Horspath have signed Tring Park wicket-keeper/batsman Andrew Wynd and Challow & Childrey batsman Jimmy Phillips as they prepare for their first season in the Serious Cricket Home Counties Premier League next year.

Wynd, a former Thame Town player who has represented Bucks, has played Sunday and midweek Twenty20 cricket for newly-crowned MP Sports Cherwell League champions Horspath over the last three years.

Phillips, a left-handed opener, was Challow’s top scorer last season with 548 runs as the club were relegated from Cherwell League Division 1.

He also took 22 wickets with his leg spin, and his departure will be a blow to Challow’s hopes of bouncing back to the top flight.

He joins Horspath with a fine pedigree, having represented Oxfordshire at all age groups from under 11 to under 17.

Announcing the news on their website, Horspath stated: “We are delighted to confirm that following a number of meetings and conversations, Andrew Wynd has confirmed he will leave Tring Park this winter, while James Phillips will leave Challow & Childrey – both joining the squad for our first season as a standalone club in Home Counties Premier League Cricket in 2011.”

Meanwhile, Horspath’s first outing in Division 2 West will see them visit old rivals Aston Rowant on Saturday, May 7 next year.

Their first home game is against Burnham the following Saturday, with the derby against Thame Town at the Recreation Ground on July 2.