Oxfordshire were still just about ahead at the close of day two of their Minor Counties Championship game against Dorset at Great & Little Tew – despite a worrying collapse.

The hosts slumped from 82-1 to 101-7 inside an hour as Dorset's useful attack made massive inroads.

This left Oxon leading by 238 runs at the end of a day, which saw 20 wickets fall.

But with Dorset having stumbled to 164 all out in their first innings, a lead of 250 plus could be enough for Oxon.

If the weather holds, an exciting day's play is in prospect.

Oxon looked in command with captain Ian Hawtin and Craig Haupt at the crease in their second innings, but the former's dismissal triggered a morale-boosting spell for Dorset.

Nathan Hawkes soon followed after driving straight to Max Waller at cover, and soon Haupt joined him in the pavilion.

Haupt had batted really well for his 46 to take him beyond 100 runs for the match.

Shahbaz Ali was next to fall, thanks to a superb diving catch from Dorset captain Tom Hicks at slip.

Jack Taylor then gave Hicks a simple caught and bowled chance. Daniel Rowe then smashed a six before becoming Hicks's second victim.

A lot may depend on debutant Richard West, Oxon’s last recognised batsman.

Resuming yesterday morning on 258-5, Oxfordshire made good progress in their remaining seven overs, scoring 43 runs to finish on 301-8.

Taylor was out one short of a debut 50, while Shahbaz hit 42.

Paceman Steffan Jones finished with 5-82 before adding two more in the second innings.

A mixture of poor batting and good bowling meant Dorset's reply never really got going, other than a 67-run partnership between Hicks and Waller.

Keith Arnold took three wickets in his opening three overs and had another one dropped to move within four of Oxon’s Championship record.

Daniel Rowe captured four victims on his Oxon Championship debut as the home attack dominated.