BANBURY Cricket Club return to action in just over two weeks hoping for an equally successful year as 2004.
Captain Richard Kaufman’s side finished second in the Home Counties Premier League and lifted the Oxfordshire Cup.
After three friendly games in April, Banbury travel to Reading for their opening league game followed by the visit of last season’s champions Henley.
Kaufman said: “We’ve not lost anyone but have bolstered the squad by bringing in three players, which will create a bit more competition for places.”
Former Surrey League bowler Wayne Hazel has been recruited along with 16-year-old Nathan Hawkes, who played for Cropredy last year.
Luke Ryan, who has been involved with the Gloucestershire set-up, is another new recruit while Tim Smith has returned from university.
A Northants Academy side are pencilled in to visit on May 2 and the club are keen to impress as they hope the county side will use their White Post Road ground as a future venue for a National League or Twenty20 game.
Off the pitch, the club will be hosting an evening dinner as part of Warwickshire’s former England all-rounder Dougie Brown’s benefit year on April 7.
England off-spinner Ashley Giles and former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak will also be present and taking part in a question and answer session.
In July, former Australian captain Allan Border will be the guest of honour at the club’s golf day at Brailes.