Oxfordshire are one win away from a dream trip to Lord's after a thrilling four-wicket victory over Staffordshire in the Minor Counties Cricket Association Trophy at Leek.

Oxon edged home with three balls to spare in an absorbing quarter-final.

And now Ian Hawtin's side are at home to old rivals Berkshire in the semi-final at a venue to be arranged on Sunday, July 13.

The prize for the winners is a place in the final at cricket's headquarters on Sunday, August 6.

Hawtin said: "We don't want to get carried away. Last year we got to the semi-final and lost. Hopefully we can go one better this year."

Oxon's victory was built around an accurate bowling display with spinner Paul McMahon conceding just 20 runs off his ten overs as he picked up two wickets.

Jamie Hewitt then led Oxon to victory with 74.

Oxon won the toss and put Staffs in, and the home side got off to a flying start with Peter Wilshaw cracking five fours off the opening over bowled by Ryan Newhook.

But the Banbury paceman hit back to bowl Brian Sims with the score on 23, and then Jack Brooks removed George Cairns and Sam Seadon in the same over to leave Staffs 24-3.

Richard Harvey steadied the ship, before being caught behind by Hawtin off Keith Arnold with the score on 59.

Former Derbyshire player Mohamed Sheikh then joined Wilshaw in a fifth-wicket stand of 64, before being caught by Brooks running in at mid off of McMahon for 41.

Wilshaw, who hit ten fours in an 85-ball 60, was then bowled by McMahon.

Craig Barker, became Arnold's second victim, and with Greg Willott and David Edwards falling cheaply, it was left to Paul Goodwin with 43 to take Staffs to 199 all out off 49.5 overs.

Chris Sandbach was first to go for Oxon with the score on 28, and there was a slight wobble when Craig Haupt and Jaimie Noble fell to leave Oxon 68-3.

But then Charlie Knightley joined Hewitt in a stand of 87 for the fourth wicket to keep the visitors on course.

Hewitt, whose runs came off 113 balls with one six and nine fours, was run out by a direct hit from mid-wicket going for a second run with the score on 155.

Knightley fell at 166, but Nathan Hawkes and Brooks kept up the momentum with some lusty blows to take Oxon to the brink of victory.

After Hawkes was run out, Oxon reached the last over needing four to win.

Hawtin completed the job with Brooks, with victory being secured thanks to a no ball off the fourth delivery.