SKIPPER Max Mannering claimed his third consecutive haul of five wickets or more as Oxfordshire eased to a 113-run victory over Herefordshire in their ECB Under 14 Cup clash at Banbury.

On a cool and showery day, but presented with a good looking pitch which had been covered for three days, Oxon batted first and posted their highest score of the season.

Tom Costley and Alex Davies shared an opening stand of 26, before Davies fell immediately after a brief rain break.

Costley went on to score a fluent 40, but it was Callum Russell and Will Bull who flourished in particular.

With excellent running between the wickets, the pair both scored half-centuries, Russell’s 58 in 92 balls being his maiden county 50.

Bull was in sublime form, scoring 51 not out at almost a run a ball.

When Russell finally fell, bowled by a Jack Taylor yorker, Hugo Campbell-Harris continued Oxfordshire’s momentum with 27 not out in 26 balls as they closed on 211-3 from their 45 overs.

Tight opening spells from Costley and Campbell-Harris put Herefordshire behind the run rate, the first 11 overs yielding just 26 runs.

It was then time for spin, and deadly duo Mannering and Sam Haselgrove claimed eight wickets between them.

Haselgrove was at one point on a hat-trick, finishing with figures of 3-26.

But once again, Mannering was the pick of the bowling, returning 5-23 as Oxon dismissed their visitors for 98.

Costley had the final word too, a brilliant direct hit run out wrapping up Oxon’s victory.

Oxon have a crunch game away to group leaders Staf-fordshire tomorrow.

Victory in Wolverhampton will put them in with a very good chance of reaching the knock-out stages.