OXFORDSHIRE are to break new ground next season by hosting a Unicorns Counties Trophy match at Wormsley, near Stokenchurch.

Oxon will play Herefordshire in a group game at the picturesque venue on Sunday, April 26.

It will be the first of two consecutive matches for Oxon at Wormsley, with Bucks hosting their neighbours on Sunday, May 3.

Peter O’Neill, Oxfordshire Cricket Board director and company secretary, explained that they had originally offered the game against Herefordshire to Challow & Childrey, but they were unable to stage it.

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Talks were then held with Wormsley, who agreed to make their facilities available.

It also follows Oxfordshire’s appearance in the Unicorns Counties Trophy final last season, when a good-sized crowd saw Devon triumph by seven runs.

O’Neill said: “We had a lot of support there in the final and hopefully they will come again.

“They are very keen on linking up with us and it is good for them, good for us and good for Bucks as well.

“Otherwise, you have a first-class facility on your doorstep which is not being utilised.”

  • THE Oxfordshire indoor tournament will take place at Abingdon School next year.

Matches will be played on Sundays starting on January 25, running until March 29 from 12.15 to 2.45.

Clubs wishing to enter should email OCB cricket development officer George Setterfield at gsetterfield@oxoncb.com.

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