CENTURIES from captain Tom Price and Harrison Ward helped Oxfordshire Under 14s to a poignant 103-run victory over Shropshire ECB in County Cup Group 2.
The match at Shifnal CC was Oxon’s first since learning of the death of teammate Felix Byam Shaw from an illness while on holiday in France.
Having laid a floral and shirt tribute beforehand, the youngsters produced a stellar performance in his memory.
The visitors wasted no time racing to 52 in the 13th over, before Charlie Taylor (12) was brilliantly caught at slip.
This was the only wicket the hosts managed to get as a second-wicket partnership of 228 between Ward (115no) and Price (114no) saw Oxfordshire racked up an impressive 280-1 from their 45 overs.
Price’s ton was well-crafted, coming in 130 balls while Ward was more destructive.
His knock came from 95 deliveries, with 14 fours and three sixes.
Both boys looked up to the sky on reaching their centuries as if to dedicate their innings to Byam Shaw.
After this display, the result was never in doubt as Oxon set about the second innings.
Tom Gould led the way with the ball, taking 2-18.
Ward, Andrew Francis and Jamie Curtis all chipped in with a wicket a piece as Shropshire ended on 177-5.
l OXFORDSHIRE Under 13s eased to an 84-run victory over Dorset at Abingdon Vale.
Oxon started poorly in the friendly, losing openers Ben Charlesworth and Ollie Price cheaply.
But Jake Taylor hit 60, with eight fours, as they posted 165-8 in their 40 overs, Tomas Bacon chipping in with 37.
George Williams then returned 3-3 in five overs as Dorset fell to 81 all out.
l CAPTAIN James Coles set Oxfordshire under 10s on their way to a six-wicket win over Dorset at Tetsworth on Sunday.
Coles took 3-7 to help dismiss the visitors for 66, before hitting 35 not out to see Oxon home inside 15 overs.
Dorset collapsed from 41-1 as Coles took three wickets and Charlie Turner and Will Price two apiece.
Oxon slipped to 41-4, but Coles held his nerve to lead his side to victory.
Coles once again starred to help his side to a fantastic eight-wicket win against Wiltshire at Bishops Canning.
The home side had posted a formidable 166-4 in their 40 overs, Jake Gaskill hitting 57.
Oxon made light work of their biggest run chase of the season, thanks to a 137-run second-wicket stand between Coles and Alfie Turner.
Coles smashed a brilliant 84 and Turner 38 not out as Oxfordshire eased home at 170-2 with almost ten overs to spare.
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