NICK Ferraby entered the history books with a sparkling maiden first-class century which rescued Oxford after a sticky start on the first day of the University Match against Cambridge in The Parks yesterday.

The Aston Rowant batsman scored 107 and shared a century stand with skipper Gus Kennedy as the Dark Blues recovered from 37-3 to finish the day on 321-7.

It did not look good for the hosts after Kennedy chose to bat first.

Opener Joe Davies departed second ball, bowled by Alex Sears, who then dismissed Ethan Fogerty in similar fashion for eight.

When Matt Winter departed to Paddy Sadler for a brisk 23 from 25 balls, Oxford were struggling.

But Ferraby and Kennedy turned the tide with increasing authority.

Ferraby, a former Leicestershire player, was the dominant partner in a fourth-wicket stand of 173 in 54 overs, striking 18 fours on the fast outfield. He was eventually caught for 107 off 168 balls, but by then Oxford were in control.

Kennedy fell shortly afterwards for a dogged, but important, 67 made off 191 deliveries.

Richard O’Grady and Sam Cato carried on the good work in a sixth-wicket stand of 63, although Cambridge’s left-arm spinners Richard Bath and Izhan Khan exercised a measure of control.

Tom Williams put bat to ball to push the total over the 300-mark and ensure the honours went to Oxford for the day – thanks to Ferraby.

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