OXFORDSHIRE recovered from a poor start to beat Bedfordshire by 18 runs in the final of the Minor Counties Wormsley Invitational T20 yesterday.

After slipping to 35-4 in seven overs, Oxon recovered to reach 137-7 thanks to an unbeaten 39 from Jonny Cater and a sparkling 40 from 28 balls by Harry Stephens, despite a spell of 5-23 from George Thurstance.

Beds, who beat Cambridgeshire by seven wickets in the semi-final, struggled after Karl Penhale took two early wickets and were bowled out for 119.

The drama came in the morning semi-final when Oxon gained a thrilling last-ball win over Bucks, after the scores finished level.

Karl Penhale and Luke Ryan took three wickets each as Bucks made 141-9.

Debutant and Sussex paceman Tymal Mills’s economical four-over spell (1-10) proved crucial.

Despite George Munsey’s quick-fire 45 off 24 balls, Oxon needed 16 to win off the final over and seven off the last ball.

Jonny Cater (46no) levelled the scores with a last-ball six, Oxon going through on fewer wickets.

SCORES

Semi-final: Bucks 141-9 (20 ovs, A Woodland 36, D Hampton 33, K Penhale 3-20, L Ryan 3-25), Oxon 141-6 (20 ovs, J Cater 46no, G Munsey 45, H Stephens 32, U Amjaid 3-26).

Final: Oxon 137-7 (20 ovs, H Stephens 40, J Cater 39no, G Thurstance 5-23), Bedfordshire 119 (20 ovs).