A five-wicket haul for Ellie Norton was not enough to save Oxfordshire from a 31-run defeat in their ECB Women’s County Championship Division 3 match against Hertfordshire at Tring.

Oxon were unable to overhaul Hertfordshire’s competitive total of 211 all out, falling just short at 180-8 from their 50 overs.

Oxon’s bowling attack got off to a fantastic start as Carla Wood dismissed Hannah Smith in the first over.

But the incoming Sarah Bartlett proved to be a thorn in the visitors’ side, hitting a fine half-century before eventually falling to a good catch by Wood.

There were decent contributions from Anna Swan, Chloe Jackson and Kathy Norton, with Norton seemingly the only bowler able to contain the hosts, finishing with an impressive 5-39.

Oxon’s reply started well, with opening pair Rhian Todd and Genny Porter striking up a partnership of 63.

But they were hindered by a middle-order collapse as Abi Currie, Wood and Abigail Flory were each dismissed in quick succession.

And despite a late effort from Gemma Muttitt, who posted a valuable 31 off 47 deliveries, Oxon’s run rate just proved too great and they fell 31 short of their total.