OXFORDSHIRE Under 15s slipped to their first defeat of the season as they lost by four wickets in their ECB County Cup match at Marlborough.

But a battling performance meant the result went down to the wire, with a number of encouraging displays in both the batting and the bowling.

Oxfordshire batted first and Elliot Day and skipper Adam Muttitt put on 68 for the first wicket, before Day was adjudged lbw for 20.

Henry Sensecall fell cheaply, before Muttitt and Curtly Slatter shared a useful third-wicket stand.

But with Oxon handily placed at 135-3, Muttitt holed out for 61 and when Slatter was caught for a quickfire 31, Oxon had to rebuild their innings.

This they did well as they reached 203 all out from 44 overs.

In reply, Wiltshire made a fine start and appeared to be cruising home at 129-2.

But Oxon weren’t to give up.

Two wickets for Connor Williams and debutant James Connolly brought Oxon back into the game, only for some good hitting down the order from Harry Hawkins to seal victory with an over to spare.