Oxfordshire Cricket is pleased to announce the 12 player squad to play against Cornwall and Dorset on Sunday 16th of June at Wimborne CC.

The selected squad is subject to any change before now and Sunday morning.

Seniors’ Group teams just keep on winning!

Oxon Over 70s cruise to ten wicket win, while 1sts and 2nds are also victorious

Dave Beck’s Oxfordshire Over 70s side made the short trip to local rivals Warwickshire this week and returned home with an impressive 10 wicket win, in their latest outing in the South West Friendly Cricket League. 

The hosts won the toss and elected to bat at the picturesque Alscot Park ground just outside Stratford upon Avon.

However, it was the visitors’ opening bowlers Colin Houseman and Errol Masters who caught the eye. Left armer Houseman removed both openers before the total reached 28 in a spell of 2-13 from eight overs while Masters tied up the other end with a fine spell of 0-20 from eight. 

Brian O’Sullivan battled hard to take Warks to a more respectable 66 for 4 before he was run out for 19 by Hugo Ritson-Thomas, whose left arm chinamen proved even more effective than his fielding, when returning figures of 3-19 from eight. 

And it was spin all the way to the finish as – off spinner Suresh Patel (2-9 from eight) and skipper Becks, left arm orthodox (1-36 from eight) – contained the hosts to a modest 102-9 from their 40 overs, with extras top scoring on 24.

In reply Oxfordshire’s openers Adrian Beecroft and Tim Gush made light work of the chase, taking just 26 overs to knock off the runs required. Beecroft was in particularly belligerent form hitting 10 fours in his total of 61 not out off 89 balls, while Gush provided excellent support in rotating the strike as he made 36 not out from 68 balls.

Warwickshire toiled hard in the field and both Bob Penrose 0-17 from seven and Clive Powers 0-24 from eight, both returned respectable figures among the six bowlers used.

Next up for the unbeaten Over 70s is a home game against Hertfordshire at Kidmore End CC’s ground at Crowmarsh near Wallingford. 

In contrast to the Over70s the Over 60s 1st XI won their game against Buckinghamshire at Banbury CC, by the ‘barest of margins’ – with apologies to Kiwi cricket commentator, Ian Smith. 

Chasing 216 to win Phil Manger’s team were well placed at 211-6 when the heavens opened with just seven balls left in tight match in which both sides were at times well in control of affairs. The rain proved too heavy to resume play and the hosts won by four wickets wickets by virtue of being two runs ahead on the Duckworth Lewis calculation when play was called off for the day.

Oxon won the toss and asked Bucks to bat in damp drizzly conditions, but it was the visitors who were soon in control as the Oxon bowlers struggled to grip an increasingly wet ball, and the fifty partnership was posted in just 12 overs for no loss, with Steve White striking the ball crisply on both sides of the wicket on his way to a fine 50. He was well supported by Michael Farnon as they took the score to 108 in the 25th over and Bucks looked well in control before two superb stumpings by Oxon keeper Phil Manning, brought the home side back into the game as the visitors slipped to 114 -5.

Paul’s Hemming’s offspin was proving difficult to get away and with figures of 3-33 he looked to have wrestled the advantage back towards Oxon. However, 40 from Gary Hales (father of Alex of Notts and England) with good support from tailenders Brian Shipley and Denzil Owen saw Bucks through to a par score of 216.

The Oxon openers again had to work hard to see off the new ball and both Daryl Woods and Nick Mormon got into double figures before both fell to Sharath Jetty (2-25) before the score had reached 30. Again Bucks looked in control.

But Charlie Anderson (46) and Paul Hemming (72) had other ideas. The two put on 94 for the third wicket and Oxon were well and truly back in the game, before two quick wickets restored the knife-edge balance of the game again.

Hemming continued to score freely but his partners were struggling. Enter Steve Roberts who had earlier produced yet another miserly opening spell with the ball of 0-20 from nine. However, with the bat his counter attacking 35 off 24 balls proved to be the match winning support that Hemming needed to get Oxon ahead of the D/L when the rain that had threatened all day finally ended the match seven balls short of its scheduled 90 0vers.

Next week the1sts are looking to maintain their unbeaten run when they travel to Podington CC near Rushden, where they take on Northamptonshire.

