Horspath Cricket Club News story

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Horspath make low-key return to action

21 Apr 2024

Horspath began their pre-season build-up with a brace of friendlies against local rivals Oxford on Saturday.
The 1st XI went down to a 10-run defeat in a low-scoring encounter at the Oxford University Press Sports Ground.
A good performance with the ball saw Horspath bowl out Oxford for 122 after putting the hosts in to bat.
Leg-spinner Josh Richardson (4-24) led the way while there were also accurate spells from Amin Rafiq (1-12) and Joval Calix (1-24).
William Ashton (38) top-scored for Oxford, with skipper Dylan Swanepoel chipping in with 28.
With opener Sheriyar Ahmed making 44, Horspath looked to be on course for victory at 92-4.
But his dismissal sparked a collapse with the last six wickets going down for 20 runs to leave Horspath 112 all out as Alfie Smethurst picked up 4-8.
Meanwhile, Horspath 2nd slipped to a five-wicket defeat off the last ball at home to Oxford 2nd.
With the Recreation Ground waterlogged in places just two weeks ago, it was testimony to the excellent efforts of the groundstaff that the match took place.
And it did so on a pitch full of runs as Horspath posted 240-5 off 40 overs after electing to bat.
Robbie Eason made 53 from 56 balls with six fours before retiring, after sharing a fourth-wicket stand of 100 with Luke Heritage (45).
Opener Tejas Anand (40) and new recruit Dan Corner (34) also made handy contributions.
However, Horspath were unable to stop Oxford claiming victory at 241-5 despite tidy spells from newcomer Sam Leslie (1-24) and Josh Cummings (1-28).
Balaji Ramalingam hammered 86 off 61 deliveries with three fours and seven sixes, while Adam Hall (38) provided good support.