OXFORDSHIRE Under 14s were beaten by 87 runs after a disappointing performance with the bat in their friendly against Dorset at Dean Park, Bournemouth.

Oxfordshire bowled and fielded well, and at one stage were well on top as they reduced their hosts to 66-5.

But a late cameo from big-hitting Michael Jordan, who was dropped on nought, took Dorset to a useful total of 202 all out, the final wicket falling in the last over.

Oxfordshire’s spinners were the pick of the attack with Sam Haselgrove taking 3-30 from nine overs and Max Mannering 2-28 from his spell.

On a good pitch, the victory target of 203 did not appear out of the question, but Oxon got off to the worst possible start as they lost both openers, Alex Davies and Tom Condon for ducks.

Will Bull and Tom White (19) shared 44 for the third wicket, Bull in particular playing some nice strokes before he was adjudged lbw for 22.

Spinner Sam Stroud was the pick of the Dorset bowling as he took 5-26, with Oxfordshire’s middle order offering little resistance.

Tom Costley (22) and Louis Pennington (10) were the only other Oxon players to reach double figures as they were bowled out for 115.