Oxon/Berks Over 70s have shared the Over 70s First XI National Cup with Kent after an unfortunate, rain riddled afternoon that saw the Final cancelled.
To see the semi final match report CLICK HERE
Aston Rowant CC were crowned champions of the U19s League after fantastic victories against Oxford Downs CC and Cumnor CC.
Game 1
Aston Rowant booked their place in the U19 Finals Day showpiece with a hard-fought 25-run victory over Oxford Downs in the opening semi-final. Having won the toss and chosen to bat first, Rowant posted 148 all out in 19.1 overs, a total underpinned by a series of valuable contributions through the order. After a brisk start from Conor Rogan (16) and Jack Veal (19), Teddy Purushothaman anchored the innings with 23 before falling with the score on 75. Oxford Downs wrestled back control through disciplined bowling spells, with Alfie List (3-20) and Charlie Sutton (2-22) both making crucial breakthroughs. Even so, a rapid-fire 27 from just 10 balls by Jack North late on gave Rowant vital momentum, lifting them to a competitive total despite being bowled out with five balls unused.
Oxford Downs’ reply began shakily, as Sholto Hunt and Joe Botha departed cheaply to leave them 11 for 2. Captain Charlie Sutton (29) and the in-form Will Ison rebuilt steadily with a third-wicket partnership worth 46, before Sutton was dismissed shortly after the halfway stage. Ison then combined with Will Owens to keep the chase alive, both playing composed innings under pressure. Ison’s 48 from 48 balls provided the backbone, while Owens struck 27 off 26, but once both fell in quick succession, the required rate became too steep. Downs eventually closed on 123 for 6 from their 20 overs, falling short despite a promising middle-order effort.
For Rowant, Logan Rainbow (1-12) and Jacob Eaton (1-16) applied key pressure in the powerplay, while Oliver Veal and captain Lewis North also chipped in with wickets to keep Downs in check. With sharp fielding and two run outs further stalling the chase, Rowant’s all-round effort proved decisive. Their blend of explosive batting at the death and disciplined bowling throughout ensured they progressed to the final, while Downs were left to rue missed opportunities in a match that ebbed and flowed before being settled in the final overs.
Game 2
Cumnor were to join Aston Rowant in the U19 Finals Day decider with a dominant batting display that set up a commanding 76-run win over Banbury. Having won the toss and electing to bat, Cumnor’s openers Chris Hofen and Dylan Driscoll tore into the bowling from the outset, racing to fifty inside six overs and reaching three figures by the 11th over. Both brought up half-centuries in quick succession, with Driscoll continuing his assault to a brilliant century from just 53 balls, striking eight sixes and nine fours in a match-defining innings. Hofen provided perfect support with a classy 87 from 57 balls before eventually falling in the closing overs, while the pair’s 183-run opening stand effectively batted Banbury out of the contest. Despite a late flurry of wickets, Cumnor powered to 223 for 3 from their 20 overs, leaving their opponents facing a daunting chase.
Banbury’s reply faltered almost immediately as Tom Finlay was bowled first ball, followed soon after by James Bristow and Murray Scott, leaving them struggling at 36 for 3. Ben Miller offered defiance with a composed half-century, making 58 from 45 balls and finding some support from Dan Shevket (21) and later William Rorich (21). However, the required rate spiralled out of reach against disciplined bowling. Cumnor shared the wickets around, with Will Simpson (2-22), Rory Nicholson (2-23) and Alex Oliver (2-15) all making crucial breakthroughs. Regular dismissals prevented any sustained momentum for Banbury, who closed on 147 for 7 from their 20 overs.
In the end, the platform laid by Hofen and Driscoll proved decisive, their opening stand being the clear difference between the sides. Banbury showed resistance through Miller’s fighting knock, but the scale of the target and Cumnor’s control with the ball ensured a one-sided finish. With such an emphatic victory, Cumnor advanced to the final brimming with confidence and momentum.
