WILTSHIRE open their Minor Counties Championship campaign with an away match against Oxfordshire at Banbury.

The three-day came, starting May 29 signals the start of what manager Brian White believes will be a successful season.

Buoyed by their performance against Kent in the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy, a narrow nine run loss in Salisbury earlier this month, White predicts with the right availabilities there could be championship glory on the cards.

He said there was no doubt the side would be looking to improve on their 5th place in the Western Division in 2004.

"We have a good chance of competing for the title. Only the top two teams are in a chance of getting glory this year and we want to be one of those.

"When you think Kent beat Derbyshire in the next round by over 150 runs it shows how well we played and has given us confidence."

Captained by Russell Rowe, the side has a youthful look to it.

South Wilts and Hampshire Academy all-rounder Eddie Abel, 17, makes his first senior appearance for the county and is joined by 18-year-old James Hayward.

Abel is also expected to open the batting with his captain while there is a first championship appearance for former Kent player James Golding who played in the C & G Trophy match at the beginning of May.

The side is unfortunately missing Chippenham's Richard Bates, batsman Kevin Blackburn and Corsham's Jason Searle.

Former England international Richard Illingworth also looks likely to only play a part in the home games but will obviously strengthen the side.

Wicketkeeper and Vice Captain Neil Shardlow said the side looks strong. "With team we have the first two games against Oxfordshire and Dorset are two we have to be looking to get some points from."