It was largely disappointing fare for the hosts as Oxfordshire finally began their MCC Western Division campaign against Wiltshire at Challow & Childrey yesterday.

Their opening clash with Devon saw no play due to rain, but this was not the start Oxon wanted.

They may have taken a wicket off the final ball with Keith Arnold dismissing Damien Sharazi.

But Oxon's batting was undermined by some sloppy play after many of the top-order had got themselves in.

With Wiltshire having begun their reply with real aggression, Ian Hawtin's men have it all to do today.

Chris Sandbach and Jamie Hewitt got Oxfordshire off to a useful start after they won the toss and elected to bat.

But Russ Crick had Hewitt caught behind for 39 with his first ball in Minor Counties Cricket.

Crick built on this superb start by claiming the prize wickets of Craig Haupt and Rob Williams before Sandbach and debutant Nathan Hawkes restored Oxon's initiative.

They looked well set on 120-3 at lunch, but got themselves in trouble soon after the resumption.

First Sandbach, who had batted solidly for his 47, gifted a soft catch to gulley with his maiden championship 50 in sight.

That dismissal gave Damien Shirazi his first wicket at this level, and Hawkes was soon his second, bowled as he attempted to flick the ball off his pads.

Hawtin survived a strong lbw appeal the very next delivery before he and Richard Kaufman began what looked a decent partnership.

The pair compiled Oxon's third half-century stand of the innings, but neither could push on for a big score.

Kaufman, in particular, was striking the ball very well, but when he was bowled for 35 off 34 balls, Oxon were in trouble again.

It wasn't long before Hawtin was trapped leg before and it looked unlikely the hosts would bat their full 90 overs.

Oxon's other debutant, Francois Vainker, compiled a composed 32, while Jack Brooks had a positive cameo.

Having been presented with a bat to mark his 200th championship appearance, Keith Arnold kept his wicket intact.

Wiltshire's reply began steadily before Brooks had Tim Morton caught by Kaufman.

It gathered pace with 17-year-old James Vince at the crease - the Hampshire Academy player smashing 20 off one Brooks over.

Vince raced to his first championship 50 in just 27 balls, scoring ten fours in the process.

Such was Wiltshire's dominance they went from 30-1 after ten overs to 106-1 after 20.

With the close of play approaching, Wiltshire visibly slowed down, content with the strong position they had achieved.

Vainker and Arnold managed a bit more control, and although the latter took a big wicket, Oxon will have to bowl much better today if they are to avoid a substantial first innings deficit.