Final
Aston Rowant were crowned U19 county champions after edging past Cumnor in a tense, shortened (due to light) final that delivered drama right to the closing overs. Asked to bat first in a 14-over contest, Rowant suffered early setbacks as Jack Veal and Teddy Purushothaman fell cheaply to leave them 14 for 2. Conor Rogan then counter-attacked with a fluent 43 from 24 balls, striking four boundaries and three sixes, before he was dismissed with the score on 69. The innings was steadied superbly by Xavier Garvs, who anchored proceedings with a composed unbeaten 52 from 35 deliveries. Though wickets tumbled around him, including a four-wicket burst from Cumnor’s Rory Nicholson (4-22), Garvs held firm to lift his side to 135 for 8. Extras also proved costly for Cumnor, as 16 runs came via wides and no-balls to boost Rowant’s total.
Cumnor’s reply was built around Nicholson, who followed his heroics with the ball by compiling a fine 55 not out from 46 balls. He found early support from Dylan Driscoll (24) and later a rapid cameo from Tom Murkett (24 off 14), which kept the chase alive. However, regular breakthroughs at key moments stemmed their momentum. Oliver Veal and Logan Rainbow struck early to remove Driscoll and Hofen, while Purushothaman’s double strike, including the vital wicket of Murkett, left Cumnor with too much to do. Despite Nicholson’s valiant effort, Cumnor closed on 116 for 4, 20 runs short of their target.
Rowant’s success was a testament to their balance between aggression and resilience. Garvs’ calm half-century underpinned their innings, while a collective bowling effort ensured that Cumnor were always just behind the rate. In a final shaped by standout individual performances, it was Aston Rowant who held their nerve under pressure to secure the trophy and cap off a memorable Finals Day triumph.
Top performances
Bowling:
Batting:
Full scorecards HERE
Oxfordshire Cricket will be running three ECB Coaching Workshops this Autumn and Winter, for all coaches across Oxfordshire.
These are open to all coaches who would like to enhance their knowledge and develop coaching specialist cricket skills. These will be delivered by ECB Level 4 Coaches.
Places are limited and are first come first served, so book a place to avoid disappointment.
Setting the Pace with Andy Pick
Andy is an ECB Level 4 Coach with huge experience coaching pace bowling. His current role is Chief Scout and Pathway Bowling Coach for Nottinghamshire CCC. Andy also had a 15 year professional playing career with the same county
Saturday 1st November
Booking link – https://booking.ecb.co.uk/lldggZ
Scoring runs with Tom Huggins
Tom is an ECB Level 4 Coach and current Essex CCC Batting Coach, with extensive professional playing and coaching experience
Saturday 13th December
Booking link – https://booking.ecb.co.uk/RvxBbW
Keeping it tidy with Simon Guy
Simon is an ECB Level 4 Coach and former England U17 & U19 Coach. He is currently on the Blaze Coaching Staff and spent 16 years with Yorkshire CCC. He delivers the WK module on the ECB Level 3 Advanced Coach Programme
Sunday 22nd February
Booking link – https://booking.ecb.co.uk/x90Mor
NCCA T20 Overview
Oxfordshire returned to National Counties Cricket Association (NCCA) T20 Finals Day for a second consecutive year, but were defeated at the Semi-Final stages as they aimed to reclaim the title they won in 2022.
Oxfordshire had secured third place in the competitive Group 3, featuring Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Wales National County. Two crucial victories over Bedfordshire in the final round of fixtures ensured progression to the Super 12. Drawn in Group 4 alongside Cornwall and Wales NC, Oxfordshire advanced to Finals Day by topping a rain-affected group at Wadebridge Cricket Club. The opening fixture between Cornwall and Wales NC was washed out, while the remaining two matches were reduced to five overs per side. Oxfordshire adapted well to the conditions, defeating Wales by 17 runs and Cornwall by 22 to seal their place in the final four.
