OLLIVER Ebsworth-Burland’s brilliant century proved the only highlight as Oxfordshire find themselves on the brink of defeat against Cheshire.

The batsman hit a superb 133, but it was only after the hosts were forced to follow on in the Unicorns Counties Championship Western Division clash at Thame Town.

Cheshire began their second innings needing only 80 for victory and reduced that to 73 at the close of play.

Resuming on 49-4, Oxon slipped to 58-6.

Jonny Cater (35no) offered some resistance, but they were all out for 110 – 228 short.

Forced to follow on, Oxon’s nightmare continued when Harry Smith fell to the third ball.

They steadied the ship when Ebsworth-Burland and Freddie Smith put on 101 for the second wicket.

But Oxon slipped from 101-1 to 105-3 when Freddie Smith (34) and George Sandbach fell.

Ebsworth-Burland helped Oxon reach 212-5.

But he became the sixth victim, eventually dismissed for 133 off 144 deliveries, including 20 fours and a six.

Gareth Andrew followed as Oxon found themselves 215-7 – still 13 short.

But Matt Warner hit an unbeaten 36 off 47 balls and Russell White 28 from 14 as they posted 307 all out.

Cheshire then reached 7-0 off 2.5 overs when bad light stopped play.