A FABULOUS performance by openers Matt Pardoe and Will Fraine helped Herefordshire to an excellent 10-wicket win against Oxfordshire in Unicorns Minor Counties Championship Western Division.

Pardoe was on the field for every ball during the three days, ensuring his side claimed their first win of the campaign.

Fraine also made a century on his debut, while Dan Conway took five wickets despite suffering from food poisoning.

It looked like Herefordshire's task would be difficult after the hosts posted 338 in their first innings.

That was helped by opener Hugo Darby's 166, with Conway's 5-63 being the pick of the Herefordshire bowling figures.

But Pardoe and Fraine were brilliant when they opened Herefordshire's innings and put on a marvellous 262-run before Fraine was caught on 123.

Their first-wicket partnership was a record for Herefordshire.

Alex Milton then went for 10 and Nick Hammond for nine to leave Herefordshire on 296-3.

But Pardoe and Peter Burgoyne added another excellent partnership and Herefordshire finished on 382-3 off their 90 overs; Pardoe finishing unbeaten on 167 and Burgoyne on 49.

Burgoyne then continued his fine performance when bowling, snapping up 7-58 as Oxfordshire were bowled out for 177.

Mo Pardesi took the other three wickets.

Pardoe and Fraine again put on an excellent partnership when put into bat; Fraine making 78 off just 74 balls and Pardoe 45 off 66.