BUCKS County warmed up for the season with a four-wicket win over Club Cricket Conference at Aston Rowant on Monday.
New one-day captain Michael Payne shared a sparkling century stand with High Wycombe’s George Russell as Bucks chased down a target of 232 in 43 overs.
CCC batted first and reached 245 from their 50 overs, with Gerrards Cross seamer Tom Hampton taking three wickets on his debut – although his figures were slightly tarnished by conceding 25 runs off his final over.
Wycombe’s 15-year-old bowling protege Saif Zaib also took two wickets.
But the fireworks came in Bucks’ reply, after three wickets for one run ruined a fine start that had got them to 119-2.
That became 120-5, but Payne and Russell turned the game around with a 107-run partnership in under an hour.
Payne scored 63 off 87 balls while Russell blated 60 not out from 55 balls.
Bucks open their Unicorns Trophy one-day campaign against Herefordshire at Burnham on May 4.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here