AN uncharacteristic batting collapse saw Oxfordshire Under 17s crash out of the ECB County Cup with a four-wicket defeat away to Hertfordshire.
Winning the toss, Oxon opted to bat first.
But the decision quickly seemed to be the wrong one as Oxon lost openers Vishane Perera for a duck and Harry Smith for seven.
Although Nigel Hume and Matt Taylor set about rebuilding the innings, a needless run-out and the loss of Taylor for a patient 21 sparked a collapse.
Only captain Richard Cook and Jack Simpson shone with the bat as Oxon fell from 79-3 to 125 all out.
Herfordshire lost an early wicket in their reply, but reached tea at 46-1.
Although Oxon improved after the interval, and took five further wickets, the result was never in doubt, despite an impressive debut from Tom Nugent, who took 3-31.
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