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2024 Senior Finals Day Roundup
20/09/2024On Sunday 15th of September, the annual Senior Finals day took place. This year's finals day was held at Challow and Childrey CC. The running order of the day differed slightly from previous finals days, as the Women’s Hundred final was included to set up a great day of cricket. 2024 saw the inaugural Women’s Hundred competition, which would see clubs from across Oxfordshire competing for a chance to play at the Senior Finals Day alongside the Wilf Bennett Cup and the Hartwell Cup. Wilf Bennett Final - Chalrbury v Oxenford Oxenford were crowned Oxfordshire T20 champions with a 92 run victory over Charlbury in the Wilf Bennett final at Challow & Childrey. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Oxenford got off to a flyer thanks to Arsalan Khattak who scored 68 off 41 balls. Khattak’s innings included some fine hitting with nine fours and two sixes. He was supported by Roshan Gedara who scored 36 off 20 balls and Malitha Ratnaweera who scored 26 off 18 balls to help set 168-6 off 18 overs. In response Charlbury lost early wickets with Mark Phillips taking 3-22. Jamie Bush top scored with 17, as Oxenford took wickets at key points as they bowled Charlbury out for 76. This secured a 92 run win for Oxenford. The presentation of the trophy and medals was conducted by Ed Wilson (who thanked Challow and Childrey CC for hosting, the umpires, coaches, scorers and all the teams for a great day of cricket). A special thank you must go to Challow and Childrey CC for being fantastic hosts. In addition we would also like to thank the live streaming team, and everyone else that helped make it a great day of cricket. Thank you to all the clubs who competed in this year’s Competition, and we look forward to seeing you next season Women’s Hundred Final - Oxford v Moreton The inaugural Women’s Hundred final got underway after Oxford won the toss and elected to bat first. After losing an early wicket, Oxford got off to a flying start. This was thanks to an 84 run partnership between captain Genny Porter and Sophie Mitchelmore. Genny Porter 31 off 30 balls, and Sophie Mitchelmore scoring an impressive unbeaten score of 69 off 47 balls. Eleanor Bath then hit 26 off 14 balls to help guide Oxford to 157-3 off their 100 balls. Emilia Harding was the pick of the bowlers for Moreton with figures of 2-18 off 20 balls. Oxford finished the innings with an impressive score of 157-3. In response, Moreton lost early wickets but Captain Georgia Haworth ensured they remained in the game as she top scored with 23. She was also supported by Honor Murray who scored 18 and Niamh Rogan who contributed with 13. Emilia Bartram was the pick of the bowlers for Oxford with figures of 4-11 off 20 balls. Oxford’s ability to take regular wickets gave them the upper hand in the game and stifled Moreton’s run chase, and Moreton finished 117 all out off their 100 balls. Congratulations go to Oxford CC for becoming the first ever winners of the Women’s Hundred competition. It was a fantastic game played in a great spirit in front of a large crowd, with 274 runs scored across the 200 balls there was plenty of entertainment. With a good crowd in attendance, it was a great showcase for women’s cricket in the county. The presentation of the trophy and medals was conducted by Ed Wilson (who thanked Challow and Childrey CC for hosting, the umpires, coaches, scorers and all the teams for a great day of cricket). With such a successful final, we are looking to grow the Women’s Hundred competition even further for 2025 and again have the final played on Senior finals day. A special thank you must go to Challow and Childrey CC for being fantastic hosts. In addition we would also like to thank the live streaming team, and everyone else that helped make it a great day of cricket. Thank you to all the clubs who competed in this year’s Competition, and we look forward to seeing you next season Hartwell Cup Final - Horspath v Oxford Downs Horspath were crowned Oxfordshire T20 champions with a five-wicket victory over Oxford Downs in the Hartwell Trophy final at Challow & Childrey. With the players taking to the field to Ennio Morricone's score from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, it was Asad Rafiq who was quickest on the draw by bowling Tom Ettridge with his second ball. Freddie Smith and Luke Maslen got Downs' innings up and running with a flurry of boundaries including a six apiece, before left-arm spinner Ryan Hicks put the brakes on with an excellent four-over spell of 1-14. He bowled Smith for 25 to make 43-2, and when leg-spinner Josh Richardson had Maslen caught by Jehan Mohammed at deep backward square leg for 31, leaving them 77-3 after 13 overs. The Horspath leg-spinner struck again when