Oxfordshire's batsmen were made to struggle as their opening Minor Counties Championship game of the season against Berkshire finally got under way on Monday.

Ian HawtinPlay finally started at 1pm after the first day at Falkland, near Newbury, was completely washed out.

And Oxon, who lost the toss, were bowled out for 147 in seamer-friendly conditions.

Banbury's Ian Tew was the first to go, caught behind off young paceman Nick Denning, who was released by Essex to play in the game.

Thame teenager James Cook went the same way off the bowling of Naylor - and thereafter it was something of a procession.

From 80-5, Oxford's Adam Cook and Banbury debutant Richard Kaufman steadied the ship to take the score to 120.

But any hopes of posting a decent first-innings total were dashed when Cook edged a catch off seamer James Theunissen, and Giles Peddy was bowled first ball.

Berkshire made a solid start in reply, but Banbury spinner Jimmy Phillips removed Lee Nurse and skipper Keith Arnold trapped Richard Howitt in front, both wickets falling with the score on 61.

However, Julian Wood and former Essex batsman Paul Prichard took the attack to the Oxon bowling to leave the home side in control at the close.