Banbury have secured the Bernard Tollett trophy, after beating Oxford Downs in the final on Sunday at Banbury CC.

After winning the toss and batting first, Banbury got off to a flyer with captain Olly Clarke hitting 41 off 28 balls and Joe White hitting 42 to give them a first wicket partnership of 64. Lloyd Sabin hit an impressive 53 off 32 balls to help guide Banbury to 169-4 .

In reply, Oxford Downs got off to a good start thanks to Freedie Smith and James Ellwood putting on 59 runs for the first wicket. Curtly Slatter 20, Tom Costley 28, and Matt Warner 27* kept Oxford Downs in with a shout, however in the end Banbury held their nerve to win the match by 17 runs.

The day concluded with the presentation ceremony which saw Chris Clements present the medals, and trophies. A special thank you must go to Banbury CC for hosting the finals day, and for being such great hosts. We would also like to thank all teams that participated this season, and we hope to see you all again next year.

Full scorecard here https://banbury.play-cricket.com/website/results/4522083

Witney Mills have secured the Wilf Bennett trophy, after beating Thame in the final on Sunday at Banbury CC.

After winning the toss and batting first, Witney Mills got off to a good start thanks to man of the match Sam Buckfield who went on hit an impressive 51, with support from Garrett (27) who helped them set Thame 134 runs to win. Teenager Luke Hayes was the pick of the bowlers for Thame, taking 4-26.

In reply, Thame got off to a good start thanks to Will Sutcliffe who hit 47. He was supported by Callum Russell (17) and Oli Sutcliffe (25*). However some quick wickets in the middle overs thanks to Witney Mills bowlers Hasselgrove (3-22) and Burney (2-19) meant that Witney Mills secured a 14 run win.

The day concluded with the presentation ceremony which saw John Finch present the medals, and trophies. A special thank you must go to Banbury CC for hosting the finals day, and for being such great hosts. We would also like to thank all teams that participated this season, and we hope to see you all again next year.

September 2020

Oxfordshire Cricket is delighted to announce that sixteen year old James Coles has been named in the Sussex line up for their match against Surrey in their Bob Willis Trophy match starting today Sunday 6th of September at the Oval.

Coles who not long ago scored a hundred on his county men’s debut against Buckinghamshire becomes the first professional player to play for Sussex as part of the Oxfordshire and Sussex partnership that was initially formed in 2013.

Coles, who attends Magdalen College School in Oxford, started his cricketing journey for Oxfordshire at the age of eight when he played for the South Oxfordshire District U11s after showing his potential and being nominated by his club Aston Rowant CC. As an eight year old Coles was selected in the U11 Best of Districts squad that toured Exeter in 2012. In July 2013, as a nine year old playing for the U10s against the U11s Best of District he scored 101 not out off 62 balls at Didcot Power Station. In June 2014, he scored his first county age group century hitting 132 off 119 balls against Buckinghamshire at Thame. His performances have been consistently above his peers from an early age.

A couple years later, while he was in the U12s he was invited onto the Sussex Emerging Players Programme, which he has been on for five years since 2015/16. Fast forward to 2018, Coles was selected a year early as a fourteen year old to represent South & West U15s at the Bunbury Festival where he went on to be highest wicket taker at the festival. Not long after, Coles led Oxfordshire’s U15s to victory over Scotland in the Royal London Division B competition.

A year later in 2019, Coles was again selected to attend and captain South & West U15s at the Bunbury Festival at Felstead School in Essex, where he was named Player of the Tournament as a result of being the leading run scorer at the festival with a total of 199 runs. A few months later, he was informed by Sussex Cricket Academy Director, Richard Halsall that he had been awarded a place in Sussex County Cricket Club’s Academy for 2019/2020 alongside Harry Startin. In November 2019, Coles was named Junior Sportsman of the year at the Oxfordshire Sports Awards.

Supporting Coles in his cricketing journey over the years has been Oxfordshire and Sussex Academy Head Coach and Magdalen College School Cricket Professional Alan Duncan.

Alan Duncan – Oxfordshire and Sussex Academy Head Coach and Magdalen College School Cricket Professional said:

“Since seeing James play from the age of 10, he demonstrated his game awareness and understanding of how to manipulate the field from an early age. I remember first seeing him play for Oxfordshire in a match at Abingdon Vale where he scored 140, where he manipulated the field, and everytime the opposition moved a fielder, he would pick that gap. Over the years he has consistently shown his ability to score big runs and dominate through the youth age groups he’s played with a perfect example being his performances at last years Bunbury festival.

