Oxford knocked League Division 1 table with a convincing eight-wicket destruction at The Brakspear ground on Saturday.

And Oxford’s victory would have been even more convincing but for a brave recovery by the home side after they had been asked to bat first.

After 11 overs, Henley were 35-3.

Mike Roberts was trapped lbw by Richard Gilbert, and Jon McLean fell to a superb catch at third slip by Graham Charlesworth off Stuart Hole, who then had David Barnes leg before.

Bjorn Mordt and James Morris added 43 for the fourth wicket before Morris was bowled by David Smith.

Chad Keegan was then caught in the deep off Charles-worth for nought and at lunch, Henley were struggling at 100-6 from 31 overs.

Two quick wickets after lunch left them in dire straits at 106-8.

Dave Allaway (64 not out off 117 balls) and Tom Lambert frustrated the Oxford bowlers, adding 80 for the ninth wicket in 32 overs before Lambert was run out.

Henley were all out for 190 off the last ball of the 66th over, Hole collecting 3-56, and Nick Ferraby 2-13 off nine overs.

Oxford openers Chris Sandbach and Jason Harrison added 33 before Sandbach was dismissed.

Stewart Laudat, with 37 from 42 balls, added 58 for the second wicket with Harrison, and at tea, the visitors were 91-2 from 19 overs.

Ferraby hurried Oxford to victory with 61 not out from 58 balls in an unbroken century stand off just 21 overs Oxford got home with 14 overs to spare to go fourth in the table.

Skipper Harrison’s unbeaten 68 means he has now scored 254 league runs at an average of 127.