JONNY Cater says his Oxfordshire players are enjoying their cricket as they eye a third-straight three-day win.

The side resume their Unicorns Counties Championship campaign this weekend, hosting Herefordshire at Challow & Childrey CC.

Oxon sit fourth in the Western Division after three games, thanks to a 273-run win over Shropshire and nine-wicket demolition of Wales.

It has been a great response to the opening game of their campaign, where Cater’s side were outplayed in a two-wicket defeat at Cornwall.

“The boys have really bounced back,” said the wicket-keeper/batsman.

“And they’re enjoying their cricket as well – that’s the most important thing.

“They’re also enjoying each other’s company and that’s great,

“They want to be a part of the environment, they feel relaxed, and they’re playing their best cricket.

“We’re hoping to keep it going at Challow this weekend and we’re looking forward to playing there.”

With the Western Division being split in two next season, Oxon have set their sights on a top-five finish to ensure they are in the top tier in 2020.

Cater’s side are on course so far and, with three games remaining, they will be hoping to build on their 16-point cushion over fifth-placed Shropshire, who take on leaders Berkshire this weekend.

The skipper said: “The boys have performed really well.

“It’s what we’ve come to expect from the lads now and we put the first game to bed.

“We’ve had two fairly convincing victories now, and we’re looking at the next three games, starting with Herefordshire, looking to continue that and establish our position in the table.

“There are some very strong teams and we’re in amongst it in the top four places – that’s where we want to be.”

Oxon are forced into three changes for the fixture.

Seamers Joe Butcher, who took match figures of 8-82 against Wales, and Russell White are unavailable, while batsman George Sandbach is also missing.

The fixture, which begins on Sunday, was moved to Challow following issues with the University Parks ground.

It is enabling groundstaff to carry out necessary renovation work on their square for next season.