I would say that James is a player that thrives on challenges that are put in front of him. He works hard to come up with a plan and method to face whatever he is coming up against when attempting to construct an innings. He has an ability to adapt and work things out quickly, an example of this being two weeks ago in his county men’s debut where he played a mature innings on his way to his century. As a player he always wants to be challenged and put out his comfort zone, where he wants to make sure that he is performing to a high level every time, no matter who it is against.

From a young age James has always found ways to have a balance, of work, rest and play. This is especially evident with him managing his academics, and going to a academically challenging school where he balances his school work with sport. He does well in managing school expectations with what is expected of him. He seems to excel at anything that he puts his mind to, the perfect example of this being last year when participating at the Bunbury festival in cricket but also the Futures Cup with his hockey.

He is a very laid back and humble sixteen year old, who is probably mentally far past his years in maturity. He always takes the time to go support and speak to the younger players, wanting to support them in their journey, as well as his. He enjoys other people’s success, in seeing them reach their goals whatever team that he is involved in. An example of this is not long ago at a match at Bicester and North Oxford where he was asking about the U12s on the other pitch, and how they were getting. It has been great to work with him over the years, I wish James all the best for the match, and look forward to seeing the match .”

Matt Barnes – Oxfordshire Cricket Performance Cricket Manager said:

James’s selection is the realisation of a young player’s dreams and I am delighted that he has earned the opportunity to fulfil them with Sussex. The Oval is steeped in history and a great place for his journey within the professional game to begin.

Only a small number of players progress through a pathway and into professional cricket, which makes it more impressive that James will make his debut at the age of just 16. Both he and his family should be immensely proud, which is testament to his hard work and their ongoing encouragement, sacrifice and support.

James will become the first and youngest player from Oxfordshire to represent Sussex in professional cricket. Having been part of our pathway since an Under 8, it is a special moment for everyone who has witnessed or played part in his development over the years, none more so than Alan Duncan.

James’ selection for Sussex Cricket highlights the continued success of the Oxfordshire and Sussex partnership and gives further evidence to our track record in identifying, developing and producing players who have the potential to progress into First Class County Academies or beyond into professional cricket.

I speak on behalf of everyone at Oxfordshire Cricket in wishing James the very best of luck.

Sussex Head coach, Jason Gillespie said:

“We’re very excited to bring young James Coles into the squad for the first time. He’s a 16-year-old right-handed batsman on our Pathway who also bowls left-arm spin. “He’s an exciting young cricketer and it will be a great opportunity for him to be around the squad.

To watch the match live please follow the link https://sussexcricket.co.uk/match-centre?customer-id=B20CB641-6F61-4AEA-AD19-8CF645FBB399&match-id=b59ce301-b0e2-4df0-94ec-769004777da1

Congratulations to Oxfordshire’s Helen Meardon and Steve Harris who are currently at Lords working in the scorebox for the Bob Willis Trophy final match that is taking place between Somerset and Essex. Best of luck to both Helen and Steve, all of us at Oxfordshire Cricket are looking forward to hearing how the match goes and the experience that they both have at the match.

The Oxfordshire 50+B team continued their incredible run of success by reaching their fifth Final in five years, beating Gloucestershire in this years Final of The Chris Bishop Trophy.

Due to the shortened season and the cancellation of all usual annual competitions, Captain Ross Buchanan created a mini tournament of 8 teams, including 6 first class counties and then named the trophy in memory of the man who both inspired him and countless others as young cricketers and who also created the 50+B team itself five years ago.

En route to the Final Oxfordshire beat Warwickshire, Wocestershire and Gloucestershire then meeting Middlesex in the semi final, when Man of the Match Richard Tilley took 5-35 and hit 74 not out to help his team through to five consecutive finals.

In the Final at Aston Rowant CC on Thursday Gloucestershire chose to bat first and registered 210 with the ever young Steve Kelly taking 3 for 30.

In reply Oxfordshire scored 213-3, new arrival Ben Watson leading the way with a magnificent 107, ably supported by Ali Shah and Mark Robey who both scored 32.

