OXFORDSHIRE suffered a narrow six-run defeat at home to Derbyshire in the ECB Women’s County Championship.

After winning the toss and electing to field in the Division 3 clash, Oxon started well with Carla Wood (3-22) taking two early wickets to leave the visitors struggling on 25-2 at Bicester & North Oxford.

When Rachel Hopkins, Rebekah Grimley, Emily Marriott and Bess Heath were dismissed, Derbyshire were reduced to 77-6.

But Megan Pittman top-scored with 39 to steer the visitors to 142-8, before they were all out for 153.

In reply, Oxon got off to good start, before losing Lauren Down, Abi Currie and Genny Porter in quick succession to leave them on 62-3.

Sarah Glenn dismissed Eleanor Ingram and Ellie Noble, while Wood was run out, as the hosts slumped to 80-6.

It did not get any better for Oxon as they lost another three wickets for 19 runs.

Abigail Florey, who hit 29 off 27 balls, and Sam Moore put on 32 for the last wicket, but the latter was stumped with seven runs still needed to claim victory.