STEVE Finn impressed with the bat rather than the ball to dent Oxford MCCU’s chances of upsetting Middlesex in The Parks.

The England seamer hit 41 not out as part of a 70-run tenth-wicket stand, which gave the visitors a first innings lead.

Trailing by 69, the students were 168-8 by stumps to head into the final day of the firstclass match 99 runs ahead.

Middlesex resumed just 26 runs behind Oxford’s first innings total, but the hosts took three quick wickets.

Abi Sakande, Sam Weller and Malcolm Lake all struck to leave the visitors on 123-9, one run behind.

But Finn, who has a Test half century to his name, thwarted hopes the innings could be wrapped up quickly.

The 26-year-old hit six fours and a six in a 55-ball knock to pile on valuable runs with Tom Helm, who was finally dismissed by Jack Grundy for 27.

Oxford lost Henry Hughes for four, but Steve Leach (41) and Lloyd Sabin (25) steadied the ship.

The pair fell in quick succession and Lloyd Paternott swiftly followed as the students stumbled to 101-4.

Wickets continued to fall and although Luke Webb resisted, he was trapped leg before by Paul Stirling for 32 just before the close.

Tim Murtagh took 3-41 and the rest of the attack all chipped in, with the exception of Finn, who was wicketless from his eight overs.