Oxfordshire were drawn against Norfolk in the first semi-final of the day but suffered a ten run defeat while chasing a target of 168. The Oxfordshire spinners had helped slow Norfolk’s fast start, restricting them to 167-7 after they had reached 84-3 in the 8th over. Despite the target seeming achievable, Oxfordshire’s reply lacked a standout performance or sustained momentum, with eight batters reaching double figures but none scoring more than Freddie Smith’s 26. Prav Chahal, Tom Hinley, Hayden Rossouw and Tom Davis were the only four surviving players from the team that played at the NCCA T20 Finals day in 2024, and with a team plagued by injuries to key players and absence due to retirement or professional cricket contracts, A semi-final finish represented a strong, yet disappointing campaign.
Group 3 Results Summary
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Result |
| 25th May 2025 | Berkshire | Challow & Childrey CC | Won by 4 wickets |
| Berkshire | Lost by 39 runs | ||
| 8th June 2025 | Wales NC | Panteg CC | Lost by 10 wickets |
| Wales NC | Won by 5 wickets | ||
| 15th June 2025 | Buckinghamshire | Didcot CC | Lost by 14 runs |
| Buckinghamshire | Lost by 2 wickets | ||
| 29th June 2025 | Bedfordshire | Luton Town & Indians CC | Won by 1 run |
| Bedfordshire | Won by 12 runs |
Super 12s Results Summary
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Result |
| 3rd August 2025 | Wales NC | Wadebridge CC | Won by 17 runs |
| Cornwall | Won by 22 runs |
Finals Day Results Summary
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Result |
| 24th August 2025 | Norfolk | Wormsley | Lost by 10 runs |
NCCA Cluberly Championship Overview
Oxfordshire retained their place in Western Division 1 of the NCCA Cluberly Championship, finishing third in the red-ball campaign after a fourth consecutive draw, this time against Devon in the season decider.
Much of Oxfordshire’s campaign was hampered by persistent rain, which affected three of their four group matches, disrupting momentum and limiting opportunities to push for victory. The impact of the weather was particularly frustrating given the strong positions they had established. Against Cornwall at Banbury CC, Oxfordshire built a 117-run first-innings but time lost to rain curtailed the chances. Against Herefordshire at Eastnor CC, conditions would again intervene with Oxfordshire losing time to rain on the final day needing just two more wickets to win before rain ended proceedings.In the final match against Devon, over five of the possible nine sessions were lost to rain, leaving the contest finely poised but ultimately unresolved.
Heading into the final round, Oxfordshire sat third in the table, knowing they needed to secure points to not only challenge for top spot but also to guard against the slim risk of relegation. However, weather also affected the decisive fixture between Cornwall and Herefordshire, meaning the standings remained unchanged. Oxfordshire finished third on 42 points. Notably, Devon recorded the only win in the entire Western Division 1 campaign, a victory over Cornwall in Round Three which was the sole positive result across all ten matches in the division.
Oxfordshire were able to field a largely consistent squad throughout the championship campaign. The final fixture was the exception, with several changes due to injuries, work commitments, and First-Class County 2nd XI call-ups. Across the season, 19 players represented the county in red ball cricket, including 10 debutants in the 2025 competition.
Results Summary
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Result |
| 20th to 22nd July 2025 | Cornwall | Banbury CC | Drawn |
| 27th to 29th July 2025 | Herefordshire | Eastnor CC | Drawn |
| 17th to 19th August 2025 | Berkshire | Thame Town CC | Drawn |
| 31st August to 2nd September 2025 | Devon | Sidmouth CC | Drawn |
The full season results are available – HERE
Review by Matthew Barnes – Performance Director
Match report by R.Clapp
‘By the barest of margins……..’
Over 70s make the County Championship final – just!
The joint Oxs/Bucks Over 70s are through to their Seniors County Championship final
thanks to a nail-biting two run win over Hertfordshire.
