Charlie Knightley and Daniel Rowe shared a century stand for the eighth wicket as Oxfordshire staged a fightback against Devon on day two of the Minor Counties Championship Western Division match at Sidmouth.

Resuming their second innings at 38-1, Oxon still trailed Devon by 69 runs after caving into 76 all out first time round – a collapse that ended their outside title chances as they failed to pick up a single batting point.

But by the end of the second day they had followed up their lowest total against Devon since the Championship switched to a three-day format in 2001 by compiling their highest with 367-9.

That gave Oxfordshire a lead of 260, and even a chance of victory – something that looked highly unlikely as the wickets fell with a clatter on Sunday.

For that, Oxon were chiefly indebted to Knightley and Rowe.

Coming together with the score at 189-7, they added 101 for the ninth wicket before Knightley spooned up a simple catch to Neil Hancock at mid on off Trevor Anning for 89 as he homed in on an eighth Championship century.

Knightley’s runs came off 209 balls and included 18 fours.

The partnership was Oxfordshire’s highest for the eighth wicket since the competition switched to three days in 2001 – beating the 60 Knightley had put on with Keith Arnold against Shropshire at Challow & Childrey in 2004.

Rowe, fresh from his maiden Championship half century against Herefordshire at Banbury, continued to frustrate the Devon attack, finding a willing ally in Ashley Blanchard.

The pair shared a stand of 56 for the ninth wicket before Blanchard was trapped lbw by Chris Metters, who had earlier bowled unchanged throughout the afternoon with fellow spinner Chris Bradley.

Tom Geeson-Brown then gave Rowe solid support as Oxfordshire reached the close with one wicket still intact.

Rowe finished unbeaten on 84 off 122 balls with 12 fours and a massive six, which ended up on the nearby beach.

Earlier, Oxon had slumped to 68-3 with Damien Shirazi adjudged lbw to Ian Bishop and Luke Ryan bowled by Hancock.

Lloyd Sabin and Craig Haupt attempted to steady the ship before both fell to slip catches by Chris Mole off Metters and Bradley respectively.

When David Smith was bowled by Metters and skipper Ian Hawtin run out after a mix-up with Knightley, the situation looked bleak for Oxon.

But then Knightley and Rowe led the fightback.

Scores: Oxfordshire 76 (I Bishop 6-46) & 367-9 (C Knightley 89, D Rowe 84no), Devon 183.