A century by Chris Smith nearly gave Oxfordshire an unlikely victory over Herefordshire on the final day of their Western Division match at Luctonians yesterday.

For the first two days, Oxon were outplayed by the home side, but Smith's century, and a good supporting innings by Jamie Hewitt, helped to set their opponents a target of 173 in 42 overs.

Herefordshire went for the runs, but lost wickets on the slow pitch.

In the end, their ninth-wicket pair survived the last ten overs as they hung on for a draw at 137-8 Resuming the day at 68 still 44 runs behind, Smith and Hewitt batted throughout the morning session and had taken their second-wicket stand to 184 before Smith departed for 114 .

His second century and highest score for Oxon came off 197 balls and contained 16 fours.

Hewitt soon departed for an Oxon-best 63, as a dramatic collapse set in against off-spinner Jabran Khalid.

Seven wickets fell for 25 runs, and it needed a stubborn last-wicket stand to set Herefordshire a testing target.

Khalid's figures of 7-32 were the best ever by a Herefordshire bowler in the Championship.

At 79-1, the home side looked likely winners, but young spinners Jimmy Phillips and Luke Ryan kept their heads and picked up valuable wickets.

Keitth Arnold then struck two blows to leave Herefordshire hanging on for survival.