Nathaniel Watkins smashed an excellent unbeaten half century as Oxfordshire Under 14s got their ECB County Cup campaign off to a flying start with a crushing seven-wicket win against Gloucestershire at Bourton Vale.

With Watkins, Jack Taylor and Josh Smith also playing at under 15 level this season, Oxon proved far too strong for their hosts as they cruised to their target with nine overs to spare.

Gloucestershire opted to bat first on a good wicket, and they got off to a great start with the openers putting on 50 for the first wicket.

But Oxon skipper Taylor, made some shrewd bowling changes, bringing himself and Joe Todd on.

The switch to slower bowlers paid immediate dividends as Taylor removed Shaad Mustafa and Ben Lawrence in quick succession.

The run rate slowed, with the home team only adding 46 in the next 14 overs.

Wickets fell steadily, with only opener Liam Durrans making any headway as Gloucestershire were bowled out for 176.

Oxon's opening pair started in the best possible way with Todd and Josh Smith putting on 82 for the first wicket.

The home side had a faint glimmer of hope when they both fell in quick succession, but Watkins hammered a chanceless 51 not out and Taylor 43 as Oxon accelerated towards the target, finishing on 179-3.