Oxfordshire captain Ian Hawtin hailed his bowlers as they cruised into the MCCA Trophy semi-finals last night.

Hawtin’s men secured a seven-wicket victory over Wiltshire at Corsham after dismissing their hosts for just 175.

Oxon cruised to victory with more than four overs to spare, but the damage had been done with the ball.

Oxford paceman Stuart Hole led the way with 3-43, .

Hawtin said: “I thought the bowlers were excellent.

“Stuart got us going with those three wickets alongside Richard Gilbert.

“Then to bring someone on like Keith Arnold to bowl ten overs for 14 runs made it a lot easier for us.

“It was probably our best all-round team performance.

“Against Cheshire was our best batting display, but today our bowling and fielding were superb. We took all our chances.”

Hawtin added: “They had some quality players. Liam Dawson was on the England A tour last winter and has only just been left out of the Hampshire team.”

Oxfordshire will now visit Norfolk in the semi-finals on Sunday, June 28, having lost at that stage in the past two seasons.

Hawtin said: “I think we are a stronger side than we have been in the last two years.

“When you look at the side that played today, there are still other people who can come in.

“It would be great to win a semi-final first of all.

“Oxfordshire have never won a final in this competition.

“So it would be great to send out a message about how we can play.

“Winning it would be up there with the best things I have done in my career.”