Keith Arnold collected a special award to mark the end of his record-breaking county career at the Oxfordshire Cricket Board presentation evening.

Arnold, who retired last season, took 682 wickets for Oxon in a career spanning 30 years.

And his commitment to the county was recognised when Simon Porter, president of the Minor Counties Cricket Association, presented the Banbury Twenty man with two silver salvers at the Hawkwell House Hotel, Iffley.

Arnold received a glowing tribute from team manager Alan Crossley.

“Arnie was a manager’s dream,” he said. “He never gave less than 100 per cent for Oxfordshire, and he will be missed.”

In accepting his award, Arnold said: “I can honestly say that I have enjoyed every minute of it. I was very proud to play for Oxfordshire.

“I would urge anybody who gets the chance to represent their county to grab the opportunity with both hands and be committed.”

Jack Taylor was named as the inaugural winner of the Phil Garner Excellence award, presented by the former Oxfordshire captain’s widow, Mary.

Taylor, who is playing in Australia, made his first- class debut for Gloucestershire in 2010.

Richard Kaufman won the player of the year award for Oxfordshire’s senior team, while Tom Geeson-Brown was named Development XI player of the season.

Other player-of-the-year awards went to Alec Cunningham (over 50s) and Vicky Strode (ladies).

OXFORDSHIRE will start their 2011 Minor Counties campaign with a home Trophy game against Dorset on May 1.

Ian Hawtin will lead his side for the seventh season, as Oxon face four group games in the MCCA Trophy, before starting their Western Division season with a home match against Wiltshire at Challow & Childrey on June 12.

OXFORDSHIRE 2011 FIXTURES

Friendly

April 17: Bucks (at Aston Rowant).

MCCA Trophy

May 1: Dorset (Challow & Childrey). May 8: Herefordshire (Colwall). May 15: Bedfordshire (Banbury). May 29: Hertfordshire (North Mymms).

MINOR COUNTIES CHAMPIONSHIP

Western Division

June 12-14: Wiltshire (Challow & Childrey). June 26-28: Devon (Great & Little Tew). July 10-12: Shropshire (Whitchurch). July 24-26: Dorset (Bournemouth). Aug 7-9: Berkshire (Banbury). Aug 21-23: Cheshire (Alderley Edge).