Oxfordshire mimic Cheshire feat

Daniel Rowe's 49 guided Oxfordshire to a surprise two-wicket victory against Cheshire at Christleton Cricket Club

Daniel Rowe’s quickfire unbeaten 49 helped Oxfordshire repeat last season’s surprise win away to Cheshire in the MCCA Trophy to leave Group One wide open.

Rowe’s late charge, from 30 balls, rescued his side from 193 for seven to pass Cheshire’s 284 for nine with two wickets and nine balls to spare at Christleton Cricket Club yesterday.

No Oxfordshire batsman reached fifty but an all-round effort saw them chase Cheshire’s competitive total, underpinned by skipper Andy Hall’s 72 after his side was put into bat.

Buoyed by an opening group victory over Cumberland, which saw them go top of the table, Cheshire started brightly as openers Danny Leech (42) and Warren Goodwin (46) shared in a opening stand worth 69.

James Duffy who chipped in with 37 supported Hall in his first half-century of the season, but from a solid 227 for four Cheshire lost five wickets for 57 runs.

All-rounder Dan Berry impressed with 3-33 as Cheshire fought hard in the field, while seamer Rick Moore - in for the injured James Hawley - claimed two wickets on his first-team debut.

Oxfordshire still had plenty of work to do after Cheshire ended an eighth wicket partnership of 60. But from 253 for eight, Rowe held his nerve.