Oxfordshire coasted into the last eight of the MCCA Trophy with a crushing nine-wicket win over Bedfordshire in their final Group 1 game at Challow & Childrey.

With Oxon knocking off their victory target of 195 well inside the 38-overs mark required to finish above leaders Shropshire - who had completed their fixtures - on run rate, it means Ian Hawtin's side are guaranteed to be in the top two qualifying places.

Having won the toss and elected to field, Oxfordshire took full advantage with Ryan Newhook and Jack Brooks taking early wickets.

Veteran seamer Keith Arnold and teenager Nathan Hawkes then exerted a stranglehold on the middle of the innings with Bedfordshire playing out five consecutive maidens from the 20th over.

Arnold proved particuarly hard to score off, taking 3-19 off his ten overs, and Bedfordshire were indebted to Dave Bendon (45) as they closed on 194-9 off their 50 overs.

Knowing they had to not only achieve victory, but also by a certain stage to make the quarter-finals, Oxon openers Chris Sandbach and Jamie Hewitt set about the task in positive fashion.

Aided by 27 wides from a wayward Bedfordshire attack, they put on 161 for the first wicket.

Sandbach made 59 off 92 balls with seven fours before he fell.

Hewitt kept up the momentum, taking Oxon to victory at 198-1 off 33.5 overs as he finished unbeaten on 74 off 93 balls with 12 fours.

He was joined in the final charge to victory by Craig Haupt, who hit a rapid 30 not out.

Now Oxon wait to see who they will face in the quarter-finals.