Stuart Hole produced a sensational all-round display to swing Oxfordshire’s first Minor Counties Championship Western Division clash of the season in their favour.

The Oxford all-rounder, batting at No 8, hit 78 to play a big part in an eighth-wicket partnership of 123 with David Smith as Oxon reached 294-8 off their 90 overs.

The paceman then ripped through the Cheshire top order to take 3-5 in just 3.2 overs as the visitors were restricted to 19-3 in reply.

It is a position that few would have believed after Oxfordshire’s top order failed to fire on the first of three days at Banbury CC.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, skipper Ian Hawtin was soon regretting his decision.

Hawtin, opening the batting in the absence of Damian Shirazi, was back in the pavilion after just three balls, having been bowled by Richard Logan for a duck.

That brought the recalled Craig Haupt to the crease, and the Banbury man tried to steady the ship with Chris Sandbach, but the latter was soon caught behind.

Rob Williams was the next to go, before Haupt followed after being run out by a direct throw from square leg for 43.

Richard West went cheaply and Oxon looked in all kinds of trouble at 95-5.

Charlie Knightley and Smith batted well to share a stand of 56 to start the recovery, before Knightley was dismissed for 42.

But then the tide changed in Oxfordshire’s favour.

Smith and Hole started slowly, but both grew in confidence as Oxfordshire’s total increa-sed.

Their crucial partnership ended when Smith was caught behind for 82, which came off 137 balls and featured nine fours and two sixes.

Hole was stumped off the last ball of the innings, trying to bring up the 300.

His 78 came off 97 balls and included nine fours.

With earlier rain forcing a delay, play did not finish until nearly 8pm.

But Hole was grateful that the light was good enough to have a few overs at the visitors.

He took a wicket in his first over – and followed it up with two more.

Eventually, the low sun forced a slightly earlier finish than planned when the Cheshire batsmen claimed it was shining through the sightscreen.

Scores: Oxfordshire 294-8 (D Smith 82, S Hole 78), Cheshire 19-3.