Andy Haynes’ 2nd XI finally got on to the field this week against Bucks seconds and even after three weeks of in action due to the weather they still managed a very good away win. Needless to say they still had to battle the elements as heavy drizzle fell during the majority of the day’s play.

Bucks won the toss and elected to bat and were soon piling on the runs in an opening stand of 114 between Adrian Johnson (69) and Ian Pulsford (61), which was continued when Pulsford eventually fell stumped Neil Megson off the bowling of Steve Partington and Johnson was lbw to Steve Kelly. 

Nigel Field (41) and David Tosell (27) kept the runs flowing and a handsome total looked on the cards, until the visitors bowlers pegged back the scoring rate in the latter half of the contest, with Bucks closing their innings at 227–4 when a something north of 250 had looked well within their grasp earlier in the innings. 

Oxon’s chase did not start well when Ivan Mulford went third ball, but unperturbed skipper Haynes (43) and Mike Howatt (41) posted 58 for the second wicket, which was then moved on to 116 for the third wicket by Howatt and Tom Scrase, before Howatt was dismissed.

Scrase played what looked to a match winning innings with a run a ball 66, and was well supported by new partner, Dave Warner (21) as they compiled a 78 run stand for the 4th wicket which left Oxon just 33 short of their target.

However, they then let the hosts back into the game when the next two batsmen both went for 0 and it was finally left to Steve Partington and Andy Slater to shepherd the visitors home by three wickets and with five overs to spare.

Lincolnshire are the visitors next week in game that takes place at Shipton under Wychwood.

Both the Over 60s 3rd XI and the joint Oxs/Bucks Over 70s 1st XI were without County Championship fixtures this week. Instead – to ensure everyone remains in good form – the two sides played each other over the usual 45 over format at University College, Oxford.

Choosing to bat first on a low, slow wicket with a very damp outfield the 3rds made 162 all out, which was then chased down by the Over 70s with just nine balls to spare in a match that proved to be every bit as competitive and keenly contested as any normal 60/70s County Championship and provided an excellent work out for all those involved. 

And finally……..

Can somebody please fix the weather?!

Oxfordshire Cricket is delighted to announce that we have formed a partnership with Notts Sport for a period of three years. 

The partnership will see Notts Sport through Slatter Cricket and Play in Oxfordshire play a key role in supporting the delivery of our ten year facilities strategy in the county. The central aim of the partnership is to improve and expand existing cricket facilities and to open new venues to help grow and sustain cricket in the county. 

Notts Sport is a leading specialist in the design and supply of synthetic surfacing systems for sport, play and leisure. Based in the UK and with distributors all over the world, the company’s expert staff provide design solutions, supply systems and components, and advise on every aspect of creating the right installation. Notts Sport work across Oxfordshire through Slatter Cricket and Play. Notts Sport’s heritage is one of experience in providing a growing portfolio of clients with objective solutions, leaving them in full control of their sports, play or landscaping project, while guiding them through the design and installation.

The company has built a world-class reputation and is the preferred synthetic surfacing supplier for many schools, clubs and regional, national and international sports bodies, as well as local authorities in the UK and Europe. The company also works with national and international bodies to ensure the development of sport and play opportunities for all. They are one of a small number of companies in the UK that are an ECB Approved Non Turf Pitch System provider. 

As part of the partnership, Notts Sport through Slatter Cricket and Play will attend a range of events throughout the year where you will be able to speak to members of their staff and discuss potential projects at your clubs. 

Nick Pinhol, Operations Director at Oxfordshire Cricket said: 

“We are delighted that Notts Sport through Slatter Cricket and Play have joined us as a partner. They are one of the leading specialists across the country, and have a track record of high quality products. Cricket in Oxfordshire continues to grow at pace, and with that the development of facilities in the county is crucial as seen in our recent ten year facilities strategy. To have Notts Sport join us, and share our vision of growing the game in the county, makes them the ideal partner to help us deliver our strategy and use cricket as a tool for good in the community. 

Mark Wood, Head of Marketing at Notts Sport said: 

“We are excited about our new partnership with Oxfordshire Cricket. This collaboration brings together the strengths of both organisations, and a shared common goal of building the cricketing community. We support cricket participation at all levels, from public recreation areas to established clubs like Wolvercote and Oxford. This partnership demonstrates our vision of promoting excellence and growth in cricket in the county.”

For more information on Notts Sport please visit their website at https://nottssport.com/ or follow them on social media.

