A fine captain’s innings of 68 from Andrew Tolson was not enough as Oxfordshire Under 13s slipped to a 34-run defeat against Cambridgeshire in their opening match of the new season at Radley College.

Tolson was run out as Oxon chased down a formidable target of 215, after Cambridge-shire ran riot towards the end of their innings.

It looked as though Oxon’s bowlers had done the hard work as Cambridgeshire were on 144-6 with just six overs remaining, thanks largely to a super spell of 3-16 from leg-spinner Angus Spittles.

But nobody was prepared for the onslaught that was to follow, as Graeme Coy smashed 65 not out from just 28 balls to take his team to 214-6.

Oxfordshire’s reply got off to a steady start, as they scored 43 from the first ten overs.

But they came unstuck in the next ten as Cambridgeshire applied the pressure in the field.

Only Tolson and Dan Matt-hews made a concerted effort to lift the pace, and at 134-4 with nine overs to go, they were in with a shout.

But when Tolson was run out, Oxfordshire’s innings subsided and they were bowled out for 180.

OXFORDSHIRE’S Under 17 showed some encouraging signs, despite falling to a six-wicket defeat in a friendly against Bicester & North Oxford.

Batting first, Oxon posted a useful total of 250-8 from their 50 overs.

Harry Smith fell one run short of a century, while captain Ed Gross chipped in with 69.

But in reply, Bicester got off to a flying start with their Aussie star Adam Yates smashing 70 in quick time.

Bicester’s very own Oxon under 17 batsman Staff Sansome chipped in with 51 not out, and forged a good partnership with his father, Gary Sansome (30), as Bicester got home with seven overs to spare.