Oxfordshire captain Ian Hawtin labelled their Western Division clash with Cheshire a farce after it ended in a dull draw at Alderley Edge yesterday.

Hawtin said Cheshire had no desire to go for victory in the rain-interrupted match.

Resuming on 187-6, Cheshire continued until they reached maximum batting points at 331-7, despite five rain breaks.

Cheshire's stand-in captain Nathan Dumelow smashed 150 off 155 balls, including four sixes and 22 fours, before he was bowled by Luke Ryan.

But Hawtin felt Dumelow should have declared far earlier, so the sides could forfeit an innings each and make a win for either possible.

Oxon batted for just two overs before the conditions deteriorated again and that was it.

"At the end of the day, it was a bit of a farce," said Hawtin.

"They just weren't interested in setting up a game.

"We were hoping to be set a chase, but they just didn't want to know.

"It just made for a poor game of cricket.

"They thought they could possibly get a bonus point through taking three wickets at the end, but I would have declared."

"For some of the younger players like Francois Vainker, it was very disappointing not to get much of a bowl or bat.

'We were going to put him in higher up the batting order to give him a chance."

  • Oxfordshire's attentions now turn to Sunday's MCCA Trophy semi-final against Berkshire at Banbury with a place at Lord's on offer.

Banbury hope to entice spectators to White Post Road with by opening their bar all day and laying on a barbecue.

There will be a sale of official England kit at reduced prices, plus a raffle with prizes including a £180 Kookaburra bat.

'Lucky programmes' will be available on the gate for £2.