OXFORD University were edged out by three wickets in an exciting Charles Russell Varsity Twenty20 clash at Fenner’s.

Cambridge University reached 112-7 with three overs to spare, having been pegged back in their chase of Oxford’s 107 all out.

The hosts had been cruising at 46-1 and 79-3 after former Oxford CC player Gus Kennedy made 35.

However, Cambridge toppled to 90-7 as Alex Scott picked up two wickets.

But the Light Blues steadied the ship and won the match in emphatic style when Phil Ashton launched Ben Williams for a massive six.

Earlier, only a mature and sophisticated 52 from Sam Agarwal allowed Oxford to post three figures.

Paul Best – making his debut for the Light Blues, following commitments with Warwickshire and Cambridge MCCU – proved the difference between the sides.

The left-arm spinner dismissed Olly Richards and Tom Bryan lbw in his first over, while Agarwal and Dan Pascoe soon followed to leave Best with a fine haul of 4-12.

Paddy Sadler then claimed two victims as the Dark Blues subsided from 92-4 to 107 all out.