OXFORDSHIRE face an uphill task if they are to end this season’s six-game losing streak.

On the opening day of their Western Division match against Wales at Usk, Oxon reached 59-2, chasing the hosts’ 395-9.

Tom Baker proved the thorn in Oxfordshire’s side, smashing 129 off 144 balls, and then taking a catch to dismiss Harrison Ward.

Will Rooney struck early for Oxon, before Chad Keegan bowled Steffan Roberts to leave the hosts on 52-2.

A third-wicket stand of 83 between Gareth Ansell (69) and Sean Griffiths (58) put Wales on the front foot.

Rooney claimed two more victims and Keegan another as Oxon hit back and, with the score on 211-5, the game could have gone either way.

However, Baker and Aneurin Norman (59) then put on 127 for the sixth wicket, before the latter was caught by debutant Jamie Curtis off Joe Thomas.

Curtis, son of former Oxfordshire county star Ian, only received his first full county call-up on Saturday night after Lloyd Belcher dropped out injured.

The Cumnor under 16 player caught the train to Usk, but could not arrive until noon, meaning Oxon had to field their 12th man for the opening hour.

Curtis was out of luck with the ball, his 13 overs going for 66, but did take three fine catches in the deep.

However, Baker proved the star, his fine knock producing 18 fours and a six as Wales set 395-5 off their 90 overs.

Oxfordshire’s reply got off to a bad start when Ward nicked a delivery from Harry Powell behind for Baker to take the catch.

And Hugo Darby was then trapped leg before by Ben Roberts as Oxon closed on 59-2 as they bid for a first win of the season.