Minor Counties Championship

RICHARD Kaufman declared himself “over the moon” after securing his first victory as Oxfordshire captain.

Kaufman’s men saw off Herefordshire by 107 runs at Brockhampton in the Western Division yesterday, with left-arm spinner Francois Vainker taking four wickets.

It completed a strong display from Oxfordshire, with Jonny Cater’s innings of 77 and 106 for his maiden century the high point.

“I’m absolutely over the moon,” said Kaufman, who has been filling in for the injured Ian Hawtin.

“Jonny Cater was probably the man of the match. He was a little bit disappointed not to get a century in the first innings as well.”

Resuming day three on 81-3 and chasing an improbable 398 for victory, Herefordshire made a decent start to see off seamers Chad Keegan and Daniel Rowe.

Home captain Chris Burroughs made 101 in a 164-run stand with Chris Walker.

Vainker, who took seven wickets in the match, got the first breakthrough, trapping Burroughs lbw, then Keegan returned to bowl Walker.

After that, Herefordshire’s resistance crumbled.

Andrew Kimberlin seemed rooted to the spot as Kaufman’s delivery spun back on to his stumps.

Vainker had Harshad Patel and Tom Austwick lbw in quick succession before removing Nick Powell courtesy of Kaufman’s catch.

Greg Leighton and Callum Stewart put on 28 for the last wicket, but Oxon were not to be denied.

Kaufman wrapped it up by having Leighton caught by David Smith.

“It was pushing 30 degrees, so it was hard work on a flat wicket,” added Kaufman.

“We knew it was going to be tough.

“Francois Vainker bowled really well and got the wicket of their captain, which gave us one end.

“Once Chad Keegan got the other key wicket, it was a differnet game.

“We will try and keep this team as consistent as possible for the next two matches.

“There was a great spirit among the players and we really bonded.”