OXFORDSHIRE will face familiar opposition in the opening stages of the Middleton Cup this season as they seek to improve on reaching successive quarter-finals in the last two years.

Oxon, whose dreams of lining up at Worthing last year were shattered with a last-eight defeat by Berkshire, will have Leamington in their sights this time with the National Championships moving there.

Oxfordshire open up in South Group Section B against Middlesex at Oxford City & County on May 31, before travelling across the Solent to face Isle of Wight at Shanklin on June 14.

They are back at Oxford City & County the following Saturday to take on Hampshire, and complete their group programme against Kent at Hall’s BC, Dartford, on July 5.

OXFORD CITY & COUNTY IBC FIXTURES

Saturday: v Oxford & District (Gwen Clarke Trophy, H, 2.15). Sunday: v Abingdon (H, 2.15). Tuesday: v Foxhills (H, 2.30).