Oxfordshire captain Ian Hawtin says they are confident of going further in the MCCA Trophy after reaching the quarter-finals.

Sunday’s seven-wicket victory over Shropshire ensured Oxon’s last eight place – and they will now be away to Wiltshire at Corsham on Sunday, June 14.

Hawtin said: “We are confident. We have a good squad and many players have contributed to our success, not just those who faced Shropshire.”

“We have now won three games in the group, and we didn’t do that when we reached the semi-finals in the last two years.”

Despite chasing just 212 for victory against Shropshire at Challow & Childrey, Oxon didn’t edge home until the final over.

“I think we always had it under control,” said Hawtin. “We timed it well.

“We did really well in the field. The two spinners, Luke Ryan and Paul McMahon, were brilliant in the middle of their innings.

“Luke came in for Daniel Rowe, who couldn’t get time off work, and took his opportunity well.

“That set it up for us. 211 at Challow is not a good score.

“We just said if we go into the last five overs with wickets in hand, we should be fine.”

  • Oxford CC’s Sunday XI are looking for an away friendly fixture this Sunday.

Interested teams should contact Harry Porter on 07824 468316.