Home Counties Premier League

Kidlington have suffered another blow with the news their overseas player Chade Steenholdt has returned home to Australia.

The Division 2 West basement boys, who host Basingstoke & North Hants tomorrow, had looked for Steenholdt to aid their promotion push.

But he has left after just one third of the season.

Kidlington captain Shahbaz Ali said: "He was only 17 and got a bit home sick.

"At the moment, replacing him is not on the cards, but we'll see.

"We tried to help him as much as we could.

"I feel for the lad. When you're that age, to go abroad, it either works out or it doesn't.

"When you are 20 or 21, you can stick things out."

As for their league form, Shahbaz remains hopeful.

"We are getting into positions to win," he said.

Kidlington name an unchanged side.

Thame Town further lower the average age of their side by bringing in 15-year-old batsman Daniel West for their home clash with Farnham Royal.

West, who has been performing well in the second team, replaces Tom Hogan (unavailable), while Ed Barnett comes in for Luke Merry (holiday).

Thame skipper Rob Brooks said: "I would rather bring in the youngsters than older players that may not contribute as much.

"It was great to see another 15-year-old, Michael Beard, score his first 50 for the first team last week.

"The major difference in winning that game was that we took our half-chances."

Kidlington (v Basingtoke & North Hants, home): Nawaz Ali, Shazad Rana, Buckingham, Taylor, Shahbaz Ali (capt), Pearson, Kitson, Jamil Faruq, Oliver, Faisal Chaudry, Aquib Lakab.

Thame Town (v Farnham Royal, home): Beard, Parmar, Barnett, Krol, Brooks (capt), Bhatti, Meredith, Higgs, West, Mitty, Lachlan.