HARRY Smith cannot wait to get started after taking over the captaincy at Great & Little Tew.

The batsman, who has been playing for the west Oxfordshire club for six years, has replaced Andy Harris as skipper.

Tew finished well clear of safety in their first Home Counties Premier League Division 1 campaign last season and Smith is looking forward to the challenge, starting on Saturday at home to Henley.

He said: “I’m looking forward to it, I’ve never been captain before.

“I was vice last year and Andy stepped down which was a bit of a shame.

“He has done a great job over the last few years and it was a natural progression for me. I did want to do it, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Seamer Harris, who was captain for four years, is still a part of the team, while Tew have signed South African all-rounder Jancan Adams as their overseas player.

Wicket-keeper Ashley Hubbert has moved to London, so Robbie Catling will take over the gloves.

Smith added: “The first aim is not to get relegated and if we look in good shape to press on we’ll look at mid-table, but it will play out as the season goes on.”

PLAYER IN: J Adams (Kings Hill).

PLAYERS OUT: A Hubbert, M Woods (Oxford Downs).

Skipper Charlie Brain still has confidence in Shipton-under-Wychwood’s batting line-up, despite a mass exodus of talent in the close season.

Two promising young batsmen Calvin Dickinson and Joe Barrett have left the (HCPL) Division 2 club to further their careers.

Dickinson has been given a scholarship by Hampshire CC, while Barrett has joined MCC Young Cricketers and will play in Middlesex.

In addition, Oxfordshire middle-order batsman Jamie Perkin has returned to Oxford.

“I reckon that with the core strength of our side – Charlie Miller, Craig Wood, Simon Hole and Ian Lewis – still at the club – we’ll be OK,” said Brain.

Another reason for optimism is that Indian all-rounder Anupam Sanklecha will play a full season. After a successful 2015 campaign, he missed much of last season to be with his new-born child in India.

“I think most will agree that Anupam is the best bowler in the league and I’m sure he will be batting higher up the order this year,” added Brain.

Adding to their bowling strength will be seamer Scott Harris from Blewbury & Wallingford, who was the leading wicket-taker in the Cherwell League last season, and off-spinner Adi Rai, from Cookham Dean.

Because of football commitments with North Leigh, George Seacole has joined OCA League side Witney Swifts.”We may not have the talent to win the league, but |I’m confident we can finish in the top half.

Shipton start their campaign at home to Aston Rowant.

PLAYERS IN: S Harris (Blewbury & Wallingford), A Rai (Cookham Dean).

PLAYERS OUT: C Dickinson (Hampshire), J Barrett (MCC Young Cricketers), J Perkin (Oxford), G Seacole (Witney Swifts).