MINSTER Lovell Cricket Club’s Martyn Cross has received a top award for his coaching skills from former England spinner Ashley Giles.

Cross, who got involved in coaching more than 20 years ago after a knee injury cut short his playing career, is now the holder of an ECB Outstanding Contribution award.

Thanks to his dedication, Minster have 156 junior members, ranging from eight to 17 year olds.

Cross also helped the first team finish third in Division 1 of the OCA League and win the Ernie Clack Trophy with victory over Broughton in the final.

He has also run Oxfordshire Under 11s for the past nine years.

  • GREAT & Little Tew, who finished runners-up in the Davidstow Village Cup at Lord’s last season, will open their bid to go one better with a first-round tie at Horley on Sunday, May 3.

The winners will be at home to Cropredy or Wootton & Boars Hill in round two.

OXFORDSHIRE GROUP

1st round (Sun, May 3): Kingston Bagpuize v Challow & Childrey, Shipton-under-Wychwood v Kidmore End, Sandford St Martin v Barton Abby, Horley v Great & Little Tew, Cropredy v Wootton & Boars Hill. Byes: Cumnor, Oxford Downs, Tiddington.

2nd round: Kingston Bagpuize or Challow & Childrey v Shipton-under-Wychwood or Kidmore End, Sandford St Martin or Barton Abby v Cumnor, Horley or Great & Little Tew v Cropredy or Wootton & Boars Hill, Oxford Downs v Tiddington.