HARRISON Ward smashed 204 runs as Oxfordshire started their NCCA T20 campaign with two very different wins over Berkshire.

The opener hit an unbeaten 74 (36) as the visitors cruised to an eight-wicket victory in the first match, before adding a sensational 130 off just 59 balls in the second fixture.

That game was much tighter, as Oxon squeezed home by three runs after Berkshire managed only 12 from the final over.

A sunny day at Falkland began with Jonny Cater putting the hosts into bat.

The Oxon attack largely contained their opponents and Berkshire were 79-5 at the end of the 14th over.

But a quickfire 40 (34) from Andy Rishton and Josh Lincoln’s 28 (15) upped the run rate and they ended on 143-9.

Ward began with three straight fours in reply and it was a sign of things to come.

He put on 58 for the first wicket with Tom Cosford (27), before Marcus Campopiano went for a second-ball duck.

Olly Clarke arrived at the crease and ably assisted Ward with 35* (25) to see Oxon home with seven overs to spare.

Berkshire put the visitors in for the second T20 and Ward continued where he left off, smashing eight fours and 12 sixes on the way to a century.

Only two other Oxon batsmen got into double figures, with Cater adding 28 (16), but the visitors still posted 212-7.

Berkshire began the chase at a terrific pace and captain Dan Lincoln hit 94 (45) before Oli Currill trapped him lbw.

Joe Thomas chipped in with regular wickets on his way to 3-27 and one of those came in the crucial final over.

Berkshire needed five from the last three balls and George Tait caught Max Uttley off the bowling of Thomas, who conceded just one more run.