Superb knocks from Curtly Slatter and Charlie Hill were not enough to save Oxfordshire from a 51-run defeat on first innings in their ECB Under 17 County Championship clash with Hertfordshire at Radley College.

Oxon were left rueing a poor batting display as their top order were blown away on an excellent track, after doing well to dismiss their visitors for 283 on the first day.

Hertfordshire had no hesitation in batting first when winning the toss, and although they quickly lost their opener James Scott for one and Charlie Rudkin for 15, a fine third-wicket stand of 129 between Graham and Scott putthem well on top at 176-2.

Oxfordshire fought back well, however, left-arm spinner Chris Leaney returning excellent figures of 5-75 from 25 overs as Hertfordshire lost their last eight wickets for 107 runs.

The hosts’reply at the end of day one got off to a poor start as they lost both openers, Adam Muttitt and Henry Sensecall before the close.

Things got worse on day two. Jamie Coles was run out in strange circumstances after an lbw appeal was turned down.

With the ball still in play, Coles, out of his ground, was run out.

Ed Goggs, who had been dropped twice the evening before, followed for 15 and Oxon were reeling on 66-4.

Slatter played his natural game, crashing boundaries to all parts of the ground in his sparkling innings of 60 in only 44 balls.

However, he lost partners regularly, Andrew Tolson falling for two, and Justin Lambden and Josh Megson both failing to trouble the scorers.

When Slatter, too, was out, Oxon were staring down the barrel at 129-8, before Hill and Warner got together.

Hill played the starring role, batting at nine, with his maiden county half-century.

He finished unbeaten on 63, while Warner chipped in with 28.

Oxon's final total of 232 all out was far better than it might have been, although on a batting track, ultimately disappointing.

When Hertfordshire batted again, they posted 200-5 to gain three further bonus points, while Oxon's five wickets gave them two extra points.

They will certainly look to improve on their top-order batting in the games to follow.

Oxon will look for quick revenge when they host Hertfordshire again on Monday in the ECB County Cup at Shipton-under-Wychwood.