Devon chase against Oxfordshire tripped-up by four-wicket stumble | Defeat a set-back for hopes of reaching 50-over Trophy last eight
DEVON’S hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the National Counties Trophy suffered a setback when they lost to Oxfordshire by 90 runs at Abingdon.
Victory over Buckinghamshire at Instow in the first round of games in qualifying Group Three got Devon away to a flying start in the four-match schedule.
It could not be tighter at this stage as all four of the five teams are locked together on two points, although Devon do have a game in hand on Cornwall and now Oxfordshire either side of them.
And if Devon beat Cornwall at Redruth this Sunday, they will be right back in contention behind early group leaders Berkshire, who are on four points.
Opener Dylan Driscoll top scored for Oxfordshire with 78 and shared a 135-run stand wit Hayden Rossouw (55) for the second wicket towards a total of 264 all out. George Tait (44) and Luke Hayes (23) add 44 more down the order.
Opening bowler Ben Privett returned for two more overs at the end of the innings to take three for 13 and finish with one-day best figures for Devon of four for 45. Sam Read (2-19 off 7) gave nothing away.
James Horler, the Devon captain, led the pursuit with 60 of the first hundred on the board before he was fourth out in the 19thover. That was also a one-day best for Devon.
Losing three more wickets for 23 runs scored holed Devon below the waterline and there was no realistic prospect of a comeback from 123 for seven.
Matt Thompson, with 32 off 73 balls, and Jamie Stephens (23) delayed the inevitable with a stand of 48 for the eighth wicket.
The end came in a rush as Stephens, Thompson then tail-ender Joe Heywood went in the space of 10 balls as Devon were bowled out for 174.
Henry Welch with four for 31 was comfortably the pick of Oxfordshire’s bowlers.
Tim Western, Devon’s performance director, was clear where and how the game got away.
“There were two short spells which went against us and largely shaped the outcome of the match,” said Western.
“When we bowled at Oxfordshire in the first innings they hit 69 runs in a six-over spell.
“When we batted we were looking strong at 100 for three before losing four wickets for 23 runs in just six overs.
“Outside those two spells, we were very good and looked to be the better side.
“The squad will learn from this defeat. Fortunately, we have two fixtures remaining in the group stage to put things back on a winning course.”
Early team news for the trip to Redruth is that spinner Jamie Stephens, the son of former Cornwall batsman Phil Stephen, is unable to travel due to work commitments.
