OXFORDSHIRE Under 17s had a tough time of it as they fell to a 116-run defeat at Radley College in their second friendly of the season.

Fielding a handful of triallists and players from the under 16 side, Oxon had to chase down a formidable target of 261-9, and fell well short.

Batting first, Radley lost a wicket early, but a 131-run stand between Alex Hearne and captain Henry Miles took the game away from Oxfordshire.

Nick Gubbins chipped in with a well-constructed half-century, before Oxon fought back in the latter stages, Amin Rafiq the pick of the bowlers with 4-44 from ten overs.

In reply, Oxon lost captain Alex Kill early, and at 48-5, were in serious trouble.

But a fine partnership of 84 between Ashley Hubbert and Rafiq restored some resp-ectability.

  • OXFORDSHIRE Under 16s picked up a convincing six-wicket victory in their match against Radley College.

Having lost a number of their side to the under 17 team, Oxfordshire produced an encouraging performance in the field to restrict their hosts to 124 all out, despite a fine 77 from George Low.

Debutant Will Rooney was the pick of the Oxfordshire bowlers with 3-37, while leg-spinner Richard Simpson bowled with considerable guile to take 1-11 from seven tidy overs.

Oxfordshire lost their top three quickly, and were struggling at 18-3 at one stage.

But, aided by an unbeaten 78 from captain Richard Cook and 24 from triallist George Seacole, Oxon eased to victory at 126-4 with more than ten overs to spare.

  • OXFORDSHIRE’S Under 15s fielded three county debutants as they fell to a three-wicket defeat against Radley.

Batting first, Oxon posted a respectable 125-6 from their 35 overs.

Will Bibby top-scored with 40, and there was also a useful knock of 33 from Ross Barrett.

Radley were made to work hard for victory, which they achieved in the 33rd over.

A fine spell from Ed Goggs (4-26) kept Radley on their toes, while Fi Morris chipped in with two wickets.