Oxfordshire suffered a resounding innings and 26-run defeat against Berkshire in the ECB Under 17 Championship at Challow & Childrey.

Oxon were missing seven of their first-choice team for the Division 2 encounter due to a clash of fixtures with the ECB Under 15 Competition quarter-finals, injuries and holiday commitments.

It resulted in Oxfordshire being outplayed in all departments, and now they are in danger of relegation to Division 3 next season.

Berkshire won the toss and elected to bat on an excellent Challow wicket.

The visitors' batsmen were helped by a lack of discipline from the Oxon bowlers, whose line and length deserted them.

Opening batsman Hamzah Taj took full advantage to smash an impressive 161 as Berkshire rattled up 400-8 dec.

Pick of the Oxon bowlers was leg spinner Alex Blanchard, who took 4-86 from 25 overs.

It left Oxon to negotiate seven overs at the end of day one, which they did successfully to reach 35-0.

However, the second day saw a woeful batting display from Oxon who were shot out for 134 in just 52 overs.

Asked to follow-on, Oxon fared little better and only a superb unbeaten 80 off 46 balls from Blanchard at No 9 saw Oxon reach 240 off 37 overs.

Oxon will need a much- improved display when they face Bucks at the Oxford University Ground, Marston, on Wednesday and Thursday if they are to maintain their Division 2 status.