OXFORDSHIRE will be without in-form strike bowler Karl Penhale as they bid to maintain their 100 per cent record in the Unicorns Counties Trophy against Berkshire at Henley on Sunday (11am).

The 23-year-old Banbury seamer, who took four wickets in their comfortable Group 4 victory over Bucks a fortnight ago, is on holiday for a week.

Will Rooney, who played in Oxon’s opening win against Herefordshire before suffering a shoulder injury, returns to the team in the only change from their 51-run success against Staffordshire.

That victory all but ensured their qualification for the quarter-finals.

If they lose to Berkshire, and Herefordshire beat Staffordshire, that would leave three teams with three wins out of four.

But so commanding have been the victories achieved by skipper Luke Ryan’s team, that they are certain to claim one of the two qualifying places on runs per wicket.

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“As far as I know, we’ve qualified, but that won’t change our attitude,” said Ryan.

“We’re focused on winning every game.

“The pleasing thing about our displays this season, is that we haven’t relied on one or two individuals.

“We’re a very well balanced side, who are playing with confidence.”

Oxon will not know until after match, the identity of their opponents in the last eight, which will be played on Sunday, June 14.

If Oxon top the group they will be at home to the Group 3 runners-up. If they finish second they will visit the Group 1 winners.

Oxon team (v Berkshire): L Ryan (Banbury) capt, A Blanchard (Banbury), J Cater (Buckingham), H Darby (Banbury), R Kaufman (Old Northamptonians), C Keegan (Henley), W Rooney (Oxford), L Sabin (Banbury), R West (Banbury), J White (Great & Little Tew), O Wright (Banbury).

YOUNG Oxfordshire player Leo Bethell made his debut for Sussex’s second XI in a three-day match against MCC Young Cricketers at High Wycombe this week.

The Aston Rowant left-arm seamer, who attends Abingdon School, received the chance at short notice through an injury to one of the Sussex squad.