DEFENDING Western Division champions Devon were dismissed for 287 by Oxfordshire at Banbury, where they lost their last five wickets for 54.
Half-centuries from Sam Elstone (54) and Seb Linnitt (51), and 49 from Ben Privett, appeared to have laid the foundations for a more substantial total. But Oxfordshire seamers Jack Warner – four for 36 off 18 overs on his Championship debut, and Luke Hayes (3-30) checked Devon’s progress.
Oxfordshire made a solid start to their reply, closing on 72 for one after the early departure of Julian Laird, who was bowled by Privett.
Tim Western, Devon’s performance director, said: “On a pitch that suited the seamers more, Elstone, Linnitt and Privett, all had starts and unfortunately didn't continue their efforts to achieve bigger 'innings-defining' scores.
“James Matravers (34no) again batted well but ran out of partners.
“We lost key wickets straight after lunch and tea, giving momentum back to the hosts.
“Credit to Oxfordshire, who bowled and fielded well.”
Devon go into day two on the Whitepost ground 215 runs ahead and determined to emerge with a first-innings lead.
Said Western: “ We are confident going into day two that we can create significant pressure on the Oxfordshire batsmen and take wickets at regular intervals. This will require skill, concentration and patience from the bowlers backed up by excellent fielding.
“As the pitch deteriorates, and we lift our all-round game to the next level, it may be that the first-innings score of 287 is more valuable than the scorecard reads at present…”