Oxfordshire Cricket are pleased to announce the County Men squad selected to play against Cornwall in the third match of the National Counties Cricket Association (NCCA) One Day Trophy Competition this coming Sunday 9th June 2024. The match is kindly being hosted by Banbury Cricket Club and is due to commence at 11:00am.

There are four changes to the Oxfordshire team that were defeated by Devon in Sidmouth last weekend, but the squad remains young with an average age of just 22. Joe Gordon has recovered from illness and is set to make his first appearance in the One Day Trophy. Home-grown Sussex Academy player, Dylan Driscoll is available again as Sussex Under 18s do not have a fixture. Pace Bowler Seb Stuart-Reckling is available again, as is his home-grown Sussex CCC player, Zach Lion-Cachet who returns to the side having rested last weekend. Tristan Rossouw retains his place following his debut last week. Luke Maslen sustained an injury whilst fielding in the first innings last week and is not ready to return for this game. Henry Welch and George Ealham are unavailable for the clash with Cornwall and Zain Ali has not been selected. 

The selected squad is subject to any change before now and Sunday morning. 

Dated – 6th June 2024

It’s the Ajit Shah Show!

Ton-up opener puts Berks to the sword and then chips in with two catches and a wicket

Over 60s 3rd XI opener Ajit Shah made the first Oxon seniors century of the season with a chanceless 112 not out against Berkshire at Wraysbury this week.

And just for good measure he also held on to two very sharp chances at slip and took a handy wicket as the hosts subsided for just 90 in pursuit of Oxon’s 219 in a game reduced to 36 overs following a rain-delayed start.

Skipper Clive Ricks lost the toss and Berkshire unsurprisingly asked the visitors to bat with drizzle in the air, a wet outfield and a slow low track, on both of which the Wraysbury CC ground staff worked tirelessly before the game to enable play to be possible by 2.00 pm.

After a steady start Shah and opening partner Howard Lancaster were soon scoring freely with hard run ones and twos a feature of a huge opening stand of 122. Lancaster completed a fine fifty before retiring on 66 with a strained calf muscle. 

Tom Scrase then joined Shah and continued in the same vein, with the opener completing his hundred in the 33rd over – remaining undefeated as the visitors posted a challenging total and for no loss of wickets for the second week running.

In reply the hosts were soon in trouble with Nigel Walker striking early with two quick wickets, well supported by a tight spell from Jon Wood at the other end. However it was Anwar Pervaiz with 3 for 15 who struck three times in quick succession – aided by two very sharp slip catches from that man Shah again – that closed out the game for the visitors, leaving Berks well short at 90-8 from their allotted overs.       

The only other side to see action this week was the combined Oxs/Berks Over 70s XI which took on Gloucestershire at Challow and Childrey CC, where skipper Adrian Manger won the toss and asked Gloucestershire to bat.

And with Nigel Walker sending back one of the visitor’s openers for nought in a spell of 2 for 23 from nine and Trevor Spindler  -as tight as ever – returning figures of 3 for 18 from nine – Gloucestershire were in deep trouble at 36-5.

However, when top scorer John Evans (60) was joined  by John Turton (14) the fightback began when the two added 57 for the sixth wicket, which was followed by another stand of 34 between Evans and Richrd Carman who made 20. At the close of the innings Gloucestershire had made what looked like a modest 141 for 8.

At 43 for 1 the hosts were making steady progress but then lost three wickets for six runs and were in trouble at 49 for 4. Bill Munday 22, and Colin Ainger 28, then put on 40 for the fifth wicket and the match was once again in the balance until another three wickets fell for just 24 runs which exposed the tail and enabled Gloucestershire to bowl out Oxon 16 runs short of their target.

So the 60s/70s winning streak has finally been broken but nine wins out of ten is still not a bad start to any season.  

On the downside the weather continues to play havoc with fixtures all over the country and  sadly yet again, both the 60s 1st and 2nd XI matches against Bedfordshire and Worcestershire respectively fell victim to the weather while the Oxon Over 70s did not play on Monday due to the bank holiday.

Let’s hope we turn the corner soon and June delivers us the unbroken sunshine we need to make up for one of the wettest starts to a cricket season in living memory.

In a big step towards bolstering grassroots cricket facilities in the county, Flicx UK and Oxfordshire Cricket (OC) have joined forces to help clubs, schools, and other cricketing organisations to grow participation. The central aim of the collaboration is to improve and expanding existing cricket facilities and to open new venues up to host cricket for the first time including school fields, parks and artificial pitches. 

