LLOYD Sabin believes Banbury will step up to the mark despite losing the services of overseas star Kurtis Patterson.

The north Oxfordshire side begin life without the Australian in their top-of-the-table clash at Finchampstead tomorrow in the Home Counties Premier League.

Patterson has returned home to play for Australia A, but made quite an impression in ten Division 1 matches.

Averaging 76.43, including hitting 84 in last week’s win over Harefield, the 23-year-old has helped steer Banbury to second in the table.

Sabin confirmed Patterson would not be replaced after a deal fell through with another player and registration closed two weeks ago.

But the 22-year-old insists it is an opportunity for others to step up to the plate.

Sabin said: “Obviously (losing Patterson) is a big shame for us because he was such a key member.

“But we can’t keep him because he has other commitments so it is a good chance for another bloke to step up.

“We are a very young side so it will make people take responsibility and hopefully they will make a claim for next year.”

Banbury will also be without batsman Hugo Darby, so Josh Megson and Ed Phillips come in.

Great & Little Tew captain Andy Harris has played down his side’s trip to Reading.

Tew sit just a place and 17 points above the Berkshire side, who are second bottom.

But Harris does not feel the need to add any pressure to the match.

He said: “I would not say it places more emphasis (on a victory).

“They are down the bottom with us so it is a game where we need to make sure we pick up as many points as we possibly can.”

Tew make one change from the side that drew with high-flying Henley six days ago, with Robbie Shurmer coming in for Lloyd Brock, who is on holiday.

Two players who starred in that game were openers Harry Smith and Jordan Garrett, who put on 76.

Harris is hoping they can continue their good form, he said: “Harry dropped down the order the last few years and this season I have put him back at the top and he has done really well and his form has taken a step in the right direction.

“Jordan is a real talent and is certainly one to keep progressing and developing.”

TOMORROW’S SQUADS

Banbury (v Finchampstead, away): Haupt, Sabin, West, Blanchard, Ryan, Penhale, Bradbeer, Wright, Taylor, Megson, Phillips.

Great & Little Tew (v Reading, away): Smith, Garrett, Moreton, White, Slatter, Thomas, Hubbert, Harris, Warner, Manley, Shurmer.