CRICKET: James Fitzjohn scored a maiden county half century and took three wickets, but it was not quite enough to give Oxfordshire Under 11s victory against Northants at Great Tew.

Oxon finished just ten runs short to draw the match, and are continuing to show rapid improvement as a team.

Oxfordshire won the toss and elected to bowl, and despite good spells from openers William Bull and Henry Portman, it was not back up by the fielders as they dropped a couple of chances.

Ajay Moses went on to score 44, before James Bower made the breakthrough.

Wickets started to tumble, and with Northants struggling on 49-4, Oxon looked in complete control.

However, Moses was still there and looking solid, before Fitzjohn broke the partnership.

Fitzjohn finished with fine figures of 3-23 and Bower 4-23 as Northants finished on 149-9 from their 40 overs.

Oxon began their reply well, with Connor Tinsley and Fitzjohn putting on 26 for the first wicket.

A stand of 69 between Luke Symington and Fitzjohn put Oxon in control and at 97-3, Oxon looked on course for victory.

However, three quick wickets slowed down the scoring rate, and needing a run a ball, Alex Davies and William Bull bravely chased the game, but they finished just short on 139-6.