Oxfordshire Under 17s' ECB Championship campaign came to a disappointing end as they were well-beaten by Gloucestershire in their regional third-place play-off match at Great & Little Tew.

Yet again, rain had a big impact, with more than 30 overs lost on the first day.

Oxfordshire lost the toss, and despite the overcast and damp conditions, the visitors opted to bat on a flat and hard track.

It proved to be the right decision as they got off to a flying start.

After a 70-run opening stand, Oxon finally got a breakthrough courtesy of a run out, but this did not appear to be a setback for Gloucestershire.

They continued to bat with great application against an Oxfordshire bowling attack that lacked it's usual spark.

Curtis Blakemore led the way with a magnificent 102, while Jack Brimble chipped in with 61 down the order.

When Gloucestershire dec-lared on 335-8, it left Oxon 77 overs to chase the formidable target, and for the first time this season, it proved way beyond them.

Oxon got off to a dreadful start, losing opener Nigel Hume and No 3 Alex Kill for ducks inside four overs.

Harry Smith and captain Ed Gross shared 66 for the third wicket, but when Gross fell, a steady flurry of wickets always meant a result was beyond Oxon.

Changing tack, Oxon tried to bat out for a draw, with Josh Smith proving particularly stubborn with 54.

However, the Oxon tail could not wag and they lost their last three wickets for just five runs as they were all out for 200 with nine overs and two balls to go.