RUPERT Evans knows what it takes to win the Minor Counties Championship as an Oxfordshire player, but admits beating Cumberland in this year’s final as coach would be just as special.

Evans claimed two wickets as Oxon beat Hertfordshire at Worcester’s County Ground in 1989 – the last time they won what is now called the Unicorns Counties Championship.

As an off-spinner, Evans took 447 Minor Counties wickets, but missed Oxon’s last meeting with Cumberland – the 1986 championship final which they lost by two wickets – with a shoulder injury.

However, since then the format has changed and this year’s final in Carlisle, which starts on Sunday, is to be played over four days.

And, having coached Oxon to the final 26 years after their last triumph, Evans is excited at the prospect of ending their long wait for silverware.

The 61-year-old said: “Having been part of a winning side, although it was a different format, it would be absolutely fantastic if I could win it again as the head coach.

“I am very excited about the game and hopefully the players are as well.”

Despite losing their first game against Berkshire, Oxon won the next five matches to top the Western Division, booking a place in the final by beating Wiltshire by an innings and 183 runs in their last group match.

Evans said: “It is a fantastic achievement.

“We lost the first game, but to go on and win five consecutive games, and convincingly as well, it is all credit to the players.”

Oxon’s side, led by captain Luke Ryan, has profited from an influx of youth this season.

Harrison Ward, 15, became the youngest Oxon player to score a championship century, while 17-year-old Harvey Eltham took 19 wickets in three matches.

Jordan Garrett, 16, and Jack Wilkins, 18, have also starred in the senior team and Evans believes winning the championship would be hugely beneficial to the development of youth cricket in the county.

He said: “It would be really good for Oxfordshire cricket.

“Mainly for the fact that the nucleus of the side is very young, with one or two experienced players.

“We have had four players who have played quite a few games this year and have been between 15 and 18-years-old, that is really good for the future.

“They have come into a side where the experienced players have done very well, but the youngsters have stepped up to the plate and performed outstandingly well.

“We knew they were good players, but they have exceeded our expectations.”