ECB 50+ County Championship

OXFORDSHIRE failed to reach the knockout stages for the first time in eight years after a nine-wicket defeat to Shropshire at Shrewbury.

The heavy reverse prevented Oxon progressing from Group 4, but even then they suffered some bad luck.

Had Wales lost or tied with Warwickshire in their final match, Oxfordshire would still have qualified, but Wales won off the last ball to pip them.

Oxon won the toss an batted in hot conditions and must have been pleased with their 257-4 off 45 overs.

Captain Paul Tew made 54, then Ady Manger (64no) and Malcolm Evans (60no) put on 125 in the last 13 overs.

Manger, however, aggravated a hamstring injury while batting, which hampered his bowling.

Pete Cooling also injured an Achilles in the same innings, thus further weakening the Oxon atack, which was already missing four main bowlers.

Shropshire eased to 259-1 with two overs to spare, led by an unbeaten 142 from their former Minor Counties captain John Foster.

Oxon manager Bob Boyles said: “It wasn’t going to happen this year.

“The side for next year already looks promising.

“We have had a good run in the competition and have qualified for the last seven years.”