Bucks suffer two T20 defeats

Bucks suffered two narrow defeats in their T20 double-header against Oxfordshire at Aston Rowant on Sunday as their hosts captured the inaugural Nurton-York Cup.
This competition was hastily arranged following the cancellation of the full National Counties programme due to the Covid-19 pandemic and consisted of one 50- over clash and then two T20s at the same venue.
In a repeat of the 50-over game on August 9, which Oxon won by 13 runs, Bucks again threw away winning positions  in both T20 matches.
In the first contest, Oxon were restricted to 122-6 after winning the toss thanks to spinners Conner Haddow (3-22 off 4 overs) and Uzair Amjaid (2-19 off 3 overs).
Bucks seemed certain to win when they sped to 54-2 in the eighth over. But then they lost three wickets for two runs in seven balls and were dismissed for 104 in 19.1 overs, despite Michael Payne's unbeaten 29. Left-arm spinners Ollie Clarke (3-14) and James Coles (2-16) did the damage.
With this victory having won the Cup for Oxon, Bucks were playing for pride in the second game, which followed a similar pattern.
Oxon again chose to bat first and made 135-6, led by James Coles, the 16-year-old son of former Bucks team manager and player Jon Coles. He again showed his outstanding promise with 73 not out from 66 balls. Michael Payne was the pick of the bowler with 2-13 from four overs.
Bucks again got off to a fine start, progressing to 80-2 after ten overs thanks to Alexei Kervezee's 38 from 41 balls.
But they suffered yet another collapse, losing three wickets for seven runs in 13 balls, including Charlie Macdonell run out without facing a ball.
Bucks never recovered and finished on 124-8 to lose by 11 runs.
Oxfordshire included current Somerset seam bowler Jack Brooks in their side and he took 1-27 in his six overs over the two games.
Bucks have no more matches in this shortened season.

GAME 1 Scorecard

GAME 2 Scorecard

More pictures HERE

A video was also shot by Luke Stafford, Andy Bone's step-son which can be viewed HERE