Oxfordshire Under 12s fell to a 188-run defeat against a powerful Middlesex side at Radley College.
After losing the toss and fielding first, Oxon began well, with some tight bowling from openers Kamaal Hamid and Max Smith.
Jonty Robinson claimed the first wicket as former Oxfordshire player James Palmer was caught at mid-on by Tom Dingwall for 19.
But a superb partnership of 84 between Charlie Nicolls (83) and Joseph Emanuel (59) put Middlesex in command.
Late wickets meant Middlesex closed on 253-8 from their 40 overs, Smith the pick of the Oxfordshire bowlers with 2-34 from his eight overs.
Oxon’s reply got off to the worst possible start as Will Polito was bowled first ball of the innings.
They were unable to build any partnerships thanks to a combination of good bowling, poor shot selection and questionable calling.
Only Kamaal Hamid (31) got going as Oxon fell to 65 all out.
Meanwhile, on an adjacent pitch, Oxfordshire Under 11s were given an equally stern test as they lost to Middlesex by 144 runs.
Middlesex made good use of a flat pitch to rattle up a total of 196-6 from their 40 overs, Harrison Ward taking 3-25.
With steady drizzle beginning to fall, Oxon’s three spinners struggled to grip the ball as runs flowed freely.
Oxon had no reply to the consistency of Middlesex’s bowling attack and they fell to 52 all out in reply.
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