Cheshire’s surprise loss

May 13 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

LAST year’s finalists Cheshire slipped to a surprise defeat at the hands of Oxfordshire in the MCCA Knockout Trophy at the weekend.

But despite a loss in their third 50-over group match on Sunday at Great and Little Tew Cricket Club – the first time a Minor Counties match has been played at the ground – the county remain top of the table and are still favourites to qualify for the quarter-final stages of the competition.

Having won the toss and elected to bat, Andy Hall’s side stuttered to 178 all out in 48.5 overs, before the hosts won with six wickets and 11.4 overs to spare.

“We just didn’t score enough runs, we’re losing too many early wickets at the moment,” said Cheshire team manager Sandy Scrimgeour. “It’s disappointing to lose, but we’re still in the driving seat.”

SCORECARD: Cheshire 178 all out, 48.5 overs (Hall 52, Hewitt 3-34). Oxfordshire: 179-4, 38.2 overs (Williams 75 not out, Cook 40 not out)

RESULT: Cheshire (0pts), who won the toss and elected to bat, lost to Oxfordshire (2pts) by six wickets.