Oxfordshire secured a convincing 283 run win today over Berkshire at Thame Town CC. The win is the first defeat for Berkshire in a championship match since 2014. 

On day one captain Jonny Cater won the toss and elected to bat. Playing on his home ground Ollie Ebsworth Burland performed with the bat as he hit 81. He was supported by George Tait (71) and Jonny Cater (49) as Oxon declared on 294-8.

Oxon started well with the ball as Gareth Andrew ripped through Berkshire’s top order as he took 5-39. Shurmer and Chahal took two wickets apiece, with Mannering taking one.

Deciding against enforcing the follow on, Oxon batted again with Ollie Ebsworth-Burland hitting an impressive 117. Captain Cater also contributed with the bat as he hit 66 to help Oxon set Berks 425 to win.

Going into the final day Oxon had a 419 lead, they then batted on to set Berks 425 runs to win on day 3. Gareth Andrew again then stormed through Berkshire’s top order as he took 3-35. He was supported by some superb bowling from Max Mannering (3-23), Chahal (2-22), Shurmer (1-23) and Tait (1-14) who all helped rattle through Berkshire to secure a convincing 283 run win.

The win sees Berkshire’s 36 matches unbeaten run come to an end in such fashion, which also sees Oxfordshire now go top of the table. Oxon now travels to Dorset on Sunday.