Richard Kaufman hit a brilliant 168 as Oxfordshire ended day two of their clash against Minor Counties Championship Western Division leaders Wiltshire at Devizes with victory in their sights.

The Old Northamptonians opener’s superb century eclipsed the 160 he scored in the last game against Cornwall at Great & Little Tew.

It helped take Oxon to 275-8 dec in their first innings in reply to Wiltshire’s 306-9 – a deficit of 31.

Oxfordshire then shot out the hosts for 129, leaving them 161 for victory, and by the close they had reached 29-0.

However, Oxon’s slim hopes of snatching the title were ended yesterday as second-placed Cornwall thrashed Wales by ten wickets inside two days at Abergavenny to put themsevles in pole position to be crowned champions.

Kaufman reached his half-century with a single off the second ball of the day as Oxon resumed on 70-1, before seeing Jamie Perkin and Richard West pick up golden ducks off the next two deliveries.

But he was then joined by David Smith (44) in a stand of 148 for the fourth wicket.

Kaufman, who was dropped by Joe Breet on 98, was evenutally seventh out, with his runs coming off 179 balls and including 22 fours.

Following Oxon’s declaration, Wiltshire collapsed with Chad Keegan striking a couple of early blows, before spinners Luke Ryan (4-36) and Kaufman (3-23) wreaked havoc.

Only opener Edward Kilbee (66) showed any resistance.

Kaufman continued his memorable day by being undefeated at the close.

Scores: Wiltshire 306-9 & 129 (E Kilbee 66, L Ryan 4-36, R Kaufman 3-23), Oxfordshire 275-8 dec (R Kaufman 168, D Smith 44, H Langford 3-19) & 29-0.