ECB 50+ County Championship

Big-hitting opener Ian Caunce blasted a brilliant unbeaten 153 as holders Oxfordshire thrashed Shropshire by ten wickets at Banbury Twenty.

Caunce tore the Shropshire attack to shreds with 11 sixes and 12 fours in his quickfire innings.

Chasing Shropshire’s 219-5, Oxon raced to victory off 31 overs with Caunce being joined in an unbroken first-wicket stand of 224 with Paul Tew, who was undefeated on 64 with 13 boundaries.

Nine balls were lost during the day with Caunce the major contributor.

Earlier, Rob Willis conceded just 15 from his nine overs in the Shropshire innings, which was built around 80 from Barry Jones.

It was Oxon’s fourth win from five games this season, and they continue the defence of their title against Warwickshire at Great & Little Tew on Wednesday (2pm).