IAN Caunce produced an incredible innings as Oxfordshire beat Shropshire by nine wickets in the ECB Over 50 Championship.

The hard-hitting opener bludgeoned 156 not out off just 80 balls in a spectacular display to lead his side to a facile success in the Group 4 clash at Banbury.

Shropshire elected to bat and must have been confident of victory after posting 204-7 from their 45 overs.

David Street (58) and Tony Parton (46)’s impressive partnership set the platform for the middle order to kick on and post a competitive total.

But Caunce had other ideas.

He blasted the ball to all parts of the ground, smashing 17 fours and ten sixes, leading Oxfordshire to victory in just 24 overs.

l RUSSELL Hayes hit a century as Oxfordshire’s Over 50 B side recorded a 114-run victory over Hampshire B in the Southern Counties Championship East Group.

Since being formed at the start of the 2016 season, Oxon’s only defeat came against Hampshire in a group game last year.

But they exacted swift revenge with a dominant display at Aston Rowant.

Oxon began well at Aston Rowant, reaching 175-1 in 31 overs thanks to a majestic 102 from Hayes, ably supported by Steve Bowles (41) and Sam Mendes (44).

Colin Allen’s brisk 32 not out saw them reach 252-8 off 45 overs.

Hampshire slumped to 95-9 in 32 overs, before a last-wicket partnership of 43 gave the scoreline a more respectable look.

Steve Kelly starred with 4-7 from his seven overs, while Chris Panter and Allen took two wickets apiece.

l OXFORDSHIRE Under 14s secured a thrilling one-run win over Hampshire in their ECB County Cup Group B clash at Faringdon.

Oxon were bowled out for a below-par 115 in the 39th over, with James Coles (32) and Freddie Smith (23) top-scoring.

Hampshire put on 45 for the opening wicket, but Joseph Elliott (5-20) and Coles (3-19) then turned on the style, Coles claiming the final wicket with the visitors on 114.

l OXFORDSHIRE Under 15s fell to an agonising one-wicket defeat at home to Gloucestershire in a friendly.

Oxon were bowled out for 150 in the 42nd over, thanks largely to Reuben Barksfield (36) and Charlie Oakey (31).

Tom Kitchin (3-41) put Gloucestershire in trouble, only for No 8 James Boyle (33) and No 9 Alex Haynes (30no) to see their side home in a dramatic ending.

l RAIN denied Oxfordshire Under 13s in their friendly away to Wiltshire.

Rafe Mason had taken 5-5 in four overs as Oxon bowled out their hosts for 91.

But having just started their innings, the weather ended play.