Oxfordshire paid a heavy price for losing the toss on the first day of their Western Division match against Wiltshire at Salisbury yesterday.

With the ball moving around in the air on a difficult day for batting, they were dismissed for just 120 in 60.2 overs.

As conditions improved later, Wiltshire replied with 183-3 to finish firmly in the driving seat.

Although Oxon lost Simon Hole for four to the pacy Alex Senneck, Chris Smith and Jamie Hewitt seemed to have averted any danger by taking the score along to 44.

However, Senneck was getting the ball to move at pace and he accounted for both batsmen, Hewitt after making a top score of 42.

Oxon needed a big score from Rob Williams or Charlie Knightley, but both fell victim to James Hibberd for single figures.

Richard Kaufman and Ian Hawtin also went cheaply as wickets continued to tumble and at 90-8 it seemed the visitors might struggle to reach three figures.

However, youngsters Chris Sandbach, on his debut, and Ryan Newhook put on 27 for the ninth wicket the second highest of the match to bring about a slight recovery.

Even so, Oxon's total of 120 was a major disappointment.

Senneck was the pick of the bowlers with 4-37.

Young spinner Luke Ryan (pictured) made his mark in Wiltshire's innings. He took two wickets and a fine catch, finishing with 2-57.

He was hit for 18 off one over by Tom Hawkins, but had his revenge by dismissing him caught and bowled.