HEREFORDSHIRE are still seeking their first ECB 50-plus Championship win after suffering an eight-wicket reverse against Oxfordshire at Brockhampton.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Herefordshire put together 156-9 from their allotted 45 overs. Graham Parker (35), Jim Sandford (25), Maurice Embrey (23) and Pete Hoare (23) all made useful starts but no-one was able to go on to make the major score which would have helped the home side to post a truly competitive total.

In reply, openers B Griffiths (63) and I Caunce (57) had set the visitors well on their way to a win before they were parted.

And even after home skipper Brian Goode, who took 2-25 from a tidy seven-over spell, had dismissed both of them, J Cooper (17 not out) and R Bates (five not out) were able to complete the victory without further alarm.