Oxford MCC Universities put up a fight before slipping to a seven-wicket defeat against Middlesex on the final day of their first-class match in The Parks.
Resuming 99 runs ahead with just two second innings wickets left, the students lost Abi Sakande lbw to England paceman Steve Finn for the addition of just one more run.
But then last pair Jack McIver and Jack Grundy added 49 for the last wicket.
Tom Helm finally brought the innings to a close when he had McIver caught behind by John Simpson for 41.
Oxford’s 218 left Middlesex needing 150 for victory.
But the visitors suffered an early setback when Sam Robson’s stumps were shattered by skipper Sam Weller.
Sakande then had Nicholas Gubbins caught behind by Ed Ellis to make it 31-2.
Dawid Malan joined Nick Compton to steady the ship, before the latter was caught by Zimbabwean Malcolm Lake off Grundy for 39.
But Malan, who made an unbeaten 60 off 93 balls with 11 fours, and Paul Stirling then saw Middlesex home.
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