Banbury left-hander Chris Smith starred with a century as Oxfordshire hit back on the second day of their Minor Counties League Western Division match at Salisbury yesterday.

The visitors started the day in big trouble, as Wiltshire led by 63 runs with seven first-innings wickets still in hand.

But a superb spell of spin bowling from Luke Ryan allied to splendid innings by Smith and Jamie Hewitt enabled Oxon to turn the tables and give themselves a chance of forcing an unlikely victory At the end of the day, it was Oxon who led by 107 with six wickets standing.

Led by 17-year-old left-armer Ryan, Oxon's bowlers hauled their side back into the game in the morning session.

Starting the day at 183-3, Wilts were bowled out just before lunch for 284.

In only his second Championship match, Ryan finished with his first five-wicket haul 5-84 in 27 overs.

Arnold, who bowled unchanged throughout the session, finished with two wickets, as did Hewitt, who also bowled tightly yesterday.

After negotiating two awkward overs before lunch, Oxon openers Smith and Simon Hole put on 34 before Hole fell.

Smith and Hewitt then took charge with a second-wicket stand of 161.

Hewitt was the dominant partner, striking two sixes and ten fours in his 110-ball stay before falling for a county best of 81.

Although debutant Chris Sandbach and Charlie Knightley fell before the close, Smith was still at the crease, having faced 269 balls for his 117 not out, which included ten boundaries.

Oxon closed on 271-4, hoping for quick runs on the third morning to set their opponents a stiff target.