Kidlington learned a few home truths when they suffered a seven-wicket defeat by Gerrards Cross on their debut in Home Counties Premier League Division 2 West on Saturday.

The reigning Oxford Times Cherwell League champions, playing their first match over a long duration lacked the patience to build a big total and paid a severe penalty.

Teams batting first in this division are able to bat for 60 overs, but Kidlington were all out in 52, as several of their batsmen fell to rash shots.

Choosing to bat first, Kidlington lost two early wickets to the left-arm seam of Jon Coles.

But Nawaz Ali and Andy Buckingham pulled the innings round before they, too, fell to the bowling of Coles.

It was a struggle after that, with no batsman able to play a major innings against an accurate attack At 125-8, they were in big trouble, but a rapid 21 from skipper Mark Strong enabled them to reach 155-9.

Coles finished with4-36 in 17 overs on the slow pitch.

The total never looked enough as Cross opener Alex Hales hammered the Kidlington attack to all parts with a superb unbeaten 88.

Matt Arnull picked up two wickets, but the Bucks club eased home in the 28th over to give Kidlington plenty of food for thought.