OXFORDSHIRE’S already slim hopes of qualifying for the latter stages of the Unicorns Trophy were ended when they lost by four wickets to Dorset at Bicester & North Oxford yesterday.

It was the third defeat in as many matches for skipper Luke Ryan’s team, who reached the final of the competition two seasons ago.

Choosing to bat first, Oxon made a bright start as the in-form Hugo Darby scored freely.

But three wickets for six runs derailed the innings.

Darby, with 36 off 44 balls, Richard Kaufman and Harry Stephens all fell to Jake Lilley as Oxon slumped to 51-3.

When Lloyd Sabin, who batted 23 balls for two, departed the hosts were in big trouble.

The rest of the innings was held together by Jonny Cater who made 61 from 94 balls with some fine running between the wickets.

Richard West and Ryan added useful contributions as they recovered to 188 all out.

On a slow pitch, this was a fair target, and a great spell who Chad Keegan, who took 2-26 in ten overs, made Dorset struggle after a good start.

Oxon had a chance with the visitors on 154-6, but a fluent unbeaten 33 from Luke Webb saw the visitors home with five overs to spare.