OXFORDSHIRE missed out on a place in the quarter-finals of the MCCA Trophy after a six-wicket defeat at the hands of Dorset in Weymouth yesterday.

Ian Hawtin’s side went into the game knowing that nothing less than victory against the table-toppers would do if they were to progress.

But a woeful batting display saw Oxon dismissed for just 119 in 35.4 overs.

And although three quick wickets gave the visitors’ hope, a fourth-wicket partnership of 79 between Darren Cowley (52) and Aaron Williams (38) ended their hopes.

After winning the toss and batting first, Oxfordshire got off to a dreadul start when Chris Sandbach fell for a duck and Nathan Hawkes managed just one.

Things then got even worse when opener Damian Shirazi jumped out the way of a short-pitched delivery and hurt his back.

Shirazi was in agony as he was helped from the pitch. He was believed to have suffered a slipped disc and was unable to return.

Two more quick wickets saw Oxon slump to 21-4 – or five if you include Shirazi.

Chris Watling, a late replacement for the injured Rob Williams and Jack Taylor hung around for ten overs, before Taylor was stumped.

Skipper Hawtin shared a 56-run partnership with Watling, before he too fell.

The last three wickets added just eight runs as Oxon’s total of 115 never looked enough, Watling top-scoring with 34.

For Dorset, Richard Banham took 5-19.

However, on a wicket that was offering something to the quicker bowlers, Daniel Rowe gave his side hope.

Rowe took three wickets in his first five overs as Dorset, who were missing former Oxfordshire all-rounder Dave Taylor with a back injury, limped to 25-3 at lunch.

The next few overs were going to be crucial for either side – but it took just one to all but seal the result.

Cowley went on the attack in Rowe’s first over after lunch, and promptly smashed 23 off it.

He was slightly fortunate in that one boundary came off an edge through the slips, and a top edge flew for six, but the damage was done.

Cowley went on to smash 52 off 39 balls before he was caught by Richard Gilbert off the bowling of Taylor.

Chris Park then teamed up with Williams to guide Dorset home with ease – and through to the last eight – off just 26.5 overs.