OXFORDSHIRE Under 15s proved too good for Middlesex in their latest outing at Banbury CC, winning by five wickets.

Middlesex reached a commanding 236-7 in their 50 overs, with spinners Jamal Sutton (4-30), William Dobson and Chris Watling all bowling well, backed up by some athletic fielding

In their reply, Oxfordshire went on the attack from the start, with promoted opener, James Hewitt, showing the way with a lively 37 made off only 50 balls.

The 50 came up in just 8.3 overs but Oxon then lost three quick wickets before skipper Will Eason (44) and Greg Stern (61) came together in an excellent partnership of 101 in just 20 overs to take firm control.

When Stern was out at 205, Mark Skelton and Rob Hazleton finished off the job in confident style to take Oxfordshire to a memorable win with three overs to spare.

Also this week, Oxon found Essex too strong at Wadham College, as the visitors triumphed by five wickets.

Only Eason (44) and Mark Skelton mastered some steady bowling as Oxon reached 162-8.

Opener Foley scored 55 as Essex knocked off the required runs in 31 overs.

Oxfordshire had earlier gone down by five wickets to Buckinghamshire at RGS High Wycombe.

Only three batsmen reached double figures, Eason top-scoring with 33, as Oxon totalled only 133-6 off 50 overs on a slow track.

Bucks reached 134-5, William Buggey taking 3-21 off seven overs.

It was a different story against Berkshire at Oxford Downs as Oxon triumphed by eight wickets.

Berks scored 167-8 on a good track, Dobson's off spin (3-27 off ten overs) being the pick of the day's bowling, while Eason's five overs cost only five runs.

In reply, Oxon skipper Chris Smith scored a fine 64, sharing an opening partnership of 102 with Will Dobson.

Oxon's next fixture is against Sussex at Banbury CC tomorrow (11.30am).