OXFORDSHIRE captain Ian Hawtin could not hide his frustration as his side lost their opening MCCA Trophy Group 3 clash to Hertfordshire on the fewer wickets rule.

A gripping low-scoring match at Challow & Childrey saw Herts close on 137-7, replying to Oxon’s 137 all out.

The visitors needed seven runs to win off the 32nd and final over of a rain-reduced encounter bowled by Nathan Hawkes.

A wicket, dot and two leg byes left Herts needing five runs off two balls and then three off the final delivery to clinch out-right victory.

Hawkes had bowled really well, but fumbled the ball as captain Andy Lewis scampered in for what proved a decisive two.

Hawtin said: “Before the last ball, I asked the umpires if the result was determined on wickets lost and they said no. If they score 137, it is tie.

“If I had known the position, I would have set a different field. I am not pleased at all.

“It was only when we came back to the changing room and I got the rulebook out that we realised we had lost.”

It had looked bleak for Oxfordshire as they stuttered to their total, with Andrew Hicks taking 6-26.

But some impressive bowling, especially from Daniel Rowe and Luke Ryan, kept them in the match.

Ultimately, the decisive blow came when Nick Walker smashed 18 off Richard Kaufman’s solitary over.

The start was delayed to 3pm, Herts electing to bowl on a pitch largely unaffected by the morning rain.

Oxon lost Damian Shirazi early on, but looked reasonably well-placed with Hawkes in full flow – his 37 proving the game’s top score.

Hicks’s superb spell meant Oxon lost six wickets for eight runs in five overs.

In reply, Richard Gilbert gained an early breakthrough, trapping former Oxfordshire player Jamie Hewitt lbw in the second over.

Hole had pinch-hitter Frazer caught behind in the next over after he had been despatched for two big sixes.

Oxon plugged away, but Williams and Rowe dropped Eddie Ballard and Lewis respectively before Walker’s magic did the damage as Herts edged home.