Oxford Cricket Club began their 2026 campaign with a series of pre-season friendly matches over the last few days, gearing up for another exciting season at Jordan Hill and beyond.

On Saturday, the Men’s 1st XI played host to Oxford University Cricket Club at Jordan Hill for a T20 double-header. In the first match, the University won the toss and chose to make first use of the wicket, notching up 172/6 from their 20 overs. Brendon Smith (2-29) proved to be the pick of the bowlers for the home side, while University batter Henry Nicholls made an unbeaten 58.

Oxford CC’s reply got off to a shaky start, being reduced to 33/4 before a 54-run partnership between debutant Finn McKeown (58*) and Dom Whinfrey propelled the team to a respectable 121/6 from their 20 overs, a loss by 51 runs.

It was Oxford CC’s turn to bat first in the second T20, and they suffered an early collapse as 31/1 became 74/7 in the twelfth over. However, late hitting from Smith (40) and a late cameo from Raj Kiran Chowdaboyina (14*) helped the side post 141/9 at the end of their innings.

In the second innings, an inspired spell by captain Jack Wilkins (5-22), supported by Dylan Swanepoel (3-19), blew the visitors away, winning by 19 runs and levelling the day at one game apiece. Oxford University Cricket Club retained the annual Town vs Gown Trophy and we very much look forward to welcoming them to Jordan Hill again next season.

Rupert Evans, Oxford Cricket Club Director of Men’s Cricket, had this to say following the day of play:

"From the first ball to the final delivery, the Oxford Cricket Club Social Media Event Day was a total success! We didn’t just hit it out of the park on the pitch; we caught the spirit of the Club in every frame.

Thanks to ETDC Digital Media for creating a digital highlight reel that truly reflects our Club."

Elsewhere on Saturday, the Men’s 2nd Team faced Abingdon Vale Cricket Club in a forty-over friendly at Hale’s Meadow.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, the hosts made a total of 235/8 from their 40 overs, with debutants Charlie Lawn and Nugith Jayawarna each taking two wickets. Bert Odley also claimed three wickets with his leg spin on what turned out to be a very warm April day.

In reply, Ross Buchanan made 28, as Oxford found themselves 70/5. A 48-run partnership then followed between Jayawarna and Lawn, before a 33-run last-wicket stand between Odley and Krish Nair saw the visitors to 181/9 from their allocation, a loss by 54 runs. Oxford captain on the day, Steve Hurt, had this to say:

“Against strong opposition we put in a decent performance with a side featuring a number of academy players. Notable debuts by Charlie Lawn who picked up two wickets with the new ball and Nugith Jayawarna who scored a quick fire 33.”

On Sunday, the Women’s 1st XI made their season debut with two T20 games against Oxford University CC at University Parks. After the home side won the toss and elected to bat, they racked up 126/6 from their 20 overs. Standout performers with the ball for the visitors were Aneesa Zameel and Sophie Grayson (both 2-15), while debutant Flora Alexander also picked up a wicket.

In reply, the Town found it tough going and were reduced to 42/5, before a 53-run partnership between Taylor Barlow (42) and Captain Finn Aston gave them hope of a remarkable turnaround. However, the University side held their nerve and went on to win by 8 runs.

The hosts batted first again in the second game, making 155/5 from their allocation, with Grayson again in the wickets and two for leg-spinner Rose Brown (2-18). In reply, Grayson led the way with a fine 77, ably supported by opener Nerys Garrod (39*) in a partnership worth 114. Once again, it was another close-run affair at the end, with the University coming out on top by 4 runs.

Aston, reflecting on the matches, had this to say:

“OCC women’s started their season strong facing OUCC 1s in two T20s. Despite losing both our matches the day saw some incredible performances. Taylor brought the runs in our first game and Sophie followed their lead in the second match. Some great bowling performances including from some U15s playing for our women’s squad for the first time. Overall I’m super proud of the team and really excited to see what this season brings.”

Rosalyn Porter, Oxford Cricket Club Director of Women’s Cricket, shared this optimism heading into the season:

“A most enjoyable day at The Parks. Two very, very close games with everyone participating. Lots of young players making their debuts in The Parks and they all did so well. Bodes very well for the future. Oxford CC women are very much looking forward to the 2026 season.”

We would like to thank Oxford University CC for being very good hosts, and wish them well for their upcoming fixtures.

On Wednesday night, the Oxford Cricket Club Exiles side played their first in a series of friendly matches this season, taking on Oxford University Press at Jordan Hill. Captain Richard Pye won the toss and chose to field first, with young fast bowler Jos Parrack immediately backing up that decision with a wicket with the first ball of the game.

His figures if 2-6 were the standout, while debutant Jack Beadsworth also picked up two wickets as the batting side made 150/5 from their 20 overs. In reply, Roger Young made 14, while Mahammad Sayyed made an unbeaten 34. Beadsworth capped a fine debut with 20 as Oxford made 104/7, losing by 46 runs.

Full scorecards for all of the above are available here

Up next, the Men’s 1st XI travel to Banbury for the preliminary round of the Home Counties T20 competition, while the 2nd XI host Thame Town at Jordan Hill in another pre-season fixture. On Sunday, the Women’s 1st XI host Falkland in the first round if fixtures in this years Home Counties Women’s Cricket League (Premier Division) at Jordan Hill, while the 2nd XI take on Banbury in a Super-Eights Double-Header.