OXFORDSHIRE’S Under 17s slipped to a narrow defeat away to Buckinghamshire in their second Royal London County Cup match of the season at Long Marston.

They will have to win their remaining two group games to be in with a chance of making the semi-finals.

In a match reduced to 42 overs per side due to heavy morning rain, Bucks plundered Oxon’s attack to all parts.

Ben Lane led the way with a belligerent 77 from 71 balls.

Oxon’s reply got off to a terrible start and despite a 44 from skipper George Reid, they were staring down the barrel at 54-4.

However, a terrific 75 from Harvey Eltham got Oxon back on track.

  • Sport

Sulaiman Hussain (27) and Brad Taylor (23) continued the momentum, but they finished just short on 227-9.

OXON'S Under 15 side suffered a heavy nine-wicket loss at home to Devon.

After being put into bat, the hosts, who named seven Magdalen College students in their side, got off to a nightmare start at 11-2.

Archie Spittles and Joe Moorman looked to steady the ship, but the middle order collapsed as Oxon lost five batsman for just eight runs and were skittled for 105.

There was hope early on when Tom Price dismissed James Bovey with the first ball and Tom Brine bowled Jamie Khan for 29-2.

However, Tom Lammonby (79) and Sam Maunder (14) led the visitors to victory.