A century partnership between the experienced Rob Williams and debutant Nathan Hawkes brought Oxfordshire back into contention in their Western Division match at Challow & Childrey yesterday.

It had looked like being another tough time for the hosts after Wiltshire posted 374-7 and then had Oxon 76-3.

But some positive batting, with Hawkes leading the way, saw them to 203-3, 91 runs ahead, at stumps.

Hawkes finished 70 not out after notching his maiden championship 50 in just 45 balls, while Williams made a more placid 63.

Trailing by 112 runs from the first innings, Oxfordshire lost opener Jamie Hewitt early on.

Craig Haupt compiled a lively 31 before he was caught and left the field clearly frustrated.

Chris Sandbach must have felt similar emotions after his dismissal made it 76-3 - the Oxford Downs man completely mis-timing a pull shot, and was already walking off before James Vince snaffled the ball.

Oxon began digging themselves out of a hole with Williams and Hawkes together.

Hawkes survived a catch behind off his first ball and was dropped on nought at slip by James Hibberd, but made the most of his let-offs.

To make matters worse for Wilts, Hawkes was later dropped at long on by Vince.

Unusually, Williams was the slower scoring partner, reaching his 50 off 101 balls.

Earlier, teenager Vince was first to fall for Wiltshire, adding just 13 runs to his overnight 74.

When Francois Vainker had Steve Bullen caught by Rob Williams for his first Oxon wicket, the hosts had half a chance at 184-4.

But Wiltshire captain Richard Bedbrook and Hibberd put on 133 for the fifth wicket to give their side a great platform.

Bedbrook made 103 off 159 balls, while Hibberd, who was dropped twice, followed up some solid bowling with 78 off 102.

Hawkes trapped Bedbrook lbw to match Vainker in securing a debut victim, but Wiltshire's 374-4 was the sort of score Oxon would have loved on Sunday.

And it came without one of their batsman, James Hayward, who had broken two fingers on his left hand.

Jack Brooks was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4-74.

Keith Arnold had to limp off midway through his 15th over, but should be fit enough to bowl today.