Cheshire joined Banbury from Evesham at the start of the season and has been scoring heavily in the 2nd XI, but they need clarification over his Home Counties registration as the Worcestershire club are a Premier League side.

Left-arm spinner Jimmy Phillips returns to the squad after a back injury together with his brother, Ed, while Josh Hill drops down to the 2nd XI.

Opening batsman Dan King is unavailable for Oxford’s trip to reigning champions Henley.

Brad Sutherland, who skippers the 2nd XI, comes into the 12, with skipper Jason Harrison keeping his cards close to his chest on who he will open the batting with.

Henley stand in mid-table, and Harrison said: “It is always a good game for us.

“They have probably under-achieved this season so far, but I am sure they will be in the mix come the end of it.

“We go with a strong team and will look for a consistent performance.”

Thame Town are unchanged as they go for a hat-trick of wins when they visit leaders Harefield in Division 2 West.

Vice-captain Michael Higgs said: “We are beginning to play cricket like we know we can and our recent results resemble that.

“Harefield are top and it has surprised a few people, but they have begun the season the way they ended last.

“I'm sure Saturday will be a tough game, we just need to put in another good display.”

Skipper Robbie Eason says Horspath’s home clash with bottom club Dinton is a “big game” even at this stage of the season.

Eason, who names an unchanged side, explained: “In football terms it is a bit of a six-pointer. I know we can come away with a win and in this league 25 points is huge.”

Aston Rowant, boosted by toppling leaders Burnham last week, are at home to Farnham Royal.

TOMORROW'S TEAMS.

Banbury (v Tring Park, away): from L Sabin, E Phillips, Cheshire, S Ali, Tew, West, Ryan, Hawtin, Wright, E Smith, Shaw, J Phillips.

Oxford (v Henley, away): from Harrison (capt), Laudat, Ferraby, Perkin, Crosby, Barrett, Hole, Van Dyk, Mendis, I Evans, Arif, Sutherland.

Horspath (v Dinton, home): Murray, O’Connor, R Eason (capt), Phillips, Hutchison, Wynd, Krol, W Eason, Skelton, Mohammed, Jeacock.

Thame Tn (v Harefield, away): Neilson, Mi Higgs, Bhatti, P Patel, Lachlan (capt), Parmar, S Patel, N Patel, Barnett, Desai, Rooney.