Oxfordshire Under 16s finished a highly-creditable third at the 2011 Standard Bank Jersey Festival.

Winning their first three matches against Hampshire, Berkshire and Jersey, Oxon went into the fourth match against Cheshire, knowing that victory would hand them the title, but they fell to a 47-run defeat, meaning the crown went to Hampshire instead.

But Oxon can look back on the week with great pride, particularly a first-day victory against the eventual winners.

They won the toss and opted to bat, and posted a useful total of 190-7 in their 50 overs, with contributions throughout.

Oxfordshire’s spinners then took control with the ball, claiming all ten wickets, Miles Hammond’s 4-24 leading the way as Hants were all out for 180.

A three-wicket victory against Berkshire followed, and Oxon took their 100 per cent record on to the fourth day with a crushing 188-run victory over host team Jersey.

Curtly Slatter’s excellent 98 from only 80 balls led Oxon to a massive 309-8, before Jersey succumbed for only 121 in reply.

Against Cheshire, Oxon knew that victory would secure the Standard Bank Trophy for the first time.

But it was not to be as they came up against a strong side, losing by 47 runs.

Cheshire rattled up 218-7 in their 50 overs, before Oxon got off to a disastrous start, losing two wickets in only the second over.

Although Oxon recovered, they were never up with the rate, and were eventually bowled out for 171.

Sadly for Oxon, the final day also brought defeat as they lost by four wickets against Buckinghamshire, who collected their only win of the festival against their neighbouring county.

Oxon won the toss and elected to bat, but found the going tough as they managed only 178-7.

After the use of the heavy roller, Bucks found it far easier batting second, and eased to a four-wicket win with three overs to spare.

Oxon did take home some silverware, however.

They were nominated by their fellow competitors and umpires as the winners of the ‘Spirit of Cricket’ award for fair play throughout the week, while left-arm spinner Chris Leaney was adjudged the player of the tournament award for his consistent displays thr-oughout the week.