New recruit Sravan Konidena hit an impressive half-century as Horspath opened their pre-season campaign with a 31-run loss against a strong Banbury side on an unseasonably warm April day at the Recreation Ground.
With the ground looking in splendid shape for this time of year, the north Oxfordshire visitors were restricted to 211-9 off 40 overs after choosing to bat.
Konidena then hammered 56 off 47 balls at the top of the order in Horspath's reply of 180 all out.
The former Wargrave batsman's sparkling knock included five fours and three sixes before he was caught by Lloyd Sabin at mid-wicket off left-arm spinner Joe Thomas.
At 103-4 off 16 overs, Horspath were still on track but Josh Richardson was caught in the deep by George Tait for 19 at the start of Thomas's next over.
Despite battling knocks from skipper Amin Rafiq (23) and debutant Liam Turnbull (19), Banbury tightened their grip to secure victory.
Thomas finished with fine figures of 4-25, while seamer Brad Taylor picked up 4-28 and Tait 2-19.
Earlier, Horspath fought back well in the field to hold Banbury in check as opener Waqas Hussain took centre stage with a blistering 82 from 66 deliveries.
Former Henley all-rounder Turnbull made a dream start by bowling Sabin in his first over, before Banbury got on top and were well placed for a big score at 95-1 off 15 overs.
But Jehan Mohammed shattered Kieren Coyne's stumps for 24 and with Konidena trapping Hussain lbw after he had smashed eight fours and five sixes, the visitors were pegged back.
Richardson (2-28) and Amin (3-39) were also among the wickets, before new signing Tom Nichols claimed the final victim.
Horspath continue their pre-season build-up with a friendly at Aston Rowant on Saturday, while the 2nd XI make their seasonal bow at home to Aston Rowant 2nd.
Match highlights are available here