Kieren Bushnell previews the OCA League Division 1 season

The destiny of the Division 1 title this season is more open than ever, after a new rule governing overseas players was introduced at the clubs’ pre-season meeting.

The new rule, which prevents players travelling to the UK specifically to play cricket, should make for a much more competitive season.

With Northleach Town dropping out of the league before a ball was bowled, Division 1 has only nine teams this year.

Defending champions East Oxford, who start against Tetsworth on Saturday, will have to make do without Tauqeer Hussain this season.

The former Bicester & North Oxford all-rounder, who was one of East Oxford’s big stars last season, does not qualify under the new rules.

Tetsworth too, will be significantly weakened as former players Hyron Shallow, Olanzo Jackson and Maffy Wright also fall foul of the regulation.

However, East Oxford still boast a potent bowling attack, and with ex-Beaconsfield bowler Mohammad Sarfraz spearheading the attack, they should still be a force to be reckoned with.

Marcham have significantly strengthed their squad, signing ex-Oxford Caribbean all-rounders Bryan Barrett and Garfield Simmons and opening batsman Dave Prosper.

The trio have all joined following Caribbean’s relegation to Division 2 last season.

With big-hitting Matt Launchbury also still involved, Marcham should produce a strong challenge for the title.

Horley, who finished runners-up last season, face a far tougher campaign following the departure of two of their key players.

Leading run-scorer Harry Smith has left the club to join Great & Little Tew in the Cherwell League, while Ollie Wright has made the switch to Banbury.

Garsington will hope for a season of consolidation following their promotion.

Captain Steve Richardson said: “We’ve strengthened our batting considerably, and brought in a couple of county youngsters, and so we’re quite hopeful of doing well.”

Shrivenham will focus on their youth policy which has served them well in recent seasons.

Although they have lost ex-Oxon Under 17 batsman Alex Kill to Sandford St Martin, they still possess a number of talented youngsters, many of whom have county experience.

Freeland lost opening bowler Jack Metcalfe to Cumnor, but captain Les Hole says that the rest of his side will remain unchanged from last season.

“Losing Jack was a blow, but wasn’t unexpected,” Hole said.

“I’m hoping to give a few more youngsters a chance this season, but generally, we are just fighting to stay in Division 1.”

Westbury will again look to the experienced Richard Tredwell to lead the side, while Great Horwood remain relatively unchanged.