WILTSHIRE skipper Mike Coles says his primary focus is keeping his players’ feet on the ground, despite the county’s irresistible form.

Wiltshire needed little more than two overs to wrap up a dominant 10-wicket victory over Oxfordshire on Tuesday morning as they opened their Unicorns Championship campaign in impressive fashion this week.

Jayden Levitt hit a scorching 152 during the county’s first innings whilst Tahir Afridi and Jake Roberts took five and six wickets across the course of the match respectively.

“We bowled really well to get them all out for 220-odd on the first day and then we batted superbly – Jayden gave us a great platform and allowed everyone else to bat with freedom,” said Coles.

“It was a little bit of a shame that we couldn’t see them off before the end of the second day. The officials gave us the extra 30 minutes but they put a late partnership together.

“The atmosphere after the game was fantastic but between myself and Shards (Neil Shardlow, team boss), our job has been keeping everyone focussed and grounded.”

John Cater hit 92 for Oxfordshire, who batted first after winning the toss, but Afridi (4-58) and Roberts (3-58) did the damage as the hosts were skittled for 228.

Levitt’s spectacular knock was then well supported by Coles (55), Clark and Henry Langford (both 41), with Wiltshire stretching their lead before being dismissed for 377.

The visitors then tore through Oxfordshire a second time, with Roberts taking 3-38 and Ashur Morrison claiming 3-24 as the home side fell for 177 midway through the 58th over.

That left Levitt (19 not out) and Adam Miles (10 not out) to guide the county to 29 without loss.

Wiltshire batsman Clark added: “We’re playing fearless cricket at the moment and long may it continue.”

  • WILTSHIRE have added Tom Morton to the squad that beat Oxfordshire for Sunday’s Unicorns Knockout Trophy quarter-final clash with Norfolk at Corsham.

Wiltshire team to play Norfolk: Michael Coles (Corsham) (Captain), Tahir Afridi (Henley), Joe Breet (Lechlade), Neil Clark (Potterne), Tom Foley (Corsham), Henry Langford (Brockhampton), Jayden Levitt (Bromsgrove), Adam Miles (Cardiff), Ashur Morrison (Corsham), Tom Morton (South Wilts), Jake Roberts (Potterne), Ed Young (Potterne).

FOR MORE SPORTS NEWS, REPORTS & PICTURES SEE THURSDAY’S GAZETTE AND HERALD AND FRIDAY'S WILTSHIRE TIMES. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @gazsport AND @WTSport