Serious Cricket Home Counties Premier League preview

Banbury are after a top-three finish or better as Ian Hawtin begins his second season as captain.

Hawtin’s side, who visit Harpenden in tomorrow’s opener, are hoping for big things from all-rounder Nathan Hawkes, who returns to the club he joined as a 14-year-old.

Their other principal signing is Todd Guthridge, a left-arm seamer from South Perth CC, Australia.

If he can be half as effective as last season’s overseas player, Ant Bullick, Banbury will be well served.

All-rounder Ollie Wright joins from Horley, with Northants Academy batsman/wicket-keeper Josh Smith moving from Bicester & North Oxford.

Top-order batsman Simon Hole, seamer Jamil Faruq and Bullick have all left.

Tomorrow, 15-year-old batsman Lloyd Sabin will make his Home Counties Premier League debut and Hawtin had no hesitation in throwing him straight in.

Banbury’s ‘one to watch’ is Hawkes.

As for why cricket fans should watch them, vice-captain Jimmy Phillips said: “We are a good young side with very much locally-based players.”

IN: Nathan Hawkes, (all-rounder, Stoney Stratford), Todd Guthridge, (seamer, South Perth CC, Australia), Ollie Wright (all-rounder, Horley), Josh Smith (batsman-keeper, Northants Academy/ Bicester & North Oxford) OUT: Jamil Faruq (all-rounder, Slough), Simon Hole (batsman, Shipton-under-Wychwood), Ant Bullick (all-rounder, New Zealand).

LAST SEASON: 2nd.