OXFORD'S dreams of reaching Lord's in the Cockspur Cup were shattered as they went down to a five-wicket defeat against Ealing in their last-32 clash at Rover Cowley.

Put in to bat in the Group 12 (South East 1) final, Oxford made 231-9 from their 45 overs.

Opener Simon Hole led the way with 80, but no other batsman was able to play a major innings alongside him as Ealing pegged the home side back.

Seamer David Slade gave Oxford a terrific start when Ealing replied, having opener Luke Stoughton caught behind by Todd Hutcheson without a run on the board.

However, Simon Hawk and Rajesh Rao then shared a second-wicket stand of 113 to set Ealing on the way to victory.

With Welling hammering an unbeaten 63, the visitors reached 232-5 with ten balls to spare.

Shamilal Mendis was the pick of the Oxford bowlers with 2-24 from his nine overs.