OXON Under 14s slipped to a two-wicket defeat, despite a spirited fightback in their ECB County Cup clash away to Staffordshire.

They had been bowled out for only 111, but made the hosts work hard for the victory, taking eight wickets before Staffordshire crept home.

Oxon made a decent start as Jonty Robinson and Jordan Garrett put on a half-century opening stand.

But when they fell for 29 and 28 respectively, wickets tumbled regularly, with only Will Hawtin (13) able to reach double figures.

Staffordshire’s innings followed in much the same way, with both openers making starts, only for Oxfordshire to then take a cluster of wickets.

Harrison Ward finished with 3-19, but it was the 30 extras that helped the home side to victory with nine balls to spare.