IT was a match of firsts for Wiltshire at Challow and Childrey, but a first win of the season still eluded them.

Ross Crick took a wicket with his first ball in Minor Counties cricket and captain Richard Bedbrook scored his maiden century at this level, but Wiltshire had to settle for a draw in their three-day Minor Counties championship match against Oxfordshire.

Crick, who was a late replacement in the Wiltshire line-up, wasted no timein making an impact as with his first delivery he had former Middlesex all-rounder Jamie Hewitt caught behind by Chippenham wicketkeeper Adam Miles.The 20-year-old university student, who plays his club cricket for South Wilts, finished with match figures of four for 64 off 20 overs, which included six maidens.

Oxfordshire won the toss and elected to bat first but were bowled out for 262 in their first innings. Crick took three for 32, James Hibberd three for 51, Damian Shirazi two for 22 and Rob Travers two for 111, but Wiltshire suffered a major setback when batsman and slow left armer James Hayward injured his left thumb in thefield. X-rays confirmed that Hayward had suffered a double break to his thumb and will be out for six to eight weeks.

Wiltshire captain Richard Bedbrook raised the spirits by producing a fine display with the bat to score his maiden century for the county. The former Devizes and Corsham all-rounder made 103 as Wiltshire reached 374 for seven in 90 overs, which gave them a first innings lead of 112.

Bedbrook shared a fifth wicket partnership of 133 with vice-captain James Hibberd, who finished unbeaten on 78. Former Chippenham batsman James Vince made 87.

But Oxfordshire fought back well on Monday night and finished the evening session on 203 for three - a lead of 71. Wiltshire didn't help their chances of claiming a first win of the season by dropping five catches and they found it difficult to bowl out the home side a second time on a benign batting surface. Oxfordshire declared their second innings on 398 for five, with Rob Williams unbeaten on 169. David Graham was the pick of the Wiltshire bowlers in the second innings with figures of three for 92.

Wiltshire required 287 in a minimum of 50 overs to claim their first win of the season but it proved too much as they finished on 218 for five at the end of the third day.

Skipper Richard Bedbrook said: "Personally I was pleased with my maiden century. It's a nice achievement and another milestone to be ticked off at this level.

"But Damian Shirazi was the main reason we got into a strong position in the first innings. He looked in great touch and seems to have the confidence and freedom to play the big shots now. He is a phenomenal batter and will continue to score runs at this level.

"Once we had that first innings lead I thought we controlled the game although Oxfordshire did bat well in their second innings and in the end it wasn't quite achievable to chase them down, but we were certainly the betterside over the three days.

"Ross did really well for us. It's always pleasing when you bring someone in who is a young local lad and he grabbed his opportunity with both arms.

"His early wickets really took the sting out of their first innings as it didn't allow their top order to get going.

"Hopefully he enjoyed himself and I'm sure he'll get another opportunity at this level.

"James will be disappointed with his injury because he made a century in our last game against Cheshire and he also took a few wickets. It's also disappointing for the team because if we had had our fourth batsman we mayhave pushed Oxfordshire even harder.

"I thought all the bowlers played well. Rob Travers bowled 60 overs plus in the game and although the quality of his bowling wasn't shown in wickets he took it was a fine effort from him. Dudley Graham also bowled really well on a pitch that offered seamers nothing.

"We didn't help the bowlers in the field because we dropped a few catches."