Curtly Slatter’s terrific form for club and county continued as he helped Oxfordshire Under 15s to a thrilling three-wicket victory against Dorset in the ECB County Cup at Banbury.

Set a formidable target of 273 for victory, Oxon produced one of their best run-chases in recent seasons – scoring 52 in the final five overs to wrap up victory.

Slatter led the way with a superb knock of 81.

After asking their visitors to bat first, Dorset opener Ben Rodgers smashed some wayward bowling to all parts of the ground before he was finally stumped by Henry Sensecall off Sasha Barras for 95.

Dorset had reached 125-1 with 29 overs to go, and 300-plus looked a real possibility.

But bit by bit, Oxon clawed their way back, a miserly spell from spinner Liam Hare tying down the Dorset batsman as they closed on 272-6 from their 50 overs.

Needing to score at a rate approaching six runs an over, Oxon got off to the worst possible start when Elliot Day was bowled in the first over.

But Adam Muttitt and Sensecall put on 75 in quick time to get Oxon back on track.

Both fell in quick succession, to leave Oxon on 75-3.

Slatter, though, had other ideas as he proceeded to play the key innings, mixing boundaries with good running between the wickets.

Along with Connor Morrison, who hit five fours and a six in his 30, and Josh crossley (44), Oxon left themselves 52 to win from the final five overs.

Luke Finch hit a quickfire 14, before Barras’s cameo under pressure saw Oxon home with two balls to spare, Barrass finishing with three fours and a six in his 27 not out.