Ross said afterwards ‘In what has been a challenging year for everyone it gives me great pleasure to accept this trophy on behalf of my amazingly talented team who keep showing me year after year how much they enjoy playing their cricket in the finest of spirits. Chris Bishop was a much loved man who inspired many cricketers, so I’m very proud that the first victorious team name to be engraved on his trophy will be Oxfordshire. I know he’d be thrilled by that’

Back row left to right: Ben Watson, Colin Allen, Mark Robey, Mark Sheehan, Richard Tilley, Neil Harris (scorer)

Front row left to right: Ali Shah, Andrew Hodder-Williams, Ross Buchanan (Captain), Chris Panter, Jonny Atkins, Steve Kelly

Monday 31st of August saw the County Women face Berkshire at Bicester and North Oxford CC. After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, Oxfordshire got off to a good start with opening bowler Emilia Bartram taking 3-16 in her six overs and Charley Noble also taking 3-44 in her eight overs to help reduce Berkshire to 144 all out.

In response, Oxfordshire got off to a good start with openers Carla Wood and Abi Norgrove putting on a 131 run partnership for the first wicket. After the first wicket fell, teenager Abi Norgrove guided Oxfordshire to victory on her County Women debut finishing on an unbeaten 50 to secure a nine wicket win over Berkshire.

Emma Boswell – Oxfordshire County Women Coach said:

‘It was great to watch Abi Norgrove take the opportunity given to her by opening the batting against Berkshire by not only scoring her maiden 50 but carrying her bat too! Abi has been in the Oxfordshire pathway way for many years and I have watched her come through to play senior cricket at only 14! Her success is a testament to her work ethic and the system that is in place to help players develop! Well done Abi’

Abi Norgrove said:

“It was a great team performance and I am very happy to have contributed to the win. I am pleased to have gained a personal milestone in senior cricket.”

To view the full match scorecard please follow the link http://oxfordshirecb.play-cricket.com/website/results/4513496

With Women’s Cricket Month coming to an end, we would like to thank everyone who has been involved to showcase Women’s cricket this Summer.

We started the month with the County Women’s team securing a win against Berkshire – 14 year old Abi Norgrove scoring 50 on her debut.

Oxfordshire also successfully completed 3 Women and Girls ‘Have-A-Go’ sessions. This gave new children and adults the opportunity to give cricket a go! We had over 40 new participants attend the sessions across September, in which we hope all that participated continue into next Summer. We would like to thank Oxford Downs Cricket Club, Horspath Cricket Club and Thame Cricket Club for letting us use their facilities.

Along with promoting cricket to new participants throughout the month of September, we have also collected a number of case studies from our fantastic volunteers! The case studies have showcased the fantastic work our volunteers do behind the scene from coaching to being a committee member. If you have missed any of the case studies – please have a look on our website.

Women and Girls Cricket doesn’t stop there – if you would like more information on how you can access cricket in your local area please contact Zoe Pugh on [email protected]

Alternatively, if your club would like to set up a Women or Girls sections, please contact Zoe Pugh on [email protected]

Oxfordshire secured the Nurton-York Trophy with victories in both T20 matches against Buckinghamshire on Sunday 30th of August at Aston Rowant CC.

Going into the matches having already won the 50-over clash earlier in the month, the county men needed to win just one of the matches to secure the inaugural cup.

Captain Jonny Cater won the toss and opted to bat first in both matches. In the first t20, opener Shabaaz Alam guided Oxfordshire to a competitive total after hitting 35 from 34 balls as the home side were able to get up to 122-6. Jack Brooks opened the bowling in his first appearance for Oxfordshire since 2009. Olly Clarke was the pick of the bowlers with 3-14, while Robbie Shurmer and James Coles took two wickets apiece as Buckinghamshire were dismissed for 104 at the start of the final over.

In the second match James Coles continued his good form as he hit an unbeaten 73 not out from 66 balls to help Oxfordshire reach 135-6. Brooks claimed a first wicket for his county in more than a decade by bowling Eliot Callis for four. Bucks then rebuilt and looked well placed to chase down their target as Alexei Kervezee (38), Conrad Louth (25) and Daniel Ogden (23) all scored quickly. However, two run outs in as many balls in the 11th over shifted the momentum back towards Oxfordshire. Clarke with 3-19 again claimed the best bowling figures as the visitors finished on 124-8.

