LLOYD Sabin is hoping Australian batsman Kurtis Patterson can continue to have a positive impact for Banbury when they travel to Reading in the Home Counties Premier League tomorrow.

Despite last week’s match at Henley being abandoned without a ball bowled, the north Oxfordshire side sit five points clear at the top of Division 1.

Oversees player Patterson, who signed from New South Wales, has proved key to their unbeaten start, averaging 77.80 in six innings.

Sabin said: “We knew the quality of player we were getting in Kurtis and he has just lived up to expectation and been top draw for us.

“We could not have asked for any more and he has given great advice to the young players.

“He is good to have around the team which makes it even better.”

Great & Little Tew captain Andy Harris says he is not too concerned by last week’s 107-run defeat to champions High Wycombe.

Tew, competing in their first season in the top flight, host Tring Park and Harris is confident his team can bounce back.

“Every week we come up against different challenges and that is why we enjoy being in this division. We will just go again.”

Tew name a squad of 12, adding Matt Warner, who has impressed for the 2nd XI.

TOMORROW’S SQUADS

Banbury (v Reading, away): Darby, Haupt, Patterson, Sabin, Hawtin, Ryan, Penhale, Wright, Taylor, West, Hill.

Great & Little Tew (v Tring Park, home): from Smith, Garrett, Moreton, White, Slatter, Brock, Catling, Shurmer, Harris, Manley, Thomas, Warner.