Horspath slipped to defeat against neighbours Aston Rowant in their Home Counties West match on Saturday.
Heavy overnight rain which had seeped under the covers meant the match wicket was moved to an adjacent strip. The toss was always going to be vital and so it proved with Aston Rowant inserting Horspath in bowler friendly conditions.
Only Matt O’Connor with an excellent 51 came to terms with the swing and seam of South African Wesley Morrick. With little support at the other end O'Connor was ninth out as Horspath subsided to what appeared an inadequate 109.
However an inspired opening spell by Will Eason, well supported by Mohson Rana, rocked Rowant on their heels and at 17-4 the result was in the balance. But a determined stand by Chris Watling and Richard Cook retrieved the situation, although Adam Krol captured the wickets of Watling and Morrick before the end.
Cook's 55 not out saw Rowant home for a four-wicket wicket win, leaving Horspath precariously placed third from bottom.
