KEITH Arnold moved a step closer to becoming Oxfordshire's all-time leading wicket taker, but rain had the last laugh in their match against Wales.

o Veteran Arnold took all three wickets as Oxon restricted their opponents to 81-3 off 20.3 overs, before the weather turned.

It means that the Banbury Twenty man has now taken 656 wickets for the county, and is closing in on David Laitt's all-time record of 671.

Liatt played for the county between 1952-72, while Arnie made his debut back in 1980.

However, despite Arnold's best efforts, it looks like the two teams will have to get their heads together if they are to conjure a result.

With today's forecast looking grim, neither side is expecting much, if any, play.

And that means that should things brighten up tomorrow, it may be that both sides forfeit an innings in order to try and get a competitive match.

Having won the toss, Oxfordshire skipper Ian Hawtin asked Wales to bat and they got off to a steady start.

Arnold then struck, removing openers Gareth Rees and Daniel Cherry in quick succession.

He then claimed a caught and bowled chance to dismiss Mike O'Shea.

He finished with figures of 3-22 from ten accurate overs.

Wales' total was helped by a nightmare first over from Oxon's Jamie Hewitt.

The former Middlesex man bowled five no balls - which are two runs each at Minor Counties level - after struggling with his run-up.

Tom Merilant and Willy Bragg were the not out Wales batsmen at the close.