ROBBIE Shurmer shone as Oxfordshire’s young side shared the honours on the first day of their Western Division match with Wiltshire at Marlborough.
The Great & Little Tew seamer, one of four debutants in the visitors’ team, took 4-44 to wrap up the Wiltshire innings for 211.
Oxon had progressed to 96-3 at the close to leave the match well-balanced.
At one stage it looked as though the hosts, who had chosen to bat first, would score considerably more,
A second-wicket stand of 98 between Ed Young (53) and David Bromley (51) took Wiltshire to 116-1 just before lunch.
But both fell to experienced seamer Gareth Andrew, as Oxon made inroads into the batting order during the afternoon.
Off-spinner Max Mannering, another debutant, dismissed Bradley Dawson for 30.
But it was Shurmer, who came to the fore with 4-17 in a late seven-over spell, which was the instigator for Wiltshire losing their last six wickets for 33 runs.
The innings was wrapped up by another newcomer, Oxford spinner Chris Humphreys.
Harry Smith, the Oxfordshire captain in the absence of Jonny Cater, and Tom Condon put on 27 before both departed in quick succession, while Olly Clarke fell shortly before the close for 25,
This allowed the fourth debutant, George Reid, to play out time with Matt Warner.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here