RAIN hindered Oxford University's hopes of victory over Cambridge on day three of the Varsity Match in The Parks yesterday.

It proved a frustratingly on-off day, with the players off the field no fewer than four times, leaving only 49 overs possible.

During that time, the Dark Blues increased their overnight 325-6 to 450-7, a lead of 137 going into the final day.

The only Cambridge success on the day was the wicket of Nick Hillyard, who added 22 to his overnight 57.

He featured in a partnership of 110 for the seventh wicket with Mike Hobbiss, who was unbeaten with 66 at the close, having batted the Light Blues out of the match.

Oxford will be hoping for better weather today to give their spinners a chance of victory.