Oxbridge roundup, May 16

With the main domestic attention in England focused on the NatWest Trophy second round on Tuesday, both Cambridge and Oxford Universities commenced three-day matches against county sides. The next round of the County Championship gets under way in both divisions on Wednesday.

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY 218/9d, MIDDLESEX 18/0

Left-handed batsman Richard Howitt scored a maiden first-class century as Cambridge University made 218 for 9 declared against Middlesex at Fenner's. Howitt, who came to the crease at 34 for 4, dominated the Cambridge scoring and finished with 118 not out, an innings which included ten fours and two sixes. Team captain James Pyemont made 38. In a Middlesex side well below full strength and captained by Paul Weekes, pacemen Andrew Laraman took 4/33 and Tim Bloomfield 3/58. Middlesex were 18 without loss at the close.

OXFORD UNIVERSITIES 160, GLAMORGAN 99/0

Glamorgan appear in total command at the end of the first day of this match at The Parks. Only a fighting 68 by James Redmayne saved Oxford from total embarrassment as they recovered from 74 for 6 to be dismissed for 160. Owen Parkin removed the two openers before finishing with 3/34, Keith Newell (2/18) also causing havoc in the top order. Simon Jones (2/32) and Dean Cosker (2/12) cleaned up the tail. Glamorgan openers Alun Evans (52*) and Wayne Law (40*) went on the offensive and at the close were just one run short of a century opening partnership.