Oxford made a nightmare start after being asked to bat first in Saturday’s Division 1 contest at Henley.

But it did not matter as rain brought an early finish.

Both openers John Barrett and Jason Harrison departed with two runs on the board.

And Henley skipper Bjiorn Mordt soon claimed a second victim when having Stewart Laudat caught behind .

After an interruption for rain Jamie Perkin, showing the increased maturity which has earned him an Oxfordshire place this summer, and Nick Ferraby put on 58.

Perkin and Ian Crosby then added 59 for the fifth wicket as the pitch eased, before both were dismissed at the same total.

Stuart Hole soon went to make it a perilous 144-7.

After a further interruption for rain, Shamilal Mendis and Ian Evans added 48 for the eighth wicket to take Oxford to 192-7 from their reduced 57 overs.

Before Henley could begin their reply, a further heavy shower caused the game to be abandoned.