THE cricket season is under way in the Parks - and new Oxford University coach Gary Palmer is confident that it will be a good one for his side, writes RICHARD TILLEY.

The 32-year-old former Somerset player believes that Oxford, who have seven Blues returning, can be competitive against the first-class counties, pointing to the batting and the spin bowling as strengths.

"We can take on these guys - as long as we believe in ourselves," he said.

And he certainly isn't lacking confidence in his players.

"I want us to go unbeaten against the counties, beat a few of them, do well in the universities' championship and then win against Cambridge at Lord's. That's not much to ask, is it?"

Palmer, who recently left St Edward's School after seven years as coach, sees this as a big opportunity to make a name for himself.

"People around the county circuit seem to think that I am too young or that bec-ause I haven't got a cap with three England lions on it, that I am not up to the job.

"But I've got ideas. If I can get these across and get the lads here playing to the best of their abilities, then someone might sit up and take some notice of me."

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