OXFORDSHIRE’S winning streak ended abruptly as Berkshire cruised to a nine-wicket triumph in the NCCA Championship.

The hosts sealed victory on the final morning of the three-day match at Finchampstead CC as they knocked off the final 56 runs required.

Oxon had won their previous five games in all formats but could not extend their lead at the top of Western Division 1, with Berkshire now four points behind.

Visiting captain Jonny Cater won the toss and chose to bat, but a middle-order collapse dashed any hopes of a big first-innings score.

Oxon tumbled from 63/2 to 63/6 as Harry Smith, Harrison Ward, Luke Maslen and George Tait all fell in quick succession.

The latter two were dismissed without scoring, while Berkshire bowler Mungo Russell claimed three wickets on his way to figures of 3/30.

Cater could only watch as a string of teammates made the lonely walk back to the pavilion but the skipper did his best to repair the innings.

The No 6 put on 76 with No 11 Ollie Currill (13) as he top-scored with 77 off 118 balls.

Oxon still only managed 173 in their first innings and they looked in trouble when Berkshire openers Imran Malik (55) and Johnny Connell (27) began with a stand of 82.

Max Mannering and George Tait hauled the visitors back into contention before the close, though, taking two and three wickets respectively to leave their opponents 122/5.

Oxon even eyed a first-innings lead when Mannering removed Russell, Andy Rishton and Sukhmeet Kang early on day two as Berkshire fell to 139/8, but home captain Dan Lincoln had other ideas.

The skipper smashed five fours and five sixes as he struck 121, with Tom Nugent adding 34.

Berkshire reached 274, with Mannering (6/118) and Tait (4/80) taking all ten wickets.

Oxon’s top order had to hang in there, but again faltered after getting to 63/2.

Oli Ebsworth-Burland went for 37 before Luke Maslen fell for a duck, although Ward (35) and Cater (37) added 50.

The visitors were all out for 185 as Euan Woods starred with an impressive 6/57, leaving Berkshire with a simple target.

Mannering claimed another wicket when he had Malik caught by Cater, but Rishton (46) and Connell steered the hosts to victory.

Oxon face Sussex in an NCCA Showcase match at Wormsley on Sunday.