And they did it the hard way – at the second attempt and also away from home at
Langleybury CC, after the weather put paid to the first encounter between the two sides at
Horspath CC, with the tie evenly poised when the heavens opened.
With Herts now enjoying home advantage the hosts then won the toss and asked the visitors
to bat after which Derek Watts looked dominant early on for the visitors as he struck a six
and a four in his first 15 runs before he was caught and bowled by Keith Martin with the
score on 20 in the fifth over.
Ian Stuart and new batsman Charlie Anderson were more circumspect as they moved the
score along to 45 in the 14 th over when Stuart was again caught and bowled this time by
Colin Winton for 12 off 41 balls as Herts began to exert some real pressure with the ball.
However, new batsman Phil Ridgeway was soon busy and he and Anderson looked like they
had steadied the ship when yet again Herts wrestled back the advantage when Indran
Thavendra trapped Anderson in front for 29 with the score on 69 in the 20 th over.
And three wickets soon became four when three balls later Ronnie Brock went for nought.
Ridgeway needed a partner to stay with him and the visitors needed a big stand to get them
back in the game. Ian Harvey did not disappoint on either count.
With Ridgeway looking increasingly fluent and Harvey prudently rotating the strike the pair
proceeded to add 153 in 23 overs with Ridgeway striking 13 fours and two sixes in a
wonderfully counter attacking knock of 112 off 92 balls in just over two hours at the crease,
before he was caught off Martin by keeper Geoff Graveson
Harvey’s vital role was no less valuable as he compiled a patient 45 not out from 66 balls in
his hour and half stay at the crease, which eventually saw Oxs/Berks through to a very
respectable 225 for 5 from their 45 overs. A competitive total but by no means out of reach
for the hosts’ batting line up. Game on.
For Herts Indran Thavendra and Keith Martin took 2-32 and 2-41 respectively from their nine
over spells well supported by Colin Winton with 1-28.
In reply Herts – despite the early retirement of Duncan Elder for eight when the score was on
24 – laid a top order platform that put them well in control as Indran Thavendra and Simon
Clements posted a stand of 87 in 18 overs to take the score on to 111and put the hosts well
in control.
But the visitors refused to roll over and the breakthrough came when Steve Partington had
Thavendra caught by Ian Harvey for a 68 off 90 balls in 90 minutes, which was then closely
followed by three more quick wickets, as Herts slipped from 111 for 1 to 145 for 4 with just 10
overs left to score 80 runs.
First Jerry Dovey went for 11, bowled by Adrian Manger, followed by Geoff Graveson who
was caught and bowled by centurion Ridgeway for six, and then key wicket of the well-set
Clements for 40 off 66 balls, bowled by Partington. Oxs/Bucks were back in the game and
had the all-important momentum as the game moved to its climax.
But it was still nip and tuck all the way as both sides looked to get their noses in front. Dave
Robinson was going well at a run a ball with Dominic Ingram after Tariq Hassan came and
went for just two, caught by Ian Stuart off Ridgeway.
Robinson and Ingram posted 45 for the sixth wicket and looked to have gained the upper
hand, but when Robinson was stumped by Nino Trapani off the wily Partington, the game
shifted yet again, as the overs began to slip away and the pressure mounted on the Herts
batsman.
Keith Martin was then caught and bowled for nought by that man Ridgeway, followed five
runs later by Ingram whose 23 off 19 balls had brought Herts within sight of the finishing line
before he was lbw to Ronnie Brock, who had to step up and bowl at the death due to injury
to Jim Blackford.
This then left the final pairing of Alan Hunter and Colin Winton 25 to score off the final 17
deliveries. And they very nearly got there.
With the assistance of just one boundary they got within two runs of the target as they
scampered their ones and twos, while the visitors tried to maintain their composure and
discipline in the field – which they managed – just!
Hunter made 12 not out off eight balls while Wilton was 10 not out at a run a ball. So close –
but still two runs short.
