ALEX Jewell’s maiden century was not enough to save Oxfordshire from a 116-run defeat to Devon in the Western Division at Great & Little Tew yesterday.

Jewell made a fine 130, but Oxon’s decent rearguard effort finally ended at 6.05pm when the excellent England under 19 paceman Jamie Overton bowled Ashley Blanchard.

Oxon had just eight more overs to bat out if they were to secure a backs-to-the-wall draw.

Having made just 105 in their first innings, some may have expected the hosts to fall far short of the tea interval.

However, many players could hold their heads high after some sterling final-day work – most of all Jewell whose ton was supremely well deserved.

Resuming on 32-1, Oxon lost opener Lloyd Sabin in the first over, but mounted a useful fight after that.

High Wycombe man Jewell was clearly the mainstay, while others played their part.

This was a far better effort than Oxon’s first innings of 105 all out – and had they applied themselves just a little more in that effort, a draw might have been possible.

Richard West and David Smith were dismissed following poor shots, the former holing out at mid on, while Chris Watling felt he had got some bat on the delivery that removed him lbw.

Jewell brought up his century with a cover-driven four and kept making good progress.

His innings featured 21 fours and came off 259 balls.

When Jewell and Chad Keegan were at the crease, Oxon looked to have an outside chance of avoiding defeat.

But Keegan was trapped lbw as he looked to play off his pads and Jewell edged a wideish delivery to Neil Hancock at second slip.

Jewell’s dismissal came just before tea, which Oxon reached at 255-7.

Captain Ian Hawtin was bowled in the first over after the resumption.

But as they had in the first innings, Blanchard and Matt Taylor showed great tenacity to put on 55 for the ninth wicket.

Devon bowled with good control throughout and the Overton twins offered a real test.

Oxon must be kicking themselves for not batting better first time around.