Shahbaz Ali has been made Kidlington's captain for the forthcoming Home Counties Premier League season.

The Oxfordshire batsman, who is also a part-time bowler, was appointed by director of cricket Dave Taylor.

"Shahbaz has been at the club a long time and deserves this," Taylor said.

"I think it will bring the best out of him, and hopefully reap rewards."

Taylor, who was skipper last year, admitted that the decision was a hard one.

"I'm going to miss it because I enjoy it, but I needed to look at the bigger picture," he added.

"As captain, I was looking and concentrating on the first team rather than the whole club, so I felt I needed to change things."

  • Kidlington are offering young cricketers the chance to gain a scholarship with the club in conjunction with Cricket Coach master.

Details of how to apply are available from Taylor on 07875247343.

Meanwhile, Kidlington have been nominated by Oxfordshire as one of two new clubs to run the Cricket Foundations Chance to Shine programme, which brings cricket to state schools.

  • Oxford 3rd team are looking for a scorer as well as any new faces for the forthcoming season.

Anyone interested should call Jon Finch on 07786 498131.

  • Wayfarers are looking for the following Sunday fixtures.

Away games on April 20, June 1, September 9 & 21, and home matches on July 22 & 29.

Contact Trevor Williams on 01865 773014.