OXFORDSHIRE cannot afford another defeat if they are to progress from Group 3 in the MCCA Trophy.

That is the likely position for Ian Hawtin’s men, who face Bedfordshire at Bedford Modern School on Sunday.

Two teams progress from the group to the quarter-finals, with five points the mimimum tally required to make it.

Hawtin said: “We have got to set out to win our last three games after last week’s defeat.

“I still think we have got a good balanced side, with some quality young players.”

Oxon make one change with all-rounder David Smith replacing unavailable batsman Charlie Knightley.

One batting option they could pursue is promoting Richard Kaufman to opener after he and Chris Sandbach shared a century stand for the first wicket against Oxford University on Monday.

Hawtin was happy with his side’s bowling display in their narrow loss to Hertfordshire at Challow, in which Daniel Rowe and Luke Ryan shone.

But Oxon will need to bat with far more application if they are to avenge last season’s Trophy defeat against Bedfordshire.

Only Nathan Hawkes made runs at the top of the order, with experienced players like Knightley, Kaufman and Rob Williams falling cheaply.

Hawtin said: “Batting was always going to be difficult at Challow, but the wicket was pretty good considering the wet weather.

“We just didn’t get enough runs. At least 137 gave us something to bowl at.

“I thought we bowled particualrly well. That was the highlight for me.

“A couple of things didn’t go our way and we dropped a couple of catches.”

Beds have won one and lose one so far, but suffered a heavy seven-wicket defeat to Dorset last week.

Sunday’s other Group 3 fixture sees Herefordshire host leaders Dorset at Eastnor where a home win would most suit Oxon.

Oxfordshire (v Bedfordshire): Shirazi (Banbury), Sandbach (Oxford), Hawkes (Banbury), Williams (Leamington Spa), Smith (Wollaton), Kaufman (Old Northamptonians), Hawtin (capt, Banbury), Rowe (Swansea), St Hole (Oxford), Ryan (Banbury), Gilbert (Oxford).