NCCA Counties

Wiltshire CCC v Oxfordshire CCC @ WarminsterCC

NCCA Trophy Quarter Final               

Sunday 7th June 2026 

After the recent heatwave there were considerably more sweaters and jackets on show than for recent fixtures. The ground had taken a soaking the day before and the conditions were overcast.  Oxfordshire won the all-important toss and decided to bowl first which proved to be a very good decision as their opening bowlers began with a devastating spell in which they enticed the Wiltshire batters to offer catching practice to their fielders. 

Hayden Roussouw (4 for 27) took the first three wickets with only twenty-two runs on the board. Tom Davis (2 for 22) added to Wiltshire’s woes as the hosts struggled to 95 for 5 in the twenty-eighth over.  Skipper Ed Young was vital to his team’s progress and he didn’t disappoint.  He had two valuable partners in Will Naish (33) with whom he put on 63 for the fourth wicket and Alfie Johnson (38) with whom he added 75 for the seventh wicket.   

Sam Freestone was the victim of one of the best catches seen all season as opposing skipper, George Tait, stretched out his hand as he raced back towards the boundary. At the close Wadworth Man of the Match  Ed Young was still at the crease with the total on 216 for 9.  His century was a splendid example of batting in a very difficult situation.  In all he scored 116 not out, more than half his side’s total, which included eight fours and five sixes.  His hundred came up in the forty-ninth over with a mighty six. He left the field to a standing ovation with a number of Oxfordshire players shaking his hand to applaud his efforts. 

The Oxfordshire reply offered quite a contrast to Wiltshire’s opening.  Wiltshire brought up their 50 in the nineteenth over while Oxfordshire took just eight overs in comparison with no wickets lost. Fifteen year old Evan Cowley hit 37 with eight boundaries before he became the first wicket to fall with a Jack Mynott taking a fine catch running in from the boundary.   

The introduction of spin saw the second wicket fall as Alfie Johnson had Luke Maslen caught behind by keeper Jake Goodwin. Julian Laird (21) became the third victim as he was superbly caught and bowled by Joe King.  That signified the last success for Wiltshire as opener Freddie Smith (79 not out with 7x4s and 4x6s), continued, relentlessly, to punish the Wiltshire bowlers.  He was joined by opening bowling hero Hayden Rousseau 59 not out (4x4, 5x6) as they raced to their target in the thirty-sixth over with a Rousseau boundary taking their total to 218 for 3. 

For whatever reason some days it is just not your day!  With the exception of skipper Ed Young, today was that day. The game was played in a good spirit and the Wiltshire supporters recognised the quality of the Oxfordshire victory and wish them every success in the semi-final.  Wiltshire return to T20 action against Dorset at Wimborne CC on Sunday 21st June and will hope for better fortune at the Leaze.

Report by Roy Honeybone