Serious Cricket Home Counties Premier League preview

Division 1

IT is a case of four in, two out at Banbury, who are targeting a top-three spot.

Oxfordshire opening batsman and medium pacer Damian Shirazi has left to join Lymington, while seamer Todd Guthridge has returned to Australia.

In come all-rounder Luke Radford, batsman Sam Cheshire, overseas player Dewayne Bowden and Hugo Morrissey, who will join from Durham University in June.

New Zealander Bowden misses tomorrow’s opening match at home to Welwyn Garden City due to visa problems.

Of Shirazi’s departure, Banbury skipper Ian Hawtin said: “I think he wanted to play afternoon cricket rather than all-day.

“Due to his work commitments, he has only been able to play six or seven games a year.

“He is a good player and a nice guy, so we are sad to lose him, but it is understandable.”

Vice-captain Jimmy Phillips added: “New signings and some returning players mean we are stronger this year.

“We hope to be back at the right end of the table in 2011.”

IN: Luke Radford (all rounder, Evesham), Sam Cheshire (batsman, Evesham), Dewayne Bowden (all-rounder, Wellington Firebirds, New Zealand), Hugo Morrissey (Durham University) OUT: Damian Shirazi (opening batsman, Lymington), Todd Guthridge (Australia).

LAST SEASON: 5th.

PREDICTION: Top 4.