YOUTH CRICKET: It's a mixed bag for county (From Oxford Mail)

YOUTH CRICKET: It's a mixed bag for county

10:30am Saturday 18th August 2012 in Other Cricket

Under 15

OXFORDSHIRE had a mixed week at the Oxford Festival, coming fourth in the five-team event, writes SAM RYAN.

The hosts won two of their four games, but showed signs of promise for the future.

Oxon posted a below-par 210-8 from 50 overs against Norfolk in their opening match at Aston Rowant.

Will Bull held the innings together with a patient 63 not out, but he lacked support.

Eventual winners Norfolk cruised home by five wickets.

However, Oxfordshire hit back with a 14-run victory over Gloucestershire on day two.

Alex Davies’s 63 from 72 balls was the highlight of the home side’s 176-7.

James Bracey scored 77 for Gloucester, but James Fitzjohn took 5-19 as the visitors fell from 125-4 to 162 all out.

On day three, Oxon lost a game they really should have won against Hertfordshire.

Having posted 164 – Davies again top-scoring with 41 – Oxon reduced Herts to 90-7, Sam Haselgrove taking 3-26.

But Hertfordshire rallied to win by two wickets.

Oxon’s final game produced the best batting display of the week against Cumbria.

Davies (46) and Harry Ackland (41) starred in a total of 222.

Fitzjohn then claimed three wickets and Siam Hussain two to dismiss the northerners for 167.