Jonny Cater’s maiden Minior Counties Championship century helped Oxfordshire tighten their grip over Herefordshire on the second day of their Western Division encounter at Brockhampton.

The Banbury wicket-keeper/batsman, who top-scored with 77 in Oxon’s first innings, surpassed that effort with a classy 106 as the visitors posted 287 all out second time around.

That left Herefordshire with a daunting target of 398.

And by the close, Oxon had reduced the hosts to 81-3 to stay firmly on course for their first win of the season today.

Resuming on 16-0 in their second innings, Oxon lost nightwatchman Francois Vainker without addition to his overnight six when he was bowled by Greg Leighton to make it 20-1.

Skipper Richard Kaufman hit 29 off 20 balls before he was caught by Nick Powell off Leighton, who then bowled Jamie Perkin for a duck.

Opener Lloyd Sabin had made 26 before becoming Leighton’s fourth victim.

And when Charlie Knightley was trapped lbw by Powell without any addition to the score, Oxon were in some trouble at 69-5.

But then Cater and Watling shared a terrific 143-run partnership for the sixth-wicket as Oxon regained control.

While Cater, whose previous Championship best was 98 against Dorset last year, was fluent in his strokeplay, Watling dug in for a gritty 44 before being bowled by Chris Walker to make it 212-6.

David Smith was then trapped lbw by Exall.

Daniel Rowe was caught by Powell at cover off Walker, and Cater’s superb innings was ended by the same combination when he was ninth out with the score on 231.

He had looked a different class to any other batsman in the game, hitting 15 fours and a six in his 130-ball stay.

But Oxon weren’t finished as last pair Ashley Blanchard (27) and Chad Keegan (26no) put on 56 for the tenth wicket, before the Banbury man was caught behind by Adshead off Exall.

Leighton was the most successful of the Herefordshire attack with 4-47.

Keegan had ripped through Herefordshire’s top with a three-wicket burst in the first innings.

And second time around, Daniel Rowe emulated his opening partner to reduce the hosts to 26-3.

Ben Stebbings completed a pair when he snicked one behind to Cater, before Rowe trapped Exall lbw.

The Oxon seamer then shattered Adshead’s stumps.

Chris Walker (33no) and Chris Boroughs (26no) set about repairing the damage as Herefordshire reached the close at 81-3, but Oxfordshire still hold the whip hand.

Scores: Oxfordshire 210 & 287 (J Cater 106, C Watling 44, G Leighton 4-47, C Walker 3-45), Herefordshire 100 & 81-3.