OXFORDSHIRE veterans Adrian Manger and Robin Pykett were thrilled with the support they received from colleagues as they celebrated a combined 100 years in the game.

The two long-time friends organised the special centenary match at Horspath to mark their 50th seasons in club cricket.

Inviting old Tiddington teammates, including some whom they played alongside in the National Village Cup final at Lord’s in 1995, together with those from their more recent years at Horspath and the Oxfordshire Over 50s and 60s, they played a 40-over contest.

Pykett’s XI, minus Jack Brooks due to his Somerset commitments, posted 216-9, Jeff Higgs top-scoring with an unbeaten 63.

Manger’s side got off to a good start in reply, with Stephen Green (53) and Will Eason (46) increasing the tempo.

However, they were stopped in their tracks by off-spinner Swapnil Kulkarni, who swapped places behind the stumps with Pykett to take 3-8 as Manger’s side fell just short on 213-6.

“It was a pleasure to see a few old faces,” said Pykett. “It was a good game, played in the right spirit.”

  • OXFORDSHIRE’S women got their 50-over campaign off to a flying start with back-to-back wins over Wiltshire and Dorset.

After dismissing Wiltshire for 148 at Bicester & North Oxford, Oxon raced to a ten-wicket win, with Carla Wood (66) and Sophie Mitchelmore (63) reaching the total in 24 overs.

Against Dorset, having been asked to bat first, Oxfordshire amassed 311 with Ellie Noble (71no), Wood (60) and Ellie Ingram (51) starring with the bat.

Mitchelmore then claimed four wickets and a catch as Dorset were all out for 222 in the 31st over.

OTHER RESULTS

Gloucs U15 Dev 139-6, Saxons Girls U15 75-8; Gloucs U15 Dev 159-2, Saxons Girls U15 82-8; Wessex Boys U10​ 124-4, Mercia Boys U10 109-5; Wessex Boys U10​ 67, Mercia Boys U10 65.