Hopper hits half-century in Horspath's T20 victory

Kyle Hopper starred with a quick-fire 50.
Picture: www.sportsshots.org.uk

KYLE Hopper hammered a rapid half-century as holders Horspath stepped up their Bernard Tollett Oxfordshire Cup defence with a five-wicket win at home to East Oxford in Pool 3.

The Oxford Brookes University all-rounder blasted 50 off 38 deliveries to help see Horspath past East Oxford's 134-9 with three balls to spare after they put the visitors in to bat. Tom Coleman (31) and Stephen Green (28) had set the hosts on the way with an opening stand of 53, before Hopper increased the tempo with his sparkling knock including seven fours and a straight six.

It looked as if Horspath would coast to victory, but East Oxford hit back through Shabaaz Alam (2-14) before the hosts finally got home at 135-5 in the last over.

Earlier, Liam Manley (2-19) continued his good form by bowling both East Oxford openers, before left-arm spinner Lloyd Belcher shone with 2-12 from four overs, which included the wicket of the dangerous Alam for 25. Amugham Shahid (33) top-scored for the visitors, who were kept in check by Jamil Faruq (2-26) and Will Robertson, who picked up 1-22 courtesy of a terrific catch by Shahbaz Ali at backward point. 

Horspath continue their campaign against Oxford at the Oxford University Press Sports Ground, Jordan Hill, next week.

Posted by: Russ