Oxfordshire now travel to Berkshire on Sunday 6th of September to play their final match of the season.

A lovely sunny Bank Holiday Sunday morning saw The Taylor Oval host the U15 County Final between Great & Little Tew CC v Horspath CC.

A good crowd gathered to see Tew win the toss and elect to field.

Horspath posted a challenging total of 156 for 7 off 20 overs with Charlie Turner hitting a superb half-century, including partnerships of 49 and 43 for the 4th and 5th wickets with Rayaan Dogar and George Crawford respectively. Turner retired unbeaten on 52, having brought up his fifty in style with a six. Saif Dogar and Josh Richardson chipped in by getting into the teens. The pick of Tew’s bowlers being Henry Nichols with 2-32.

Horspath then produced a disciplined bowling display to restrict a valiant young Tew side to 123 for 4. Turner (1-12) led the way before Richardson (1-14) and Chris Batten (1-15) ensured the hosts were always behind the run rate. Nichols made 40 before being run out by a direct hit by Hadi Ali from the boundary. The Tew opener shared a third-wicket stand of 69 with Henry McDonald, who made an unbeaten 50 with one four and four sixes.

However, it proved in vain as Horspath were crowned Oxfordshire Under 15 League champions with a 33-run victory with Charlie Turner collecting the man-of-the-match award.

The game was played in a superb spirit and thanks goes out to both coaches for umpiring the contest, the scorers and Eric at Tew for preparing the wicket.

With the nominations for the 2020 now closed, Oxfordshire Cricket over the next four weeks will be shining a light on all of the nominations that we have received, in order to help recognise them for all of their fantastic work over these unprecedented times.

This week we are shining a light on Dave Freeman, Andy Clarke and Steventon CC.

David Freeman

David Freeman single handedly managed a community program of virtual activities which raised money a range of Charities and his on
club. His Quiz nights attracted large audiences and went on throughout lockdown. He proved himself to be a great entertainer during a period
where spirits needed lifting and people needed a social outlet. Within the first few days of lockdown, Dave set up an online quiz, so people could participate live in an event and feel connected to the local community. This was not only for use of cricket club members, but also
any locals who would benefit from company.

Dave runs general knowledge, music and sports quizzes lasting an hour each time – sometimes as often as four evenings a week but at
least every week, often dressing up and making a fool of himself. Importantly, he has also raised valuable funds used not only for the
cricket club but also to very worthwhile local causes. Money raised has gone towards The Chipping Norton Foodbank, The Royal British
Legion, a local gentleman who suffers from MND and his charity. Great and; Little Tew CC and the Tew Centre (which is used by the local
community) will benefit from the purchase of a defibrillator. Dave is still doing regular quizzes and continuing with fundraising
ideas and is hoping to raise money that can be put towards a guide dog for a local resident.

Steventon CC

Steventon cricket club has not had any junior cricket for a good number of years. The team above have started up a junior section this season from nothing in difficult circumstances. They have run an All Stars cricket session with 23 participants as well as softball and hardball cricket up to under 13’s with 37 participants across the two groups. The numbers achieved were only possible due to the hard work of the team advertising locally, engaging with the village school and the use of social media.

The sessions run on a Friday have led to a lively atmosphere at the club with families coming down in support and the games on Sunday’s have had supporters all around the boundary.

With clubs like Steventon struggling to recruit players directly into the adult section this could be the infrastructure required to keep the club in a healthy position for years to come. Finally it has bought together people from the village who previously had no interaction with the cricket club, exemplified by the fact that only Joe Bennett from the coaching team was an existing player.

Andy Clarke

Andy Clarke put a huge amount of effort and time into working on the club’s dilapidated clubhouse and repairing a heavy wooden sight
screen blown over and damaged. Furloughed by his employer, Andy put many hours working alone because of Covid restrictions at the
ground, all unpaid, to enable us to offer cricket when it restarted. He repaired the sights screen, the roof, the guttering, the verandah, the
terrace, the gents’ sink, amongst other things. Andy is a real club man, not the most able of cricketers (as he would himself admit) but hugely
enthusiastic, always available, never complaining about not batting higher up the order or rarely bowling and is the second name after the
captain on the 2 nd XI team sheet.