Reliable Rob does it again

8:30pm Sunday 11th May 2008

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Oxfordshire's 'Mr Reliable', Rob Williams, steered them to an impressive six-wicket victory over Cheshire at Great & Little Tew yesterday.

Williams hit 75 not out as Oxon reached the reigning Minor Counties champions' total of 178 with more than 11 overs to spare.

Ably supported by Oxford's Adam Cook, Williams took time to get going, but cut loose in the latter part of another fine innings.

His two straight sixes off former Derbyshire spinner Nathan Dumelow were the highlight of some superb strokeplay.

Oxon had looked in a spot of bother at 82-4, but once Williams and Cook got into their stride, Cheshire became increasingly frustrated and were reduced to some optimistic appealing.

Chasing less than four an over to win was a great position for the hosts to be in.

Cheshire elected to bat after winning the toss, but never really got going in the face of some tight bowling.

Jamie Hewitt had the best figures with 3-34, but all of the Oxon attack contributed well to a disciplined display.

Oxon's fielding was largely up to scratch up, however, with captain Ian Hawtin pulling off a fine diving catch to remove Andrew Hall - the only Cheshire batsman to pass 50.

Boundaries were few and far between, while Cheshire didn't help themselves with some poor shot selection.

By the time their seventh wicket fell, it looked to be a case of damage limitation.

But their below par effort was summed up when Dan Berry gifted Paul McMahon a soft catch at mid off.

Hewitt, who made a century the previous day for his club Welwyn Garden City against Henley, got Oxon's reply off to a decent start with a brisk 35.

He felt hard done by to be adjudged caught behind, but Banbury duo Jaimie Noble and Craig Haupt could have few complaints after being dismissed by the impressive Adam Syddall.

With Guy Emmett opening at the other end, Cheshire began with two left-armers and Noble's early dismissal meant they were soon bowling to two left-handed batsman.

Ian Crosby looked in reasonable touch before becoming the fourth wicket to fall, but the run-rate never looked too threatening one Williams and Cook settled.

It was appropriate that Williams hit the winning runs from another four.