MP SPORTS CHERWELL LEAGUE - MATCH OF THE DAY

Division 1 newcomers Oxford & Bletchingdon Nondescripts did enough to suggest they will easily cope with the step up in class by handing out a 99-run hiding to Oxford 2nd on Saturday.

Nondies were particularly impressive in the field, where five catches were safely pouched and the pressure was maintained throughout Oxford’s relatively short innings.

Their new-look opening attack of Ed Oakley and new signing Ayaz Khan was another positive, as the pair reduced the visitors to 29-4 in pursuit of 180-9.

Spinners Mark Strong and Sanjay Vinjimoor then made short work of the tail as Oxford collapsed to 81 all out.

Earlier Strong had won the toss and elected to bat first.

After a steady start the wheels started to come off as Nondies were pegged back to 100-5, with Brad Sutherland doing most of the damage.

But a stylish 38 from Shabaz Alam – who joined the club with Khan from Cumnor – and an unbeaten 31 from Andy Brown saw them to a competitive total.

Despite being under strength, Oxford will need to show more resolve with the bat if they are to avoid a long struggle for survival.

Nondies 25pts, Oxford 2nd 4