Oxfordshire had to settle for a draw after coming within a whisker of pulling off a remarkable victory in their Western Division match against Wiltshire at Salisbury yesterday.

After being bowled out for 120 on the first day, Oxon recovered so well thanks to Chris Smith's titanic century that they were able to set Wiltshire a victory target of 281.

When the hosts slumped to 73-6, Oxon seemed certain to record their first victory of the Championship campaign.

But Witshire's tail wagged strongly in good batting conditions and they held on for a draw at 222-8.

Oxon started the third and final day with a lead of 107, with Smith (pictured) unbeaten on 117.

The Banbury left-hander extended this to 166 off 346 balls before he was dismissed for a career-best score. He struck 20 fours in a superb display.

Rob Williams supported him well with a stylish 62, while the necessary acceleration was provided by Richard Kaufman, who made 49 off 60 balls before being run out.

Oxon's declaration at 444-8 left Wiltshire a target of 281 in a minimum of 53 overs.

Jamie Hewitt made the inital breakthrough with two early wickets and the home side slumped to 73-6 in 22 overs.

To their credit, they kept going for the runs, and wicket-keeper Tom Morton and Richard Bedbrook shared a stand of 107 for the seventh wicket before Morton fell to Smith's occasional medium pace.

It was quite a game for Smith!

However, Oxon, who ended up bowling 60 overs, could not claim their eighth wicket until the fourth over from the end, and Wltshire held out without undue alarm.