CRICKET: Joe Harris was the hero for Oxfordshire Under 16s as his fine all-round display helped them to an 11-run victory at London Schools.

Oxfordshire were put in to bat on a track that flattered to deceive, and they were quickly in trouble as they lost their top five for just 38.

Syed Zaidi was the chief destroyer, taking four of the first five to fall with some unplayable deliveries.

A brief recovery followed, but at 67-7, Oxfordshire were staring down the barrel.

But Harris put on 87 with Zabih Ullah Saeed for the eighth wicket as Oxon recovered superbly to post 155-8 from their 50 overs.

Harris finished unbeaten on 51, while Saeed hit six boundaries in his 36.

In reply, London Schools lost a wicket early, but looked to be cruising towards victory at 91-2.

But the introduction of spinners Jack Taylor and Harris dried up the runs.

Although it was Harris who took the wickets, Taylor's ten overs cost just 16 runs as London fell behind the rate.

With their No 11 unable to bat, London Schools closed on 144-9 as Oxfordshire got their season off to the perfect start.