Oxfordshire Colts fought all the way before going down by three wickets in their ECB Under 19 County Championship quarter-final against Lancashire at Wellingborough School yesterday.

In an enthralling, yet frustrating day, Oxon came close to pulling off one of the shock wins of the season.

Lancashire were set 200 to win in 100 overs, and got off to a slow start, scoring just 23 runs from the first 16 overs.

Off spinner Ian Evans picked up Oxfordshire's first wicket, and Jimmy Phillips's spin also did the damage as both the Lancashire openers were removed to leave them at 69-2 off 39 overs at lunch.

A wicket for Philip Evans with the second ball after the break raised hopes, but a stand of 86, coupled with three missed chances on a hot afternoon took away the initiative.

Two quick wickets before tea briefly raised hopes, but despite two more before the end, Lancashire eventually passed their target with 86 overs gone, despite Phillips finishing with 4-58.

OXFORDSHIRE

First Innings: 199.

LANCASHIRE

First Innings

C Grindley lbw I Evans...18

R Cross c Rana b Phillips...20

C Hey lbw Phillips...66

D Brown c Smith b P Evans...15

P Horton c P Evans b Phillips...33

C Evans lbw I Evans...10

S Mahmood c P Evans b Phillips...16

J Wildman not out...5

J Anyon not out...3

Extras 14

Total (7 wkts, 85.1 ov)...200

Bowling: P Evans 15-3-37-1, Pike 4-0-15-0, Phillips 25-5-58-4, Malik 10.1-3-15-0, I Evans 25-9-42-2, Krol 6-0-23-0.