IT has been an encouraging County Championship Shield season for Oxfordshire, regardless of what happens this weekend.

That is the view of head coach Richard Williams, whose side could still reach the semi-finals, depending on the result of Saturday’s final Pool 3 clash.

If they are to stay top of the pool, Oxon need Dorset & Wilts to defeat Berkshire by 19 points or fewer at Bourne-mouth.

Berkshire require two points to be sure of progressing – and Williams will be receiving score updates from the match.

“It has been a really pleasing season already,” said Williams.

“Looking forward to next season, there is a core of players that have already expressed an interest to play again.

“There has been a lot of progress made and we will look to strengthen further.”

Oxon’s 27-14 victory over Dorset and 23-17 defeat to Berkshire on Saturday represent a big improvement after 64-19 and 54-12 defeats in 2011.

Williams said: “I was really pleased again with the effort against Berkshire. Maybe on another day, the match could have gone our way.”

Should Oxon finish top of the pool, they would travel to Leicestershire in the last four.

Although the odds are against them, Williams is not giving up.

“I think it will be a close game either way,” he said.

“It depends on what team Dorset & Wilts decide to select and maybe if they can bring a few more Bournemouth players in.”

Williams added: “I am working on Saturday and will be at Twickenham all day. Some Oxforxdshire people will be going to watch at Bourne-mouth.

“The Dorset & Wilts coach is a good friend of mine and will be texting me as well.”