Oxfordshire’s dismal defeat to Norfolk in the MCCA Trophy semi-finals looked very unlikely at the halfway mark – even to their opponents.

Having bowled Norfolk out for 235, Oxon did not need to go mad in their 50-over run chase, and even the most optimistic home fan could not have predicted a 157-run victory.

Norfolk captain Carl Rogers told the Eastern Daily Press: “The way we batted and the base that we had, I thought we were going to make a bigger score than that.

“The lads were a little bit flat and felt that it might not be enough at the halfway stage, but we came out and made use of the new ball and got four or five out.”

Oxon slumped to 41-5 and never really recovered as they were all out for 78.

Rogers added: “Then the spinners came on and put the pressure on and they didn't really look like getting anywhere once they lost those early wickets.”

Oxon captain Ian Hawtin admitted his side had let themselves down, and they must now regroup for their remaining four Minor Counties Championship matches, starting against Wales at Banbury on Sunday.

Norfolk will now play Staffordshire in the final.

Banbury will set up a tie with Oxford if they win at Burnham in tonight’s Cockspur Cup Twenty20 clash.

The two would meet in the Home Counties Premier League quarter-finals, which are due to be played by July 22.

Work has begun on Horspath CC’s new pitch, which the club hope will be ready for play next season.

ISIS CC, who are based at Queens College, Oxford, are looking for a fixture this Saturday after the withdrawal of their scheduled opponents.

For more information, contact Keith Whiter on k.whiter@elsevier.com or 07766 508212.