JONNY Cater is calling on Oxfordshire to grasp an opportunity to reach a semi-final with both hands, writes JACK JOHNSON.

The side take on Suffolk in the last eight of the Unicorns KO Trophy on Sunday.

Oxfordshire advanced to the quarter-finals with a seven-wicket victory over Hertfordshire last month.

That win came as a welcome boost for a side that endured a torrid time in the Unicorns Counties T20 Competition.

After losing all eight games to finish bottom of Group B in that format, they head into this weekend’s one-day clash looking for a confidence-boosting result.

Having achieved that in Welwyn Garden City, Cater wants his side to produce a similar performance at Banbury CC.

The wicket-keeper/batsman said: “There’s no reason why we can’t go far in this

competition.

“The last performance demonstrated that point against Hertfordshire.

“We have got a good mix of experience and youth to have a real challenge – we’re looking forward to it.”

With Gloucestershire batsman Miles Hammond withdrawing due to a leg injury, Oxfordshire have named a squad of 12.

Spinning all-rounder Olly Clarke makes his seasonal bow in the competition.

Bowlers Harvey Eltham and Brad Taylor are also added to the side that beat Hertfordshire.

Cater said: “It’s a great opportunity, it’s knockout cricket and anything can happen.

“We’re playing at home, we don’t know much about Suffolk, we don’t play them at all in the three-day season.

“We will turn up and back our ability. Hopefully there will be a good crowd at Banbury, but we know we have to execute our skills.

“Suffolk beat Bucks and are probably looking at this

competition in the same way we are.

“But it’s a great opportunity for silverware.

“We’re three wins away from picking up a trophy.”

Oxfordshire squad: J Cater (capt) (Buckingham Tn) capt, G Andrew (Ombersley), L Bethell (Aston Rowant), O Clarke (Banbury), H Eltham (Oxford), J Garrett (Great & Little Tew, Downend & Gloucs), R Kaufman (Old Northamptonians), J Perkin (Oxford), T Price (Great & Little Tew & Gloucs), H Smith (Great & Little Tew), B Taylor (Banbury), J Thomas (Great & Little Tew).

  • Oxfordshire have praised Magdalen College School for resting Tom Price ahead of the county’s Unicorns KO Trophy quarter-final against Suffolk at Banbury on Sunday.

The 18-year-old all-rounder was due to play for the school against RGS Worcester tomorrow, but has been pulled out.

“I’d like to thank MCS for their action, especially during this busy examination period,” said county selector Ian Hawtin.

“It shows that the school are supporting the board’s ‘player pathway’ scheme.

“It was the right thing to do from the player’s point of view, and we’re very grateful to Alan Duncan and his team at the school.”