Bicester & North Oxford have secured a substantial one-year deal with London-based Radiall Ltd, a global electronics manufacturer, to be their 1st XI sponsor for the 2001 season.

Club captain Darryl Woods said: "To receive the backing of a major company such as Radiall is a massive boost to the club as it looks to build on the success achieved in the inaugural season of the Home Counties Premier League."

Radiall commercial director Phil Stanway commented: "We are delighted to be sponsoring BNOCC this season, and look forward to being a part of their continued success both on and off the cricket pitch."

*The Oxfordshire Cricket Umpires Association are staging two evenings seminars for umpires on the new laws at Oxford Brookes University on Wednesdays March 7 and 14. The talks last about 40 minutes.

Seminars for players are being held at the following clubs:

Minster Lovell (Tuesday, February 13), Kennington (Thursday, February 15), Broughton & North Newington (Wednesday, February 28), Oxford Downs (Friday, March 2), Hanborough (Thursday, March 8), Sandford St Martin (Wednesday, March 14), Challow & Childrey (Thursday, March 29).

Clubs interested in having their own talk and can guarantee an audience of at least 15 people should contact Mick Warren (01993 868694).

*Junior indoor coaching at Oxford Downs starts on February 4. Contact Paul Hardy on 01993 706743 for details. New members are welcome.

*Abingdon Vale start their preparations for the new season with indoor nets at Abingdon School.

The sessions get under way on Sunday, February 18 (5-7pm), and will last for eight weeks.

Meanwhile, Vale are looking for somebody to be nominated as the club's panel umpire for the new season.

Anybody interested must be available for 12 Saturdays during the season and should contact Guy Lemon on 01235 555510.

*The Brackley and District Mid-week League AGM is at Cropredy Sports Pavilion on Monday, February 26 (7.30). More details from David Cherry (01295 750610).

*Challow & Childrey CC are looking for Sunday fixtures. Contact Les Carter (01235 764963).

*Moulsford CC are looking for away fixtures on April 22, May 13, July 15 and home games on June 24 and July 29. Contact Allan Newman on 01491 651705.