SIMON Myles starred with the bat and ball in Wokingham's Home Counties Premier League Division Two draw with Oxford Downs at Sadlers End on Saturday.

The 53-year-old all-rounder made a half-century in his side's 234 all out before taking four wickets in the visitors' reply of 203-6.

The Oaks' batting honours went to James Bird, who was promoted to opener and cracked 75 off 137 balls.

He shared a stand of 49 with Archie Carter (28) and then 27 with Dan Housego (18).

Myles joined Bird and they lifted the total from 76-2 to 147 before Bird became one of off-spinner George Sandbach's six victims (6-55 off 16 overs).

Myles (55 from 79 balls) also fell to the same bowler, leaving the hosts 212-4. After that, wickets started to fall at regular intervals and the side were all out for 234 from 58 overs.

When Oxford replied, they lost Freddie Smith for a duck, caught by Bird off the bowling of Iain Muirden, and when medium-pacer Myles got to work, the Oaks had their opponents in big trouble at 55-5.

But they were unable to maintain their dominance with the Oxford lower-order improving their side's position, although without seriously looking capable of pulling a win out of the fire.

Richard Sillars led the resistance with a defiant 77 from 104 balls with the help of eight fours and two sixes. He remained unbeaten as Downs completed their 56 overs on 203-6.

Myles finished with 4-49, while there was a wicket apiece for Muirden (1-40) and Max Uttley (1-26).

Wokingham remain fourth in the table ahead of their home encounter with the side immediately above them, Thame Town, this Saturday.

It is an important game for both sides as they look to get involved in the promotion race.