Sparkling centuries from skipper Jamie Dalrymple and Neil Millar put Oxford in firm charge on the first day of the University Match against Cambridge at Fenners on Thursday.

The Dark Blues pair added a record 253 for the third wicket in just 53 overs as Oxford finished the day on a formidable 415-5.

Dalrymple, who is on Middlesex's books, completed his second Varsity Match ton with a six and finished the day on 153 not out.

Cambridge enjoyed some success in the closing overs as Millar departed for 108, made from 183 balls.

Oxford's rugby union captain, John Allen, departed first ball, receiving a delivery that reared off a length, as three wickets fell for one run.

But it was still the Dark Blues' day by some margin.

OXFORD UNIVERSITY

J Sayers c Savill b J Heath...69

S Hawinkels lbw McGrath...49

J Dalrymple not out...153

N Millar c Heywood b Savill...108

J Allen c D Heath b Savill...0

G Butcher c Heywood b Marshall...0

P Evans not out...0

Extras...36

Total (5 wkts)...415

Fall: 1-119, 2-151, 3-414, 4-414, 5-415.

Bowling: Savill 22-3-94-2, McGrath 19-7-82-1, Marshall 15-2-52-1, Noble 11-2-49-1, D Heath 10-2-34-0, J Heath 19-1-69-1, Singh 4-0-19-0.