There can't have been many better Oxfordshire finals in the npower Village Cup than that served up by Horspath and Cumnor.

The match had literallly everything before a series of sixes by tailenders Ayaz Khan and Carl Thompson saw Cumnor to an unlikely two-wicket success.

That looked remote when the visitors needed 70 off six overs with only three wickets remaining.

Cumnor captain Thompson said: "All I said to the guys was anything is possible. A few big hits and you never know.

"Ayaz gave us a chance of winning and we just had to believe.

"I have got a lot of respect for Horspath.

"I said to Robbie Eason that we will try to make them proud in the later rounds.

"I'm delighted for the lads who have put a lot of effort in."

Horspath produced a dynamic finish to their own innings, racking up 98 runs in the final ten overs.

"We thought we were going to restrict them to 170, and then we got off to a great start in reply," said Thompson.

"But they put pressure on us and we thought it was all over.

"I'm a definitely no higher than a No 7 or 8, but they say every dog has its day."

Horspath skipper Robbie Eason said: "It was an unbelievable game, with amazing support.

"I thought we had it, but their captain played a blinder and took the game away from us.

"I believe we dominated the game for long periods, but it is a small ground here and if you chance your arm, it can come off.

"The lads are a bit gutted, but it was a great game.

"That is the third time we've come close at this stage, but that's cricket.

"We'll come back and have another go next year.

"We are delighted we got to the final, but we didn't quite do enough.

"It was the closest game I've ever played in.

"But to get so close and not win is really tough."

Cumnor host Cranborne from Dorset in the first national round on June 29 with the winner at home to Marshfield, Stapleton or Chew Magna two weeks later.