OXFORDSHIRE 326-9 and 281-7 (24pts) beat DORSET 99 and 254 (4pts) by 254 runs

DORSET must lick their wounds after a heavy 254-run defeat by Oxfordshire in their NCCA Championship Western Division One clash at Banbury.

Dorset ended day two on 134-3 chasing a gigantic 509 to win after Oxfordshire had amassed 326-9 in the first innings, skittled Dorset for 99 and then declared on 281-7.

Sam Young finished unbeaten on 46 and David Scott on 34 as Dorset recovered from 22-2, but it did not take long for Oxfordshire to find a breakthrough on day three.

Young passed 50 before the wicket of Scott, who could only add four runs to his overnight tally, trapped lbw by Tom Hinley (1-60).

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With Young (68) well set and seemingly carrying hopes of batting out a draw all on his shoulders, disaster struck in the 53rd over when he offered a catch off Oliver Clarke having hit ten boundaries and two sixes.

Dorset then added 27 in the next two overs, largely thanks to Alex Eckland (33) until he too was removed by Clarke, this time lbw.

Dorset were now 205-6 but fought on with their backs to the wall, James Trodd (21), Ben Chaffey (10) and last man Ben Fletcher (13) all breaching double figures.

However, Clarke picked up the final four wickets to finish with stunning returns of 7-78 as Oxfordshire locked up 24 points, Dorset earning just four after being dismissed for 254.

Dorset return to NCCA Championship action on Sunday, hosting Cheshire at The Leaze, Wimborne (11am).