Oxfordshire Under 17s slipped to an 81-run defeat in their opening friendly two-day match of the season at Oxford Downs.

The game was affected by rain on the first day, and this had an impact at the toss, with skipper Josh Smith opting to insert Wiltshire in overcast and damp conditions.

Oxon got off to the perfect start as newcomer Freddie Keys bowled the dangerous Uzi Qureshi for a duck.

And with Jon Sore also falling cheaply, Wiltshire were 50-2.

The visitors scored slowly on the first day, but with a good batting track, they closed on 108-2 overnight.

The second day dawned much brighter and warmer, allowing Steve Bullen and Luke Edwards to make hay.

The pair continued where they left off overnight, putting on 145 for the third wicket.

Bullen's fantastic knock of 124 included several sixes out of the ground, before he eventually fell to Conor Taylor.

After his dismissal and that of Edwards, Wiltshire stumbled to 260 all out.

Pick of the Oxon attack was left-arm spinner Joe Harris, who bowled with great control to take 3-50 from 27 overs, while Taylor returned 3-43.

Oxfordshire were given 63 overs to get the target of 261, but got off to the worst possible start with James Edwards falling for a duck.

After his dismissal, wickets fell at regular intervals, several players getting starts, but failing to go on.

The only player to really impress was Tom Geeson-Brown, who, batting at No 8, finished unbeaten on 60.