Josh Megson took four wickets, but it was in a losing cause as Oxfordshire Under 14s suffered a five-wicket defeat against Gloucestershire in the ECB County Cup at Stonesfield.
After losing the toss, Oxon were put into bat in good bowling conditons, and they found the going tough.
Adam Muttitt and Michael Forrest put on 32 for the first wicket, but Forrest’s 17 proved to be the top score as Oxon lost wickets at regular intervals to be bowled out for 110.
Oxon were in no mood to be beaten heavily, and the bowlers turned in a spirited performance, reducing the visitors to 77-5, Megson leading the way with 4-17.
At this stage, it was anyone’s game, and when Kevin Smith, who top-scored with 40 not out, appeared to be brilliantly caught at third slip by Connor Morrison, it proved the turning point.
Smith was given the benefit of doubt by the umpires, as it was unclear that the ball had carried, and Gloucestershire got home with seven overs to spare.
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