Charlie Beardall provided the only bright point in a disappointing season-opener for Oxfordshire Under 12s, as they slipped to a six-wicket defeat aganst Berkshire.

Beardall was the only batsman to put up any resistance as Oxon's closest rivals produced a ruthless bowling and fielding display to run out convincing winners in glorious weather.

Oxon won the toss, and unsurprisingly elected to bat first on what appeared to be a decent track.

But after only seven overs, they were in deep trouble at 14-4, and they never recovered from this as they were shot out for 80.

Beardall though, was the one exception, as he batted for all but two overs of the innings, scoring a fluent 31 before Oxon were dismissed in the 38th over.

Only one other batsman Tom Nugent got into double figures, while 17 extras gave the Oxon bowlers at least something to bowl at.

However, they reckoned without Berkshire opener Tom Gubbins, who smashed a quickfire 60 not out as the visitors cruised home.

Nugent was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 2-5.