LUKE Ryan rued Oxfordshire’s poor fielding as their Unicorns Counties Trophy campaign was ended by Northumberland yesterday.

After setting 208 in their quarter-final clash at Bicester & North Oxford, Oxon looked to be in control after restricting the visitors to 53-4 and 121-7.

However, Northumberland roared back and Kevin Ward’s 39 as well as a ninth-wicket stand of 41 helped them advance to the semi-finals.

Ryan was pleased with his side’s bowling, but felt his side lost it in the field.

“We’re really disappointed,” he said.

“When they were four, seven and eight down we were well in control and we just did not manage to get over the line.

“Fielding-wise we let them get too many singles and we have got to look at that.

“I think that was our worst showing in the field.”

With Oxfordshire well on top with Northumberland seven wickets down, Ryan said his players were forced to learn a very important lesson.

He added: “Once we had them down we almost thought we had won and we needed to keep the pressure on.

“The game is never won until it is won – it’s something we probably need to keep hammering home to the boys.

“As soon as you take your foot off the gas at this level, they bat all the way down and can really sting you.”