Bicester and North Oxford skipper Darryl Woods is backing the return of Oxfordshire captain Rob Williams to spark his side to victory over Beaconsfield.

Although last week's game against Slough fell victim to the weather, Bicester would have been without both Williams and Ian Hawtin who were on county duty.

But they both return this week, with Woods confident that the arrival of Australian ace Rod Davison will bring the best out of Williams.

"Rob was easily our best batsman last year, but he obviously feels that he has something to prove this season and would love to outscore Rod," Woods said.

However, Bicester are forced to wait for news on David Slade, the former Oxfordshire paceman has been out with a shin injury and must pass a late fitness test before taking his place.

Bicester & N Oxford (v Beaconsfield,) : Woods (capt), Davison, J France, Williams, B France, Hawtin, Savin, Chapman, Jeacock, Stanway, Slade.

County batsman Ben Thompson and pace bowler Alex Pike return to Oxford's ranks for the trip to fellow Division 2 West high-fliers Falkland.

Thompson, who hit an unbeaten 102 in his only previous Home Counties outing this season at Amersham two weeks ago, and Pike have now returned from university for the summer.

Left-handed batsman Graham Plested misses the game as he is returning late from business in the United States, but plans to play for the 2nd XI.

Skipper Rupert Evans is looking for his young Oxford team to step up their challenge.

"With the squad we have got now we need to consolidate and get a settled team for a few weeks," he said.

"We are fourth a few points behind and if we string a few wins together it would put a bit more pressure on the sides above us."

Oxford (v Falkland, away): R Evans (capt), Mustow, Eason, Jobson, Thompson, I Evans, Krol, Kruger, P Evans, Pike, Curtis.