Horspath continued their build-up to the new league season with a brace of friendlies against Aston Rowant.
The 1st XI went down by 56 runs at Rowant in their latest warm-up game ahead of a return to Home Counties Premier Cricket League Division 2.
Meanwhile, the 2nd XI experienced a five-wicket home loss on their first outing of 2025 as they prepare for a new season in Cherwell League Division 2.
The 1st XI bowled Rowant out for 172 at Butts Way after the hosts elected to bat.
Having reduced the Home Counties Division 1 outfit to 126-9, Horspath were frustrated by a last-wicket stand of 46 between Karl Penhale (31) and Darren Rolfe (16no).
Penhale, who was joint top scorer with Luke Hayes (31), finally fell to left-arm spinner Sam Leslie (3-15) after Sravan Konidena (3-20) had produced another economical spell, while new signing wicketkeeper Shazad Rana claimed two catches on his debut.
Konidena and Dan Todd gave Horspath a solid start before both were dismissed lbw with the score on 42.
From that point the visitors never threatened the target as they were bowled out for 116 with Josh Richardson top-scoring with 19 as the wickets were shared around.
Run machine Robbie Eason was quickly into his stride with a half-century in Horspath 2nd's defeat by Rowant 2nd at the Recreation Ground.
He made 51 from 86 balls with six fours and a six as the hosts posted 182-6 off 40 overs after choosing to bat.
Eason shared a stand of 54 for the second-wicket with Rob Wight (26), before putting on 59 with his brother, Will (37), for the third wicket.
Skipper Ryan Hicks weighed in with an unbeaten 29 from 22 deliveries before the close as Sebastian Grocutt picked up 3-37.
Openers Sam Grocutt (60) and Kaian Eaton (44) then put on 144 to set Rowant on the way to victory.
Their partnership was finally ended by Will Eason, and with Julius Leslie (3-34) also picking up wickets, the Cherwell Division 1 visitors got over the line at 187-5 with seven balls to spare.
Horspath begin their Voneus Village Cup challenge this weekend with a first-round tie at home to Oxford & Bletchingdon Nondescripts on Sunday.
Saturday sees pre-season friendlies with the 1st XI at home to Didcot, while the 2nd XI visit the south Oxfordshire club.
For match highlights of Horspath 2nd v Aston Rowant 2nd click here