CRICKET: Oxford lose again to be relegated (From Bicester Advertiser)

CRICKET: Oxford lose again to be relegated

10:50am Monday 10th September 2012 in Sport

OXFORD’S one-wicket defeat at Bishops Stortford, which confirmed their relegation from Division 1 of the Serious Cricket Home Counties Premier League, summed up much of their season.

After a disastrous start to their campaign, Oxford have been on the wrong end of several tight finishes.

This game, against the other relegated side, was typical of their campaign.

After being put into bat, Oxford mustered only 161, with two of their main batsmen being run out.

Stortford were reduced to 60-5 before a stand of 66 between Daniel Blacktopp and Chad Barrett swung the match their way.

Wickets tumbled though, and at 153-9 the match was in the balance.

But the last Stortford pair edged home to victory.

Both Oxford spinners, Shamilal Mendis and Rupert Evans, took three wickets.