AN inspired spell of bowling from Gareth Andrew propelled Oxfordshire to a remarkable 14-run victory over Herefordshire at Brockhampton.

The visitors seemed to be heading for defeat in the Western Division clash, when a sudden collapse – five wickets for two runs – on the second evening left the hosts a seemingly simple task of scoring 122 for victory on the final day.

But Andrew had other ideas, capturing 5-45 to shoot the hosts out for just 107 in the Unicorns Counties Championship fixture.

It was the third successive victory for skipper Jonny Cater’s young side – and by far the most dramatic.

With great support from debutant Ollie Price and Olly Clarke, Andrew has given Oxon a chance of challenging for the divisional title.

Herefordshire seemed to be cruising at 38-1, but once left-arm spinner Clarke had dismissed Tom Cummins, the door was ajar and Andrew blasted through.

The seamer took two quick wickets, before Price claimed the valuable scalp of opener Matt Pardoe for 35.

Herefordshire were wobbling at 68-5.

Andrew was not also bowling them out, he also made an acrobatic catch at mid-on to give Price his second wicket.

At 94-8, Oxon were suddenly favourites, but the ninth-wicket pair of Jamie McIlroy and Dan Conway made them wait by adding 13 runs.

However, Andrew ended the resistance of Conway before, in the next over, Price, who finished with 3-14, clinched the victory by bowling McIlroy amid wild celebrations.

Oxon will be hoping to keep up their magnificent winning run when they play Cornwall at Banbury, starting on Sunday, August 19.