Joe Botha was lbw attempting to sweep. It was only 19 runs off the final over with Harry Wren clobbering a four and a six over long on off the last ball which took Downs to their final total. Hicks was well supported by Richardson (2-22), Leslie (1-10) and Asad Rafiq (1-15). Todd set the tone by clouting a four off the second delivery and then pulling the next for six into the neighbouring field, before Eyles swept to the boundary as 17 came off the first over. An opening stand of 73 off seven overs between Dan Todd and Tyron Eyles set Horspath on the way. Both openers fell in the space of three balls. Todd had scored 38 from 23 balls before being run out, with Eyles, having made 35 off 21 deliveries, was out lbw to Wasim Mehmood. Dougal Main (17) kept Horspath on track as they lost three more wickets, before Stephen Green (13no) saw them home with 11 balls to spare. Mehmood (1-24) and Warner (1-25) led the way with the ball for Downs, while Ollie Armstrong conceded just 10 runs from his three overs, but it was Horspath's day. The win made it the fourth time Horspath had won the county's T20 showpiece, having triumphed in the competition formerly known as the Bernard Tollett Oxfordshire Cup in 2013, 2014 and 2018. It also completed a successful season for Horspath after winning the Cherwell League Division 1 title, the Pullinger Cup and the Oxfordshire final of the Voneus Village Cup. The presentation of the trophy and medals was conducted by Ed Wilson and Kieren Bushnell (who thanked Challow and Childrey CC for hosting, the umpires, coaches, scorers and all the teams for a great day of cricket. A special thank you must go to Challow and Childrey CC for being fantastic hosts. In addition we would also like to thank the live streaming team, and everyone else that helped make it a great day of cricket. Finally, thank you to Hartwell for their continued support of the competition. Thank you to all the clubs who competed in this year’s Competition, and we look forward to seeing you next season
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Oxfordshire Seniors Cricket - 19th September
19/09/2024Try again boys! Over 60s 2nd XI final wrecked by rain and postponed………until 2025! The Over 60s 2nd XI’s season-defining cup final against old rivals Wales proved to be something of a damp squib when rain prevented the game going beyond tea when the two sides met at Kidderminster CC. Wales won the toss and chose to bat on what is usually considered to something of a ‘road’ on which to bat, but Oxon still managed to make the early breakthrough when Graham Nelson had Aswani caught by Steve Kelly for six when the score was on 22. And things were looking even better when Robin Pykett managed to sneak one through the defences of Williams bowling him for just seven when the score was 44. However, thereafter the Welsh pairing of Murray-Williams and Powell proved to be unmoveable and proceeded to bat without further trouble for the remainder of the innings, compiling an unbroken stand of 153. Murray-Williams made 83 not out from 140 balls and Powell 74 from 89 as Wales totalled 197 from their allotted 45 overs, a score that also reflected the tight bowling of the Oxon attack and how well supported they were by their team mates fielding. Sadly the outcome of such a finely balanced cup final between two well matched sides will remain unresolved this season as the rain that fell during the tea interval persisted through out the rest of the afternoon and the game was eventually called off. The game will now be replayed at the beginning of the 2025 season on a date yet to be finalised. Meanwhile, the Oxfordshire Over 70s XI were busy this week, playing the final two fixtures of their South West Friendly League matches by playing Worcestershire on both Monday and Thursday! On Monday the two teams locked horns at Shipton under Wychwood CC and in a somewhat one-sided affair the visitors ran out winners by six wickets, after winning the toss and inserting their hosts. And the die was cast early when Oxon lost both openers with only two on the board. Jerry Senior was first to go when he was lbw to Paul Thompson for nought and he was quickly followed by Tim Gush for a single - again trapped in front by the same bowler. Nick Warry and Jim Head looked set when both getting into double figures, but Warry departed with the score on 26 when he was caught by Glyn Thomas off the bowling of Dave French for 13 and Head went lbw to Martin Woodward for 14 with only four more runs added. And from there it went from bad to worse when in quick succession Roger Hutchence, Errol Masters, Howard Voisey, Dave Beck, Steve Wilson and Suresh Patel all went in quick succession for scores of ten or less, leaving Colin Houseman not out on seven, with the total a disappointing 70 all out from 40 overs. For