SHABAAZ Alam and Tom Cosford put on 127 for the second wicket as Oxfordshire beat Oxford University Centre of Cricket Excellence by 140 runs.

In their first action of the summer, Oxon racked up an imposing 298/7 as they batted first in the 50-over friendly in University Parks.

James Coles was dismissed for just three, but fellow opener Alam (68) and Cosford put their side in control, the latter scoring 74 off just 49 balls.

Captain Jonny Cater came in at six and smashed 72* off 81 to leave Oxon just short of the 300 mark and victory never looked in doubt.

Five wickets fell for 11 runs as OUCCE went from 79-3 to 90-8 and they eventually succumbed for 158 in the 34th over.

Olly Clarke starred with the ball for Oxon, taking 3-22, while Robbie Shurmer and Joe Thomas each claimed two wickets.