Hyron Shallow smashed 196 not out to help Tetsworth to a five-run victory over Oxford Caribbean in a controversial OCA Airey Cup final at East & West Hendred yesterday.

Shallow hit several balls out of the ground as Tetsworth rattled up 278-7 from their 45 overs.

The match had started controversially, as only five Tetsworth players were at the ground by the start time - several of them getting stuck in traffic en route to the game.

Sportingly, Caribbean skipper Eddie Howard opted to field first after winning the toss.

Had he decided to bat first, the umpires would have had to delay the start until enough fielders were at the ground - meaning an overs penalty for Tetsworth.

And Tetsworth were quickly in trouble as they slumped to 21-3, but with Shallow at the crease and joined by captain Noel Adams, the pair shared a fourth-wicket stand of 129 to steady the ship.

Shallow carried his bat, hitting 26 fours and five sixes in a memorable innings.

Caribbean's reply was based around a superb 95 from captain Eddie Howard, including 12 fours and two sixes.

Howard shared a fourth- wicket stand of 120 with Franklyn Graham, who chipped in with a hard-hit 50.

But it was Howard's dismissal that proved the turning point - and it was a highly contentious decision.

His batting partner Richie Matthews - who had earlier retired hurt - was using Graham as a runner - and a monumental mix-up led to the key moment of the match.

Trying to take a quick single, Howard scampered through and appeared to have made his ground as the bails were whipped off at the other end.

The umpire, however, gave Howard out, saying that he had not crossed with the runner, Graham, who had not left his ground.

Ten minutes of chaos followed, and at one point, it appeared as though Howard would be called back.

A Caribbean supporter ran onto the field to make his feelings felt to the umpires - and even launched his drink onto the field - but the decision stood - despite some heated arguments.

After that, Caribbean were dead and buried, and although Richie Burton made a spirited effort, they closed just five runs short.