OXFORDSHIRE beat both the weather and Devon to go 14 points clear at the top of their National Counties Championship group.

The 198-runs win at Exeter saw off-spinners George Tait (four for 58) and Max Mannering (three for 54) work their way through Devon’s second innings, but Oxon’s push for victory was delayed by Ben Beaumont and Jamie Stephens, who added 55 for the eighth wicket.

Beaumont batted two and a half hours for his career best 66 not out, but Devon were dismissed for 188, with left-arm spinner Tom Hinley clinching victory when he had Kaz Szymanski leg before wicket.

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The first day of the Western Division One clash saw a maiden Championship century from Zach Lion-Cachet give Oxon the advantage.

His 146-ball innings included three sixes and six fours, and he shared a third wicket partnership of 116 with Tait.

Lion-Cachet’s second century kept the visitors on top on day two, with his 105 making him only the fifth Oxon batter to score two centuries in a match and the first since Jonny Cater 10 years ago.

The feat was more impressive as it was his first Championship appearance in two years for Oxon, replacing Tom Condon in the sole change to the side that drew with Berkshire.

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