JONNY Cater was philosophical in defeat as Oxfordshire learnt a number of lessons against Berkshire earlier this week.

His side fell to an innings and 53-run loss at Challow & Childrey in the Unicorns Counties Championship.

As a result, Oxon have slipped to fifth in the Western Division with one match remaining against Cheshire next weekend.

Captain Cater was encouraged by elements of his young side’s performance, but hopes they can also learn from the Berkshire defeat.

Top of the agenda was the bowling masterclass from 36-year-old spinner Chris Peploe, who took 8-15 as Oxon were dismissed for 131 in their second innings.

Cater said: “We didn’t post enough in our first innings and on a pitch like that, which was always going to turn in the second innings, you have to score the majority of your runs in the first.

“They were 70-4 and also struggling and if we were on the right end of a few lbw decisions it could have been a similar total to us.

“But unfortunately they did not go our way and to be fair they batted well towards the end of their innings.

“It was then a combination of experience and knowing what to do against Peploe.

“A lot of our young guys can learn from that, how patient he bowled – it will take time.”