Herefordshire slip to home defeat

Herefordshire are still without a win in this season's Championship

Herefordshire captain Chris Boroughs said his side had paid the price for their batting performance in the eight-wicket home defeat by Oxfordshire.

Boroughs felt his side should have scored more than the 263 they managed in their first innings.

"We had a great start and should have got to 325 for maximum batting points," he told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"Ultimately that cost us dear as they got 350 and the 95-run lead they had has made it a lot easier for them."

Boroughs led from the front in Herefordshire's second innings as he top-scored with 50, while Ben Stebbings made 46 to go with the 88 he made in the first innings.

We knew that we had got to bat well if we were to save the game and then to give ourselves any chance of winning

Chris Boroughs

Having been 166-3 at one stage, Herefordshire looked well capable of batting throughout the majority of the final day to earn themselves a draw, but they then collapsed and were bowled out for 230.

Oxfordshire needed only 136 to win and they got there for the loss of only two wickets, and with around two overs to spare.

Boroughs said the side knew they had let themselves down on the final day.

"We knew that we had got to bat well if we were to save the game and then to give ourselves any chance of winning," he said.

"Unfortunately, although we had a decent start this morning, we weren't quite up to it."

Herefordshire have only one match remaining in this season's Championship, a difficult-looking away match in Devon.

Boroughs said it has again been a struggle to field a settled side this season and the economic climate has certainly been a factor.

Players are finding it increasingly difficult to take off the Mondays and Tuesdays they need to play Minor Counties cricket meaning his side is often struggling to include some of their better players.

"Certainly with Simon Roberts, who we have relied on heavily with the ball in the past, we have only seen him for one game so far this season," he said.

"There is a possibility he might not play in the last one as well.

"So that certainly is a factor and when you are trying to bring through the younger players as well you need those older heads."

Herefordshire will travel to Devon for their final Minor Counties Championship match which is due to start at Sidmouth on Sunday 23 August.