OXFORDSHIRE scraped into the semi-finals on net run-rate despite Wiltshire winning a pulsating clash by one wicket at Radley College yesterday.

Wilts needed to win and score at more than seven runs an over to clinch top spot from their hosts.

But when Oxon had them 165-8, they looked home and dry both on the day and in terms of the group table.

The visitors, however, refused to give up, and with No 9 James Hayward making an inspired 61 not out, they came within two overs of sealing first place.

Ironically, this time last year, the boot was on the other foot as Oxon defeated Cambridgeshire, but saw Wilts sneak through on run-rate without playing.

As it was, the visitors' run chase made for a truly memorable game on Oxfordshireís senior debut at Radley.

Had Oxon not accelerated late in their innings, thanks to centurion Richard Kaufman (111) and Dave Burton, they would have gone home empty handed.

But they now have a home semi-final against Suffolk to look forward to on July 1 with a Lord's final awaiting the winners.

At 187-5 after 41 overs, anything over 250 would have been a bonus for Oxfordshire.

Jamie Hewitt and Dave Taylor had both made starts, but it was Kaufman's maiden county hundred that made all the difference.

Kaufman was caught going for another big shot in the final over by which time Oxon had compiled a total they should have been better able to defend.

Wiltshire captain Michael Coles (2-44) finished with their best figures, but no visiting bowler took control.

The visitors set about the Oxon attack early on, knowing victory had to come inside 37 overs.

Pete Dennett set the tone by smashing a six off Dave Taylorís first over as he and Tim Morton ran riot.

Oxon captain Ian Hawtin brought on Ryan Newhook to stem the tide, and the move reaped immediate reward as he had Dennett caught at slip with his second ball.

Liam Dawson fell for a duck next over, but a succession of sixes from Coles kept Wilts up with their seven-an-over plus required rate.

Wickets continued to fall, mostly to catches in the deep, yet the incoming batsmen simply managed to pick up where their colleagues left off.

Luke Ryan bowled Coles as he went for a mighty heave, and when an incredible Adam Cook catch on the boundary claimed Adam Kelly's wicket, there looked only one winner.

It was 228-9 and with just 16-year-old wicket keeper Adam Miles to come, you had to fancy Oxon.

Hayward, however, kept blasting away, and steered his side home on the day, but crucially for Oxon, to second in the table.