The 2G Flicx Pitch stands as the premier surface choice for cricket training and matches, offering unparalleled versatility, performance, logistic benefits, skill enhancement and cost / time efficiencies. With glowing endorsements from cricket clubs, schools, and coaches around the world, it has proven to be a game-changer for both outdoor and indoor training session for both adults and juniors. In the past two seasons, Flicx have supplied a number of schools in Oxfordshire who use the innovative, roll out wicket for matches or nets including Magdalen College School, St Edwards, Cranford House and Bloxham School. 

“They’ve allowed us to host six junior games on our fields, whereas before we could only host three. We’ve purposely left out two half pitches in the nets during break / lunchtimes and borrowing of cricket equipment has tripled since last year”- Jack Perham, Cranford House School

From Oxfordshire Cricket, Nick Pinhol, Operations Director commented “Cricket is harnessing the power of sport for social change, and we believe the 2G Flicx Pitch can play a vital role in creating a more diverse game. By tapping into different venues and expanding our current pitch infrastructure with these portable wickets which give a realistic, true bounce, we can continue to change the game and make it more accessible to more people. For clubs and schools in Oxfordshire looking to grow and develop, the 2G Flicx Pitch is a brilliant resource” 

Marketing Manager at Flicx UK Kate Costin is looking forward to working with the Oxfordshire Cricket team with Flicx committed to donating a pitch in kind for every 10 pitches sold into the county. “It’s great to be working with Nick and the team in Oxfordshire as they have really strong relationships with their clubs whilst there is also a real appetite to invest and support cricket in state schools. We have already seen a school in Banbury purchase 3 batting ends very recently to enable them to start playing cricket for the first time and the versatility of the 2G Flicx Pitch means that cricket can be opened to more and more people”. 

For a quote for a 2G Flicx Pitch, do reach out to Kate Costin – [email protected] and a demonstration is always possible for club and schools in Oxfordshire looking to see how the pitch performs and its ease of use.

Oxfordshire return to National Counties Cricket Association (NCCA) One Day Trophy action this coming Sunday 2nd June 2024 when they take on Devon at Sidmouth Cricket Club. Oxfordshire Cricket are pleased to announce the team that includes two debutants, Tristan Rossouw and George Ealham, and three players, Luke Maslen, Joe Gordon and Tom Davis who will make their first appearance within the NCCA One Day Trophy Competition. There remains a thread of experience within the squad of an average age of just twenty-three, despite five absentees from the twelve man squad that travelled to the NCCA T20 Finals Day over the Bank Holiday weekend. Zach Lion-Cachet, Harrison Ward, Seb Stuart-Reckling, Tom Hinley and George Tait are all unavailable for the trip to Devon. Off spinner, Max Mannering returns to the side to lead the spin attack alongside sixteen year old Henry Welch, with left handed batter Jamie Harrison, all-rounder Hayden Rossouw, pace-bowler Prav Chahal and wicketkeeper-captain Jonny Cater all retaining their place. Tom Davis and George Ealham are the two non-qualifying players from a permitted three in the Oxfordshire squad for this match against Devon.

The selected squad is subject to any change before now and Sunday morning. 

Dated – 31st May 2024

Oxfordshire Cricket are pleased to announce the Men’s squad selected to play in the National Counties Cricket Association (NCCA) T20 Finals Day this coming Sunday 26th May 2024. Oxfordshire progressed as winners of Super 12s Play Off and will now compete against Cumbria at Chester Boughton Hall CC for a place in the T20 Final. The match order for the finals day is as follows:

• Game 1 –Cumbria v Oxfordshire @ 10am
• Game 2 – Staffordshire v Berkshire  @ 1pm
• Game 3 – Final  @ 4.30pm

* There are 15 minutes for the break between innings and timings may vary depending on the preceding matches.

The majority of the team remains unchanged from the Supers 12s. Tom Davis replaces Dan Ibrahim who is unavailable. George Tait replaces Tristan Rossouw. The selected squad is subject to any change before now and Sunday morning. 

Oxfordshire Cricket is pleased to announce the 12 player squad to play against Hampshire and Somerset on Sunday 26th of May at Bicester and North Oxford CC.

The selected squad is subject to any change before now and Sunday morning.