The heavens opened early to force Oxfordshire Under 15s’ first home game of the season against Northampshire to be abandoned after just 15 overs at Banbury.

The visitors won the toss and opted to bowl first.

And they made early inroads as both Lloyd Sabin and Ross Barrett fell cheaply.

With Oxon struggling at 18-2, Matt Taylor and Jamie Coles then added 41 for the third wicket, before Taylor was caught for 22.

Coles remained unbeaten on 13 when the rains came again and play was abandoned for the day with Oxfordshire on 57-3.

They will hope for better fortunes when they return to Banbury on June 3 for their opening ECB Under 15 Cup clash against Gloucestershire.

Pictured (right) is opening batsman Lloyd Sabin getting into position to drive through the off side on the front foot. Picture: George Reszeter