RUPERT Evans paid tribute to Oxfordshire captain Ian Hawtin for achieving 100 Minor Counties Championship appearances.

Oxon’s head of cricket, who captained Hawtin on his debut in 1995, presented the wicket-keeper with a tankard to mark the occasion during the match against Berkshire at Banbury.

“It is a magnicent achievement,” said Evans, who played more than 150 times for Oxfordshire himself.

“You don’t play that many games if you are not a quality cricketer.

“I think it is testament to his ability and his commitment to Oxfordshire cricket.”

Evans added: “I was the one who picked him first and also played him in the Cowley St John first team at the age of 16.

“We were joking the other and he said ‘it’s your fault how many years I have lost to Minor Counties cricket’.

“Despite some comments people have made, his wicket-keeping is still very, very good.

“As a captain he has really improved and is a really good leader.”