CRICKET: Horspath dedicate season to Stobart's memory

Division 2 West

HORSPATH will play their maiden Home Counties Premier League season in memory of first team manager Jonathan Stobart.

Stobart, who died in March, was a key man during Horspath’s rise to be Cherwell League champions.

Captain Robbie Eason said: “Jonathan was my team manager and did a huge amount of work around the club.

“I was a bit concerned how the players would respond to the tragic news.

“But we are a tight-knit group and we will dedicate this season to his memory.”

He added “We will look to make an impact and maybe surprise a few teams like Blackpool in the Premier League.

“We are a village club and don’t pay anyone. Our main asset is that all the players play for each other and relish each other’s success.

“If anything, Jonathan’s death has brought us even closer.”

Horspath, who are targeting mid-table, have signed Challow all-rounder Jimmy Phillips and wicket-keeper/batsman Andrew Wynd, while Australian Tim Hutchison is their overseas player.

But leading pace bowler Lee Mason is out for the season after needing a back operation on two slipped discs.

Eason, who is also missing spinner Paul Jeacock for tomorrow’s trip to Aston Rowant, said: “Being without Lee Mason is a massive blow.”

He added: “I’m looking forward to the season. The boys are buzzing to get going.

“It is a really good opening game for us with a local derby. Both clubs respect each other.

“We got the better of them in the village cup, but in the league that counts for nothing.”

IN: Jimmy Phillips (all-rounder, Challow), Andrew Wynd (wicket-keeper/batsman, Tring Park), Tim Hutchison (all-rounder, Albany, Western Australia).

OUT: None.

LAST SEASON: MP Sports Cherwell League champions.

PREDICTION: Mid-table.

Aston Rowant have made six signings ahead of what should be a promising season.

Relegated after one Division 1 campaign, Rowant have snapped up wicket-keeper/ batsman Josh Smith, seamers Luke Merry and Ryan Chapman, batsmen Archie Leon and Joe Brown, plus all-rounder Richard Cook.

Their only departure has seen wicket-keeper/batsman Alex Jewell joining High Wycombe.

Chairman Gary Condon said: “We have had an influx of players and are looking to perform well at all levels.

“Wesley Morrick will again captain and lead from the front, spearheading our bowling attack.

“The league looks to be very competitive this year.

“I don’t think there will be any easy games, so we will need to be at our best this year to perform well.”

IN: Josh Smith (wicket-keeper batsman, Banbury), Luke Merry (opening bowler, Thame), Archie Leon (batsman, Teddington) Richard Cook (all-rounder, Didcot), Ryan Chapman (opening bowler, Bledlow Village), Joe Brown (opening batsman, Stokenchurch).

OUT: Alex Jewell (wicket-keeper/batsman, High Wycombe).

LAST SEASON: 10th, Division 1.

PREDICTION: Top 3.

Thame Town have star spinner Jaydeep Bhatti back for a fourth season as they bid to build on last year’s fifth place.

Indian left-armer Bhatti was the division’s leading wicket-taker with 64 last season and made his first-class debut for Saurashtra in November.

Thame have also signed Cumnor batsman James Nielsen and Ealing all-rounder Harry Desai, while Michael Beard has signed a contract with Gloucestershire.

Sam Lachlan remains as captain, with Manoj Parmar continuing as player-coach.

Vice-captain Michael Higgs said: “We are looking to improve on last year’s performances, especially in our batting department.

“Our target has always been survival, but if we can string a whole season together rather than just our exceptional first half last year then who knows?

“We just take every game as it comes and enjoy it.”

IN: James Nielsen (batsman, Cumnor), Harry Desai (bowling all-rounder, Ealing), Matthew Higgs (batsman, returning to cricket).

OUT: Michael Beard (all-rounder, Glouc-estershire).

LAST SEASON: 5th.

PREDICTION: Mid-table.