OXFORDSHIRE got off to a bad start in defence of their ECB 50+ Championship crown, after losing by four wickets to Wales at Oxford Downs yesterday.

After their opening match against Gloucestershire was washed out last week, Oxon were looking to start with victory against an agile Wales side, who beat them in the group stages last season.

With eight teams in their section, Oxfordshire must finish in the top two to ensure that they qualify for the latter stages – although the highest-scoring third-place county will also progress.

Having lost the toss, Oxon were asked to bat first and got off to a stunning start when opener Ian Caunce launched the fourth ball of the match out of the ground.

However, although Caunce dispatched another delivery over the boundary, he was soon out for 13.

Wickets fell at regular intervals, and it was only a stand of 65 between Malcolm Evans and Steve Partington that gave their final total of 171-8 some respectibility.

They were not helped, however, by two runs outs – Steve Kelly, for a duck, and Partington both failing to make their ground.

Wales got off to a steady start with their openers sharing a half-century stand, before Oxon slowly started to get amongst them.

At 110-4 the match was still in the balance, but although Andrew Wingfield-Digby claimed three wickets, Wales got home with two overs to spare.

Oxon now travel to Gloucestershire next Wednesday for their rearranged tie, which will be held at Poulton CC.