Oxfordshire Under 15 girls fell to a 130-run defeat against a strong Hampshire outfit in their second ECB County Championship match of the season at Challow & Childrey.

After back-to-back victories against Gloucestershire in a friendly and Wiltshire in their opening championship game, Oxon were full of confidence going into the game.

Hampshire won the toss, and unsurprisingly opted to bat first on an excellent Challow track.

And with opener Aylish Cranstone in great form, Oxon’s girls knew they would be in for a tough day.

Cranstone put on 36 for the first wicket with Charlotte Taylor, and although Oxon took wickets at regular intervals, Cranstone’s fine knock of 75 was the main contribution in her side’s impressive total.

Pick of the bowlers for Oxfordshire was Ellie Norton, who claimed three wickets in just four overs, while Emilia Batram took two wickets, as well as claiming a fine catch and running out Cranstone when she had reached 75.

With such a formidable target to chase, Oxon got off to the worst possible start as they lost Norton for a duck.

Only Chloe Dowhunek reached double figures as Oxon were bowled out inside 20 overs.

Oxon can take heart from their encouraging performance in the field, however, against one of the strongest sides in the competition.