JAMES Coles picked up the second best-ever NCCA figures by an Oxfordshire bowler in his side’s four-wicket win over Berkshire.
The 17-year-old recorded 5-6 as the hosts were reduced to 114 all out, his numbers only beaten by Simon Porter’s 6-48 against Shropshire in 1986.
Coles was trapped lbw by Chris Peploe for a golden duck as Oxon fell to 5-2 in reply, but Jonny Cater (27*) and Olly Clarke (26) top-scored to help the visitors begin with a win in Western Division One.
Berkshire started well and looked capable of posting a competitive total in the 50-over clash.
They were 69/2 in the 18th over, but Joe Thomas quickly dismissed Tom Scriven and Richard Morris to leave the home side 81/4.
Coles took centre stage, removing Dan Lincoln in the first of his seven overs.
The left-arm spinner claimed four further scalps to leave the hosts 108/9, with George Tait taking the final wicket.
Coles and Tom Cosford fell early to Peploe, before Tom Haynes and Harrison Ward steadied the ship with a partnership of 38.
Both players were removed to leave Oxon 51/4, but Cater and Clarke put on a further 47.
The visitors were in control and the skipper and Tait (12) hauled them over the line with five overs to spare.
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