Worcestershire Martin Woodward returned the extraordinary figures of eight overs, three maidens, 5 for 6! Paul Thompson, Glyn Thomas and Joe Davis also all returned excellent supporting spells with economy rates of two an over or less. In reply the visitors made fairly light work of the chase, but not before left arm seamer Colin Houseman had given the visitors a glimmer of hope when he removed both openers. Colin Hobbs was caught by keeper Jim Head for 19, while Richard Fisher was bowled for seven just four runs later, immediately followed by Richard Brown for nought. However, Joe Davis held firm on 27 not out - despite losing Paul Lippitt for 9, bowled by Errol Masters - and Worcestershire cantered home by six wickets in the 24th over. Two days later it was pretty much roles reversed when Oxfordshire travelled to the picturesque Eastnor CC, near Ledbury, where again it was the away side that triumphed, this time by a comfortable 74 runs. Acting Oxon skipper Peter Howe won the toss and elected to bat, but it was the hosts that struck the first blow when Derek Watts was bowled by Paul Thompson for just seven with the score on 10. However the new pairing of Ajit Shah and Pete Burrows soon settled in and had the scoreboard ticking over nicely without looking in any real trouble. So it was something of a surprise when the usually prolific Shah was bowled for 39 by Ian Roberts instead of kicking on to another big score. Nevertheless with Burrows looking particularly fluent the two had posted an excellent stand of 115 for the second wicket in 26 overs. And he continued to dominate the scoring as he went on to complete an excellent century finishing on 106 not out off 100 balls in a two hour stay at the crease, which left Oxon on 173 for 3 from their 40 overs. The consistent Paul Thompson was the pick of the Worcestershire bowlers with the remarkable figures of nine overs, three maidens, 1 for 9. In reply Worcestershire were soon in trouble as their top order was blown away by Ajit Shah and Alan Weaver - as ever - well supported by Nigel Walker who effectively dried up one end by bowling his eight overs for just 10 runs. At the other end Shah struck early by removing Colin Hobbs, bowled for just a single in the fourth over, followed next ball by Joe Davis – this time caught and bowled, with the score on just three in the fourth over. Alan Weaver then weighed in with the next two wickets when he bowled Richard Fisher for six in the 10th over with the score on eight, soon followed by Ian Roberts - again bowled - for three in the 14th over with the score on 15, while Paul Lippitt departed not long afterwards for eight with the total a worrying 19 for 5, this time thanks to a catch by keeper Peter Howe off the bowling of Hugo Ritson-Thomas. Tony Price and Glyn Thomas then launched something of a fightback when they posted 40 for the sixth wicket. Price battled hard for 12 runs off 34 balls, while Thomas struck the ball nicely for a fluent 23 from 28 balls before Price was caught by Ritson-Thomas off Howard Voisey, soon followed by Thomas, lbw to Voisey, with the total on 71-6. Two more quick wickets fell to Voisey and Weaver before number 11 Dave French battled away for 14 from 24 balls to edge the hosts to within one run of the respectability of three figures at the end of their 40 overs. Unsurprisingly the Oxon bowlers enjoyed their day out in the shadow of Eastnor Castle. Shah finished with 2 for 3 from four overs, Voisey 3-15 from two overs, while the pick of them - Walker included - was Weaver with 3-7 from a full complement of eight overs.
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Upcoming Coach Development Workshop
13/09/2024We are now less than 2 weeks away from our Coach Development Workshop - taking place on Sunday 22nd September at Moulsford School, OX10 9HR Attack, catch, defend and throw with Cookie Patel runs from 10am to 3pm and is aimed at coaches looking to explore fielding and coaching fielding. Cookie PatelCookie is a specialist fielding coach and ECB Coach Developer. His previous fielding coach roles include England Women, Derbyshire, Northants, Yorkshire and Lancashire Thunder. Members can book their place now for just £10 by using this link - https://booking.ecb.co.uk/event/18551e02-78bc-4071-806f-41d4e8761e02/summary In 2023 we bought you workshops on: Transition to hardball, Coaching Women & Girls, and Coaching Disability Cricket, and earlier this year we hosted a 'Spin It Up' workshop that proved to be extremely popular, here are some highlights from that workshop - https://x.com/oxoncb/status/1743679431388917973?s=48 It is the aim of the Coaches Association to bring you regular, high quality, Coach Development Workshops throughout the year, if there is any particular content you would like please let us know by emailing [email protected].
