VETERAN Oxfordshire off-spinner Rupert Evans has announced his retirement from Minor Counties cricket, writes RICHARD TILLEY.

The 45-year-old is calling it a day after 26 seasons, having made his debut as an Oxon Colt in 1973.

Now the county's cricket development officer, Evans is the third highest wicket-taker in Oxfordshire history, claiming 448 Championship victims in 155 matches at an average of 25.88.

During the latter part of his career he was a regular in the Minor Counties Representative and England Amateur XI's. He was made captain in 1993.

"For a long time he was the best spinner in the country outside the professional game," said Oxon team manager and former keeper Alan Crossley.

"I was fortunate to have had a ringside seat, so to speak, and he was magnificent. But more importantly, he was one of the most respected and well-liked players on the circuit. He was a true gentleman."

Evans, who passed the captaincy on to Bicester and North Oxford's Rob Williams at the end of last season, said that he felt he had made his decision at the right time. "Rob is in charge now and he doesn't want me looking over his shoulder," he said. "I will miss it, but I won't be tempted to come back, not even for one-off games."

Meanwhile, Oxfordshire - minus Evans - face Berkshire in a friendly at Thame on Sunday (11am).

The county are using the game as a warm-up for the NatWest Trophy clash with a Durham Board XI at Hartlepool on Tuesday, May 4.

Oxon will be without paceman Keith Arnold, batsman Charlie Knightley and spinners Arwyn Jones and Ian Curtis, while Oxford batsman Bruce Ellison is studying in South Africa for a year.

His absence from the top of the order should be off-set, however, by the availability of South African Craig Haupt, who has now finished serving a seven-year residency qualification.

Oxon (v Berkshire, Thame, 11): Williams (capt), Hawtin (both Bicester & N Oxford), Mustow (Bourton Vale), Laudat, Taylor, Shahbaz Ali, Savin (all Rover Cowley), List (Oxford Downs), Thompson (Oxford), Cook (Cumnor), Jeacock (Bic & NO).

Story date: Friday 16 April

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.