A superb unbeaten century from Nick Ferraby helped Oxford move up to second in the Division 1 table with a 122-run victory against Bishops Stortford at Roman Way on Saturday.

He made 112 off 109 balls as Oxford declared on an impressive 279-6 off 58 overs.

Earlier, though the omens were not good as Oxford got off to a disastrous start, with Jason Harrison trapped lbw for nought with just three runs on the board.

But a partnership of 52 from opener Daniel King and Stuart Laudat added 87 for the second wicket.

King was then joined by Ferraby and the pair added 56 for the third wicket.

Shamilal Mendis then joined Ferraby and the duo added 84 for the sixth wicket as Ferraby finished on 112 not out, his fine knock including five sixes and nine fours.

In reply, Bishop’s Stortford reached 84-3, but it all went wrong after tea as Brad Sutherland (3-31) and Shamilal Mendis (3-12) saw the visitors lose six wickets for just 22 runs as they were left struggling at 106-9.

Oxford then eased to victory with eight overs to spare as Bishop’s Stortford were dismissed for 157 .

The result saw Oxford leapfrog county rivals Banbury and within ten points of leaders High Wycombe.