Kidlington 1st XI produced a commanding all-round performance at home to Sandford St Martin, only for the weather to rob them of what looked like a certain victory.

Batting first after losing the toss, Kidlington recovered from a shaky start at 11 for 1 to post a formidable 206 for 6 in just 35 overs. The standout performance came from Ross Steenberg, who blitzed 58 from just 38 balls, peppering the boundary with eight fours in a dazzling display of power hitting. He was well supported by Joshua Boucher (22), as the pair added a vital 58-run stand to wrest back momentum.

As wickets fell at intervals, Sahil Kalyan anchored the innings with a composed 49, ensuring Kidlington finished with a strong total despite disciplined spells from Sandford’s bowlers. Andrew Goffe (2 for 31) and Ethan McCullough (2 for 19) were the pick of the home side’s attack, exploiting early conditions with controlled swing and accuracy.

In reply, Sandford St Martin struggled under pressure from Kidlington’s opening bowlers. Arfan Younis (1 for 11) and Joshua Behal (1 for 10 from 5 overs) bowled with menace and discipline, reducing the hosts to 33 for 2 when rain intervened in the 11th over.

Sandford’s openers failed to settle – Colin Simpson departed for just 2, caught by Sam Fransham off Younis, and Oliver Martin fell without scoring to a sharp delivery from Behal. Only Andrew Goffe (21 not out) showed resistance, steadying the innings before the skies opened.

With the match abandoned due to persistent rain, both sides were awarded 7 points. But Kidlington will feel hard done by – having controlled the game with bat and ball, they were firmly on top when the weather drew a premature close.