For Oxs/Berks it was the change bowlers that cracked open the Herts batting. Steve
Partington took 3-51 from his nine while man of the match Phil Ridgeway bagged 3-42. In
contrast the ever economical Trevor Spindler also played his part by shutting down one end
with 0-22 from his nine overs when the Herts top order were well in control.
After the game skipper Adrian Manger was quick to praise the vanquished hosts. “This was
some game of cricket. Neither side was prepared to back down and the advantage ebbed
and flowed right up to the last ball and it truly could have gone either way. Herts put up a
tremendous fight.
“I thought at one stage we might be heading for a tied game, but somehow we held both our
nerve and discipline to keep it just tight enough in those last three overs.”
Oxs/Berks now play Kent for the Over 70s County Championship in the final match of the
season which is due to be played on Thursday September 11 th at Chesham CC, Bucks. 12
noon start.
This season has been a good one for Arthur Hanson. He helped Sussex 18s to claim 2nd place in their County 3 day comp just behind Middlesex. During the 2025 campaign he amassed 493 runs as an opener, scoring 113* vs Middlesex together with 2 Fifties, as well as chipping in with 8 wickets. He also made his red and white ball Debuts for Oxon First Team.
This week he finished his season with his debut for Sussex 2s vs Essex in a 4 day championship Match. While the match was curtailed by rain, Arthur still had the chance to impress with the bat and he scored 21* on a seamer friendly wicket with the Head Coach of Sussex, Paul Farbrace, watching on.
‘I loved the experience playing with and against professional cricketers’ said Arthur after the match. ‘I learned plenty and hopefully helped the team into a strong position before the rain arrived. Many thanks to Sussex for allowing me the opportunity. I’m looking forward to working hard over the winter to improve my game further. Now it’s time for School!’
Oxfordshire Confirm Men’s Squad for NCCA Cluberly Championship fixture against Devon
Oxfordshire Cricket is pleased to announce its 12-player squad for the pivotal final fixture of the 2025 National Counties Cricket Association (NCCA) Cluberly Championship. The team will face current Western Division 1 leaders Devon at Sidmouth Cricket Club, from Sunday 31st August to Tuesday 2nd September.
Devon are the only team to have secured a win in Western Division 1 this season and currently lead the standings with 45 points. They sit just one point ahead of Berkshire (44), who have drawn all four of their matches. Oxfordshire are in third place with 34 points from three draws, trailing the leaders by 11 points. Close behind are Herefordshire on 33 points, also with three drawn matches. Cornwall rounded out the table in fifth with 28 points. With Cornwall set to face Herefordshire in the final round, the standings remain wide open, and a range of mathematical outcomes are still possible. Oxfordshire must secure enough points in their final match not only to contend for the top spot but also to avoid the risk of relegation.
Oxfordshire have been forced to make six changes from the side that played in the third round match of the competition against Berkshire. Red ball captain Max Mannering, Harrison Ward and Julian Laird are all sidelined with injury. Hayden Rossouw is unavailable for work commitments, Eesa Nadeem is absent as he undertakes a Mount Kilimanjaro climb, and Charles Jackson is unavailable for selection owing to First Class County 2nd XI Cricket.
There is a boost for the squad with the return of Luke Maslen, who has recovered from the concussion sustained in the previous fixture, and has been granted leave from work to participate in the season decider. Amogh Karpe who featured in the opening two fixtures of the campaign is recalled to the squad. Four players are in line to make their Championship debuts; Ahmed Khan and Ayush Patel, both part of the white-ball T20 side that recently reached the semi-finals of the NCCA Twenty20 competition, as well as Freddie Fowler and Oliver Armstrong. Armstrong has featured in both the white ball formats in recent seasons and will now have the opportunity in red ball cricket. Fowler is set for his first county appearance. In the absence of Max Mannering, George Tait is expected to assume the captaincy, having already led the side in the absence of white-ball captain Harrison Ward during the T20 campaign.
