OXFORDSHIRE, who started brightly, ended up on the back foot after the first day of their Unicorns Counties Championship Western Division match against Cheshire at Chester Boughton Hall.

After going well at 101-1, Oxon slipped to 235 all out, and then saw the hosts cruise to 172-0.

Captaining Oxon in the absence of Jonny Cater, Lloyd Sabin opted to bat.

Although he soon departed, Tom Condon and Harry Smith fluently added 90 runs.

But then three wickets fell in six overs before lunch.

Condon, whose 43 came off 66 balls, and Jordan Garrett were caught behind, while Smith was bowled for 59 off 87 balls.

In the afternoon, apart from Richard Kaufman, who 54 occupied 81 balls, no batsman lasted long and Oxon were out for 235 in the 65th over.

Cheshire openers Callum Row and Danny Leech took their side to 172 without loss before the close.