Oxfordshire won their 2021 season opener as they defeated Oxford UCCE by 140 runs this afternoon (Tuesday 6th April 2021).
On a very cold day at The Parks, Oxfordshire were inserted by their hosts.
When the Sussex youngster James Coles departed early, it was Shabaz Alam and Tom Cosford who put on a 127-run partnership in 14.1 overs for the second wicket.
Oxford Downs all-rounder Cosford departed for a quick-fire 74 runs from just 49 balls. His innings included 9 fours and 4 sixes.
Alam was finally out for 66 runs (10 fours and 2 sixes) from 65 balls.
Batting at six, Oxfordshire skipper Jonny Cater steered his side to post 298 for 7 from their 50 overs. The recently appointed Great Brickhill player/coach was unbeaten at the end of the innings with 72 runs from 81 balls. He found good support from Olly Clarke (20) and George Tait (25).
In reply, the Oxford UCCE innings started in snow fall.
Russell White and Robbie Shurmer, two for 21, soon put the University on the back foot early on.
The Banbury duo of Clarke and Joe Thomas spun five wickets between them to all-but-sew the game up. Clarke finishing with three for 22, while Thomas collected two for 26.
White, Tait and Matt Warner all picked up a wicket each as the National Counties Cricket Association side ran out winners by 140 runs.
Number nine batsman Toby Greatwood and number ten Wilkinson, the opening bowlers, joint top-scored with 31 runs, as the Oxford UCCE were dismissed for 158 runs.
SCORECARD LINK: OXFORD UCCE V OXFORDSHIRE
