Harry Smith starred with a rapid 84 as Oxfordshire Academy posted an impressive seven-wicket victory against Berkshire 2nd at Datchet.

The KFP-sponsored Academy fielded two debutants in James Fitzjohn and Max Mannering, both of whom were part of last season’s successful Under 17s, and the team put in a terrific performance to ease home with more than 13 overs to spare.

Winning the toss, Berkshire opted to bat first, but struggled to really get going as Oxfordshire fielded superbly.

The hosts put on 47 for the first wicket, before Andy Harris broke the deadlock in his first over.

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Wickets then fell at regular intervals, Harris finishing with 2-25, while Jack Wilkins, who took wickets with his first two balls, returned 2-19.

Skipper Richard Cook (3-28), Mannering and Harvey Eltham took the other wickets as Berkshire were bowled out for 221 with one ball remaining.

Promoting himself up the order to open, Cook got Oxfordshire’s reply off to a rapid start as he and Vishane Perera shared 66 for the first wicket.

Cook fell for 48 in 37 balls, but that just brought Smith to the crease, who proceeded to dispatch the Berkshire attack around the ground.

Smith bludgeoned his runs from just 57 balls, including ten fours and four sixes, while Perera made a patient 53.

It was left to Wilkins and Curtly Slatter to finish the job, Slatter hitting a six and a four to wrap things up as Oxon reached 224-3 in 36.4 overs.