Oxford captain Jason Harrison has pledged to chase the Serious Cricket Home Counties Premier League Division 1 title until it is mathematically impossible – starting with tomorrow’s clash with relegation candidates Aston Rowant at Roman Way.

With games fast running out, last week’s washout was a massive blow to Oxford’s hopes of closing the gap on leaders Welwyn Garden City.

“It was disappointing,” admitted Harrison. “It is 40 points between us and top and there are only 75 points available.

“Mathematically we can still win it and we have got to grab hold of that.”

Eighteen-year-old seamer Tom Geeson-Brown, fresh from helping Oxfordshire beat Devon in the week, will make his league debut, having been denied the chance at Harpenden last Saturday.

Stefan Van Dyk is chosen as the second overseas player ahead of Dan King.

Oxford also include all-rounder Nick Ferraby, who made 30 on his Bucks debut alongside Harrison in a rain-affected draw against Hertfordshire at Hertford.

Rowant and Oxford fought out a thrilling draw earlier this season.

And Harrison added: “It is a huge game. We didn’t play particularly well there in the first round of matches.

“We have lots of points to prove in terms of a better performance second time around. I am sure they will be coming here fighting for survival.”

Banbury have called up 15-year-old Josh Megson for their match at leaders Welwyn Garden City.

The promising all-rounder, who has been playing for Oxfordshire Under 17s this season, makes his league debut, in place of Jimmy Phillips.

Banbury skipper Ian Hawtin explained: “Our second team needed a spinner to balance their attack, so we decided to let Jimmy play for them. Josh’s a promising player, who won’t let the side down.”

The other change to the side from the rain-off against Henley sees Damian Shirazi return in place of Ed Phillips.

With three games to play, Banbury cannot realistically catch Welwyn, but they can still disrupt their title challenge.

Thame Town all-rounder Michael Beard is in the England Development Under 17 squad for a triangular tournament against Ireland and Scotland Development XIs at the National Cricket Performance Centre, Loughborough, from tomorrow until Tuesday.

That rules him out of the trip to Farnham Royal in Division 2 West.

Vice-captain Michael Higgs said: “It is great for the club and great for him to be called up for England.”

Pratik Patel remains sidelined with an injured finger, while Will Rooney is unavailable. Huw Charles and Ed Goggs come into the side.

TOMORROW’S TEAMS

Banbury (Welwyn Garden City, away): Hawtin (capt), Shirazi, L Sabin, Haupt, Hawkes, West, Tew, Megson, Ryan, Blanchard, Guthridge.

Oxford (v Aston Rowant, home): Sandbach, Harrison (capt), Laudat, Ferraby, Perkin, Crosby, Van Dyk, Wasim Mehmood, Geeson-Brown, Mendis, Gilbert.

Thame Tn (v Farnham Royal, away): Layton, Bhatti, Beardall, Parmar, N Patel, Higgs, Barnett, S Lachlan (capt), Jeffcock, Charles, Goggs.