OXFORD kick-started their campaign with a resounding five-wicket victory at home against highly-fancied High Wycombe at Rover Cowley on Saturday.

This result would have delighted Oxford skipper Jason Harrison, who joined the club from Wycombe in the close season.

But it was an Oxford stalwart, Graham Charlesworth, in the unaccustomed role of opener, who proved to be the match-winner with an innings of 86.

After choosing to bat first, Wycombe were led by skipper Greg Pooley, who carried his bat for a superb 76 not out as they battled to 208-4 in 66 overs.

Veteran Rupert Evans led the Oxford attack with an inspired spell of 3-75 in 25 immaculate overs of off-spin He was well supported by Charlesworth, Philip Evans, Jack Brooks and Shamilal Mendis.

The Oxford innings saw a change to the batting order, with Charlesworth being promoted to open the batting.

This proved to be an inspired move as he produced an innings combining grit and determination with power and flair.

Charlsworth anchored the innings and was eventually out just 14 short of a well-deserved century.

Needing 50 from the last nine overs, Stewart Laudat and Joe Porter attacked the Wycombe bowlers.

Both fell just short of the finish line, and it was left to Adam Cook to score the winning runs, with nearly six overs to spare.