Oxfordshire Under 15s lost their opening match of the ECB Under 15 County Championship by 54 runs at Challow.

After winning the toss and inserting the visitors, Oxon got off to a great start, with debutant Matthew Woods picking up 2-19 in his opening five-over spell.

The Berkshire top-order struggled to cope with Wood's hostile pace, although their middle order steadied the ship, and they reached lunch on 97-5.

After the interval, they went on the counter attack as the runs started to flow.

Matthew Carson hoisted two huge sixes into the pavilion, and by the time skipper Jack Taylor had brought himself on, Carston had moved to to 78 before falling to Taylor's off-spin.

The visitors' lower order all chipped in as they closed on 201-9, leaving Oxon 48 overs to chase the target.

Oxon's reply got off to a bad start when openers Tim Rogers and Hugh Anderson Elliot both fell cheaply.

Nathaniel Watkins and Josh Smith restored order as Oxon reached tea on 76-3.

However, the pair fell soon after tea, and Oxon's middle order offered little resistance, despite some lusty late blows from Will Barker (20).

As they tried to bat out for a draw, Matt Woods, Oxon's last man, fell with eight balls remaining.