OXFORDSHIRE gave themselves a glimmer of hope of progressing in the Unicorns T20 after a double victory over Berkshire.

Back-to-back wins over the holders at Banbury XX yesterday saw Oxon move to ten points from eight matches.

However, Buckinghamshire must lose both games against Shropshire in the final round – which Oxfordshire sit out – if they are to progress.

In the first game, opener Shabaaz Alam launched Oxon’s innings with 48 and in-form captain Jonny Cater provided the late acceleration with 44 from 31 balls.

Berkshire looked the more likely winners when Dan Lincoln and Tom Scriven added 84 for the second wicket, but both perished in quick succession to Russell White and Oxfordshire won by four runs.

Scriven again impressed in the second match with 47 but all-rounder Gareth Andrew took 3-18 to keep Berkshire in check.

Thame Town’s Will Sutcliffe then saw Oxfordshire home with an over to spare although they now need Shropshire to do them a favour at Gerrards Cross next Sunday if they are to progress from Group 2 through to finals day.