CHAD Keegan’s magnificent seven-wicket haul ensured Oxfordshire claimed a slender lead on day two of their Western Division clash against Dorset at Dean Park, Bournemouth yesterday.

Having posted 329-8 in their first innings, Oxfordshire dismissed their hosts for 319, before closing the second day on 43-1.

It means they take a 53-run lead into the final day, and although a draw would appear the most likely result, Oxon could bat themselves into a position of strength with a positive approach today.

Resuming on day two on 23 without loss, Dorset’s innings followed much the same pattern as Oxfordshire’s as they lost regular wickets in the morning session.

Keegan was chief destroyer, taking three of the first four wickets to fall, with captain Ian Hawtin pouching three catches behind the stumps to reduce the home side to 64-4.

Similarly to Oxfordshire, the home side then dug in to rebuild, with a fifth-wicket partnership of 94 between Aaron Williams and Masoor Khan steadying the ship somewhat.

However, Williams fell for 65, quickly followed by Masoor Khan for 67 to put the home side on the back foot again.

But from 177-6, Matt Metcalfe, Mark Wolstenholme and James Hayman got Dorset out of a hole.

Metcalfe scored a fluent half century, his 54 coming from 79 balls, including eight fours.

Hayman scored a breezy 44 from 51 balls, before he too fell to Keegan.

Keegan’s figures of 7-123 are his best yet for Oxfordshire.

Hawtin claimed five catches, while debutant left-arm spinner Nat Watkins bowled tidily, taking his first Minor Counties wicket in figurres of 1-85 from 25 overs.

Having bowled their hosts out for 319, Oxfordshire’s second innings started badly when Richard Kaufman fell for six.

But Damian Shirazi and Richard West saw Oxon through to stumps to set up an interesting final day.

They will look to bat positively in a bid to set up a victory opportunity.