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Upcoming First Aid Course - October 2024
13/09/2024Oxfordshire Cricket is pleased to announce that there will be a First Aid courses held on the following dates: There is a First Aid for Cricket Coaches which takes place on Monday 7th October at Oxford Downs CC. The course runs from 6-9pm and you can book your place HERE. Please do share this with any coaches which haven't currently got a valid first aid qualification or if it is due to expire shortly. If you need any further help regarding this then please contact Ed Wilson at [email protected].
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Oxford Win U19 Finals Day
13/09/2024Oxford U19 beat Banbury and Aston Rowant to win U19 Finals Day On a cloudy day at Horspath CC on the 8th of September, the U19 Honey Bee trophy finals day took place. In Semi Final 1, Banbury won the toss and elected to field. Oxford scored 104-8 off 16 overs thanks to Julian Laird (48). In response Banbury made 74ao off 14.2 overs with Dan Shevket (19) contributing. Oxford therefore secured a place in the final. In Semi Final 2, Aston Rowant won the toss and elected to bat. Aston Rowant scoring 139-2 off their 12 overs thanks to Ivan Lockem (98*) and Jack Veal (22). In response, Cumnor scored 78-6 off their 12 overs, with Rory Nicholson (24) top scoring. Aston Rowant therefore secured a place in the final. In the final, Oxford won the toss and elected to Bat. Oxford scored 119-6 off their 16 overs. William Ashton top scored with 41 for Oxford.In response Aston Rowant made 98-6 off their 16 overs with Tristan Rossouw (46) top scoring. Oxford therefore secured a 21 run win The presentation of the trophy and medals was conducted by Kieren Bushnell (who thanked Horspath CC for hosting, the umpires, coaches, scorers and all the teams for a great day of cricket. The presentation was also made by Morris Honey’s daughter, Claire who helped present the trophies. Thank you to all the clubs who competed in this year’s Competition, and we look forward to seeing you next season
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Team News - County Men at T20 Finals Day
06/09/2024Oxfordshire Cricket are pleased to announce the squad that will represent the County at the National Counties Cricket Association (NCCA) Twenty20 Competition Finals Day replay this coming Sunday 8th September 2024. The NCCA Board took the decision to replay the T20 Finals Day that was cancelled over the late May bank holiday, with all four teams returning to Chester Boughton Hall CC in the hope of concluding a winner of the competition for 2024. Oxfordshire have retained the majority of the squad that represented Oxfordshire at the original NCCA T20 Finals Day with Tom Davis and Seb Stuart-Reckling the only two absences. Pace Bowler, Tom Davis continues to be sidelined by an injury sustained in the Challengers fixture against Zimbabwe A in early August, and fellow Pace Bowler, Seb Stuart-Reckling is absent due to his commitments with Surrey CCC. Jonny Cater will lead the squad that welcomes back home-grown Sussex CCC professional players, Zach Lion-Cachet and Harrison Ward. Tom Hinley also returns to the team from his stint in the Metro Bank Competition with Worcestershire CCC and is the only non-qualifying player permitted out of a possible three. The eleven man squad totals 246 years in age, with the average age of the eight youngest just over 20. Oxfordshire have maintained a young team throughout the season and this continues into the NCCA T20 Finals this weekend with the eleven man squad totaling 246 years in age, with an average age of the eight youngest just over 20. Oxfordshire will take on Cumbria in the first semi-final at 10:00am, with Berkshire facing Staffordshire in the second Semi-Final at 1:00pm. The winners will contest the Final at 16:00pm The starting times of the 2nd game and Final may vary. If games finish sooner than expected, then the start time for the second game and Final may vary. The selected squad is subject to any changes between now and Sunday morning. Squad selection Jonny Cater - Birth (Oxfordshire) Prav Chahal - Age Group (Pathway) Joe Gordon - School (Education 13+, Oxford Brookes University) Jamie Harrison - School (Education 13+, Oxford Brookes University) Luke Hayes - Age Group (Pathway) Tom Hinley - Non-Qualifying (Worcestershire CCC) Zach Lion-Cachet - Age Group (Pathway and Sussex CCC) Hayden Rossouw - Club (Aston Rowant CC) George Tait - Age Group (Pathway) Harrison Ward - Age Group (Pathway and Sussex CCC) Henry Welch - Age Group (Pathway) Support Staff Rupert Evans (Head Coach) James Lamerton (Physical Performance Coach) Chris Cox (Scorer) Matthew Barnes (Performance Director) Dated - 6th September 2024