Oxfordshire shock Cheshire

Cheshire, last year’s runners-up, slipped to a surprise defeat at the hands of Oxfordshire in the MCCA Knockout Trophy.

Despite the disappointment at Great and Little Tew Cricket Club - the first time a Minor Counties match has been played at the ground - Cheshire remain top of the table and remain favourites to qualify for the quarter-finals.

Having won the toss and elected to bat, Andy Hall's side stuttered to 178 all out in 48.5 overs, before the hosts won with six wickets and 11.4 overs to spare.

Cheshire’s top order again failed to fire. They slipped to 71 for five before a spirited sixth-wicket partnership of 54 between Hall (52) and all-rounder Jason Whittaker (15) steadied the ship somewhat.

Hall batted for nearly two and a half hours for his patient 68-ball innings, which included six fours. But with Warren Goodwin, who made 25, the only other batsman to make a useful contribution, Cheshire were unable to post a challenging total.

Hall was dismissed in the 41st over as Cheshire lose their last five wickets for just 28 runs.

Oxfordshire also found the going tough as they replied. They fell to 82 for four but a gutsy unbeaten 75 from Robert Williams and Adam Cook’s 40 guided them home.

Williams, whose 81-ball innings included eight fours and three sixes, shared an unbroken fifth-wicket partnership of 97 with Cook as Oxfordshire won in 38.2 overs.

James Hewitt, who took three Cheshire wickets, chipped in with a useful 35 as Oxfordshire kept themselves in the hunt to qualify for the knockout stages.

"We just didn't score enough runs,” said Cheshire team manager Sandy Scrimgeour. “We're losing too many early wickets at the moment.

"It's disappointing to lose, but we're still in the driving seat. We need to win our last group match against Cumberland; if we do that we'll qualify.

"It's not going to be easy, but hopefully the players can bounce back from this defeat. They all know we need to play better."

Scorecard:
Cheshire 178 all out (48.5 overs) Hall 52, Hewitt 3-34.
Oxfordshire: 179 for four (38.2 overs) Williams 75 not out, Cook 40 not out.
Oxfordshire (2pts) beat Cheshire (0pts) by six wickets.