JAMES Vince scored his maiden first-class century as an opening batsman as Hampshire amassed their biggest total since July 2017.

Vince, who will be opening the batting for Hampshire in the Specsavers County Championship this season, made 139 (185 balls, 18 fours, one six) as the county began their first-class season by making 478-9 declared against Oxford MCCU in The Parks.

He lost Joe Weatherley (five) early on but shared a third-wicket stand of 145 in 36 overs with Hampshire’s other centurion, Sam Northeast, whose 118 from 177 balls included 14 fours.

Liam Dawson (82) and Keith Barker (44) were also in the runs. Oliver Soames (21) and Kyle Abbott (18no) were the only other Hampshire players to reach double figures,with Rilee Rossouw (3), Tom Alsop (0) and Gareth Berg (2) missing out before Vince declared.

Oxford MCCU were all out for 114 in reply.

Berg (11-8-4-2) broke a 53-run opening partnership and Dawson (14-9-11-4) dismissed the rest of the students’ top four.

Oxford collapsed from 85-3 to 95-9 with Fidel Edwards (13-2-26-2) and Abbott (14-1-46-1) making breakthroughs after wicketless opening spells.

Keith Barker (14-7-17-1) continued his impressive pre-season form, while Weatherley (1-1-0-0) bowled an over of off spin.

Hampshire closed the penultimate day on 66-4 - a lead of 430 - after losing Weatherley (14), Soames (3), Alsop (6) and Rossouw (22) - before stumps.