After a bright start, Oxfordshire were completely outplayed by Oxford University in their one-day friendly in the Parks yesterday.

The students won by eight wickets with more than 15 overs to spare against the young county line-up.

Oxfordshire could not have made a better start after skipper Ian Hawtin had won the toss and chosen to bat.

Openers Adam Cook and Keith Mustow added 64 in 16 overs against some friendly seam bowling, and the county seemed set for a useful total in the 50-overs match.

However, the introduction of spinners Nick Woods and Mike Munday not only put a brake on proceedings, but led to a dramatic collapse.

Left-armer Woods made the initial breakthroughs before leg-spinner Munday dismissed youngsters Richard West and Luke Ryan for ducks.

At one stage Oxon lost four wickets for one run to slump to 88-6.

Former Middlesex professional Jamie Hewitt contributed 19 not out, but received little support as the county were dismissed for 123 in 44 overs Oxon used 13 players, and it was one of their non-batsmen David Slade who trapped both Varsity openers for 11.

But Woods and Oberoi, at first cautiously, righted the ship, before scoring freely to see their side home without further loss in the 35th over.

Oberoi took a liking to the spin of Dickon Morris to finish on 56 off 71 balls with one six and four fours.

Oxon will be hoping to fare bettter in their friendly away to Banbury today, before taking on Wiltshire in their first Minor Counties KO Cup match at Westbury tomorrow.