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CONSOLIDATION was the watchword from new Oxford captain Ian Crosby as he looked ahead to the Division 1 seaon.

Crosby has replaced the departed Jason Harrison as skipper, with Dan King promoted to vice-captain.

“The aim is to consolidate,” said Crosby. “We have lost some experienced players.

“It is a case of settling in a few new faces and guys like Tom Geeson-Brown and John Barrett will get decent opportunities.

“We are pretty confident. Everyone is in good shape.

“It is a case of getting going as we have not played a game yet due to the bad weather.”

Oxford open up with a trip to promoted Burnham.

On the player front, former Oxford UCCE and Oxfordshire all-rounder Joe Porter has been talked out of retirement.

Porter, who is also now club chairman, returns to action after work commitments curtailed his involvement.

Oxford have also signed batsman Jaimie Noble, formerly of Banbury and Bourton Vale.

Spinner Francois Vainker returns to the club from Hampstead, but Nick Ferraby and Usman Arif have left.

IN: J Noble (batsman, unattached), F Vainker (spinner, Hampstead), J Porter (all-rounder).

OUT: J Harrison (batsman, Beaconsfield), N Ferraby (batting all-rounder, Aston Rowant), U Arif (fast bowler, North Mymms).

OXFORD’S TITLE TIP: High Wycombe.