OXFORDSHIRE will need to produce a superb turnaround if they are to continue their impressive recent winning run.
Jonny Cater’s side travelled to Devon having triumphed in their last three Western Division matches.
But they were dismissed for 211 on the opening day of their game in Sidmouth, with the hosts reaching 111-2 at the close.
After being put in to bat, Oxon made a steady start before Ollie Price was caught by Peter Trego off the bowling of Mitchell Pugh for nine.
George Sandbach and Richard Kaufman then fell cheaply as the away side slipped to 44-3.
Harry Smith was the next to go for 39, before Tom Cosford and Olly Clarke fell cheaply to leave Oxfordshire in deep trouble on 99-6.
However, Cater and Gareth Andrew steadied the ship before the latter fell for 20.
Cater was next to fall for a gritty 65 off 114 balls to leave Oxon on 154-8.
Russell White went for just three, but last man Joe Butcher joined Matt Warner at the crease.
The duo added a vital 42 for the final wicket, Butcher falling for 21 as Warner ended unbeaten on 36.
Devon also started well, their opening stand of 46 eventually ending when George Allen was caught by Smith off the bowling of Butcher.
The Abingdon Vale seamer then also struck to remove Jamie Baird for ten and leave Devon on 69-2.
However, Alex Barrow stood firm to finish unbeaten on 54, with Trego 24 not out as the hosts moved into a strong position.
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