Horspath Cricket Club

WILL Eason is back at the helm for Horspath as the club prepares for another campaign in Home Counties Premier League Division 2.
The opening bowler succeeds Patrick Foster, who steps down after one season as skipper due to work and family commitments.
It will be Eason's second spell as captain, having skippered the side for six seasons from 2014-2019.
During that time, he led the club to the Home Counties Division 2 title in 2016 as well as promotion from the same section two years earlier plus three Bernard Tollett Oxfordshire Cup triumphs.
Taking on the role of director of cricket, he handed over the reins to Lloyd Belcher in 2020 with the club being crowned Oxfordshire champions in the Voneus Village Cup for the first time in 42 years the following season.
Foster was an inspirational figure during that campaign and, with doubts about Belcher's availability, stepped up to be captain last term.
He made it clear he didn't see it as a long-term appointment and took on the role on the understanding that Eason would lead the side when he couldn't play, which was how things panned out.
Eason proved as economical as ever with the new ball last season, taking 19 wickets at an average of 24.16, while at the same time chipping in with valuable runs as the lower order came to the side's rescue on more than one occasion.
Indeed, his top score of 43 came in a Home Counties club record stand of 75 for the ninth wicket against Wargrave with Belcher (48no).
Eason said: "It is with great pride that I take on the 1st XI captaincy role full-time again. I'd like to thank Patrick for his efforts in 2022 when we were in the top four for a substantial part of the season.
"For us to progress there needs to be some continuity in terms of availability throughout the 1st XI squad and the leadership, and unfortunately with his work and family commitments, he has had to step down.
"With the players we have, along with some younger players coming through, as well as hopefully a couple of new additions to the squad, we've got a good group which I am looking forward to leading.
"I had become pretty drained towards the end of my first spell as captain, particularly towards the end of the 2019 season.
"But now I feel fresh and ready for the challenge, while it's absolutely key that I'm also contributing with bat and ball, and not just leading the side."
Foster tweeted: "It was a pleasure and honour to captain the club and it was with a heavy heart that I have decided to relinquish the job, but I know it’s what is best for me and the club!
"No better man to lead the club forward (again!) and get the best out of everyone."
Joey Todd will captain the 2nd XI in Cherwell League Division 1 after leading the side to the Division 2 crown last season.
With original skipper Max Smith becoming a first-team regular following the opening month last term, Todd shared the captaincy duties with Robbie Eason, before taking charge for the final seven games as Horspath stormed to the title.
Todd led from the front with 602 runs at the top of the order at an average of 43 with two centuries and two fifties.
Ryan Hicks will again captain the 3rd XI in Division 3A after steering the side to a fine fourth place in his first season as skipper.
The all-rounder made a solid contribution to his side's success with 360 runs at an average of 36 including a top score of 69 not out, while taking 23 wickets at 20.96 with best figures of 5-24.
Craig Wharton will once more skipper the 4th XI, who line up in Division 6A.
He led the side to a great escape from relegation from Division 5C last season only for them to be demoted following a league restructure, while scoring 588 runs at 39.2 with two centuries and two fifties.
The emphasis will continue to be on proving opportunities for the club's talented youth players to step into senior cricket under the guidance of a number of experienced members.
Meanwhile, adult indoor nets start at Oxford Brookes University, Headington on Sunday (11am-1pm) and will continue on March 5, 12 and 19 from 10am-12pm. Contact Will Eason for more details.