Oxon 50+ 2^nd XI began the 2023 season  on 3^rd May with a 3 wicket win against Notts at Radcliffe on Trent CC.

Oxon dismissed Notts for 139 in 44.0 overs, with Carl Needham taking 3 – 32.

Oxon reached the target making 140 – 7 with 4 overs to spare., Andy Thomas top scoring with 36 runs.

Oxon 50+ 2^nd XI then travelled to Cropston CC on 17^th May to play Leics who batted first and set an imposing target in scoring 274 – 3 in their 45 overs.

Oxon made a spirited reply, but ended up just short on 262 – 6 losing by 12 runs, led by Ross Buchanan (65 not out in 46 balls), Jonny Atkins (79) and Andy Cross(50 in 47 balls).

A remarkable co-incidence in the Oxon 50+ 2^nd XI next match v Herts at Aston Rowant CC on 25^th May saw both teams total runs differ by just one run from the previous match v Leics, resulting in the same result  — a 12 run defeat which ended a run of 8 consecutive wins against Herts in past seasons.

Oxon were without 4 regular bowlers as Herts ran up 275 – 5 off their 45 overs with Matt Todd taking 3 – 35.

Oxon nearly reached the target, ending with 263 all out, the 10^th wicket falling off the last ball of the innings.

Andy Cross (86 runs) and Mark Sheehan (70 runs) top scored for Oxon.

Report by Neil Harris (Scorer for Oxon 50+ 2^nd XI}