JONNY Cater dug in for four hours, but could not stop his Oxfordshire side falling to a nine-wicket defeat against Berkshire in their opening Unicorns Counties Championship Western Division match at Wargrave.

The visiting captain added a gutsy 67 off 180 deliveries to add to his unbeaten first-innings century, but nothing could stop the defending champions romping home.

Oxon began the third final day on 109-5 in their second innings, a lead of 20.

In a rearguard action, James Fitzjohn batted 57 balls for eight, while Gareth Andrew resisted 75 balls for 16.

Cater’s marathon knock came to an end, when he was bowled by James Rishton, who claimed 6-48 as the Oxon innings eventually ended right on lunchtime at 179.

The hosts knocked off the runs in just 15.1 overs, Waqas Hussain finishing it with two sixes in an over from Ollie Clarke.