Relegation candidates Oxford were denied the chance of a much-needed win when a thunderstorm washed out their Home Counties Premier League Division 1 clash at Falkland when they were well on top.

Great spells of bowling from Stuart Hole, Graham Charlesworth, Jack Brooks and Rupert Evans had reduced Falkland to 83-7 when the heavens opened at lunchtime.

Falkland, who won the toss and decided to bat, were 8-4 at one stage with Charlesworth taking 3-10.

Adam Cook snapped up three catches at third slip and Simon Hole pocketed two at short leg.

However, the umpires ruled the outfield unfit after the deluge and the match was abandoned to leave Oxford second bottom.