|
Forename |
Surname/Initial |
Playing Qualification |
Age as of 1st April |
Current Club in 2025 |
|
01/04/2025 |
||||
|
Oliver |
ARMSTRONG OH |
Age Group |
20 |
Oxford Downs CC |
|
Freddie |
FOWLER FG |
None |
21 |
Knowle and Dorridge CC |
|
Luke |
HAYES LB |
Age Group |
19 |
Aston Rowant CC |
|
Amogh |
KARPE AS |
University |
19 |
Hampstead CC |
|
Ahmed |
KHAN |
University |
20 |
Dulwich CC |
|
Ben |
LUCKING BE |
None |
23 |
Three Bridges CC |
|
Luke |
MASLEN LT |
Age Group |
22 |
Oxford Downs CC |
|
Ayush |
PATEL AA |
University |
22 |
Banstead CC |
|
Arjun |
RAMKUMAR A |
Club |
23 |
Banbury CC |
|
Freddie |
SMITH FEH |
Age Group |
22 |
Oxford Downs CC |
|
George |
TAIT GG |
Age Group |
23 |
Banbury CC |
Oxfordshire Women’s Captain Emilia Bartram is currently on international duty for Italy, playing in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier in Rotterdam.
Italy lost their opening game against the Netherlands, but responded positively with a win against Germany. Emilia was the Player of the Match contributing nicely with both bat and ball, leading from the front as captain. Italy’s next game is against Ireland, which will be a tough task. However, they will look to take positives out of their game against Germany and put on a good show.
Two teams from the Europe Qualifier will advance to the Global Qualifier in January 2026, scheduled to take place in Nepal.
Oxfordshire Cricket wishes Emilia and the Italian team all the very best for the competition.
You can follow Emilia and the Italian national team on ICC TV, with fixtures scheduled on the following dates:
23 August vs Ireland 10am
24 August vs Netherlands 2:45pm
26 August vs Germany 10am
27 August vs Ireland 2:45pm
All free to view on ICC.TV
Oxfordshire Women have named a twelve-player squad for their upcoming Metro Bank One Day Cup fixture against Dorset taking place on Sunday 7th September 2025 at Abingdon Vale Cricket Club.
Following a rare defeat to Cornwall two weeks ago, Oxfordshire will be aiming to return to winning ways. Despite the setback, the team has delivered a strong and consistent campaign this summer, and they’ll be looking to bounce back with a positive performance on home soil. There are a few changes to the squad that faced Cornwall last time out. Captain Emilia Bartram returns to lead the side after completing international duties with Italy. Sophie Grayson is back in contention after recovering from injury, while Maya Barnwell also returns, having been unavailable for the previous match.
The squad sees a few changes from the side that lost to Cornwall. Captain Emilia Bartram returns to lead the team after completing her international commitments with Italy. Sophie Grayson is back after missing the last game due to injury and Maya Barnwell returns to the side after being unavailable for the last game.
Squad Announcement
Oxfordshire Women have announced their eleven-player squad ahead of their upcoming Metro Bank One Day Cup fixture against Cornwall that takes place this coming Sunday 24th August 2025 at Werrington Cricket Club. This will be Oxfordshire’s second appearance in the competition, having opened their campaign with a win over Suffolk on Easter Sunday at Kingston Bagpuize CC. As the tournament resumes in late August and runs through September, our Women’s team will be aiming to build on that strong start and secure a second victory this weekend.
The squad sees three changes from the side that triumphed in the Vitality T20 Blast Division 2 Finals in July. Mim Aldred returns to the team and Honor Murray is set to make her first appearance of the season, while Sophie Grayson, Maya Barnwell, and Maisie Wright are unavailable for selection. Ellie Ingram will continue to lead the side in the absence of Emilia Bartram, who is currently on international duty with Italy.
