Oxfordshire Under 17s were taught a stern lesson as they were soundly beaten by Gloucestershire in two warm-up matches at Oxford Downs ahead of their ECB Championship season.

Originally scheduled as a two-day game, the decision was taken to play two oneday matches with heavy rain around, and Oxon fell to defeat in both matches.

On the first day, Oxon won the toss and chose to field, but Gloucestershire set a total of 233 all out in 57.4 overs.

Lloyd Belcher finished with economical figures of 1-15, while Harvey Eltham and Dan Khan each took 3-36.

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Oxon got off to a steady start, with Jordan Garrett and captain George Reid both getting into the 30s, but then they subsided to 187 all out.

On the second day, the match was reduced to 35 overs a side, and Gloucestershire amassed a formidable 247 all out.

This time, Oxon were never in the hunt with only Brad Taylor and Graham Beer (45) making double figures as they tumbled to 103 all out.

CAPTAIN Tom Price’s 71 proved in vain as Oxfordshire slipped to a five-wicket defeat against Somerset in their ECB Under 15 County Cup Group 4A clash at Brislington.

Price hit eight fours in his 120-ball knock as Oxon were bowled out for 163 after being put in to bat.

Ned Dunning, who has taken 3-18, then hit an unbeaten 51 to steer Somerset home at 164-6 after opener Ben Wells had made 49. Rory Hipwell took 4-41 for Oxon.

Two days earlier, Oxon had thrashed London Schools by 100 runs in a friendly at Southgate CC.

Harry Davies (61) and Joe Moorman (42) led the way as Oxon made 209-8 off 40 overs.

London were then skittled out for 109, with Tom Powell (3-7) leading the way for Oxon.

OXFORDSHIRE Under 10s extended their unbeaten record to 21 games with a one-wicket friendly win over Gloucestershire in a last-ball thriller at Bourton Vale.

Chasing Gloucestershire’s 87 all out, Oxon tumbled to 66-9.

But then Charlie Turner and Kunal Agarwal shared a record last-wicket stand of 22 to see Oxon home, clinching victory with a scrambled single off the final delivery