OXFORDSHIRE were forced to dig deep, but still made a positive start to their Western Division clash against Shropshire at Shifnal.

Jonny Cater’s side lead by 209 runs heading into the second day.

However, they did find themselves in a spot of bother in the Unicorns Counties Championship clash.

Oxon slipped to 99-4, but their lower middle order all chipped in with valuable runs.

Great & Little Tew captain Harry Smith (67) marked his championship debut with a half-century as the visitors posted 280-7 from their 90 overs.

Shropshire had time to make a strong start in reply, though, with captain Steve Leach and Omar Ali steering the hosts to 71-0 at the close of play.

Oxon made a solid start after electing to bat, Vishane Perera and Lloyd Sabin putting on 57, before the latter was caught behind by wicket-keeper Ryan Lockley off the bowling of left-arm spinner David Wainwight.

Didcot opener Perera then added 30 with Smith, until he was trapped leg before.

Callum Russell and skipper Cater were both quickly removed by right-arm paceman Alex Wyatt (3-60) to leave Oxon on 99-4.

But the visitors recovered well.

Firstly, Smith, who hit eight fours and a six in his knock, along with fellow debutant James Fitzjohn put on 69 for the fifth wicket to steady the ship.

The Horspath youngster was then stumped by Lockley.

And Smith followed him back to the pavilion just moments later, caught in the slips by Charlie Home, as Oxon found themselves on 172-6.

Harvey Eltham then hit 43 off 42 balls, ably assisted by Olly Clarke, to add a bit of late impetus to the visitors’ first innings.

Their 60-run partnership, together with an unbroken eighth-wicket stand of 48 between Eltham and Leo Bethell, helped Oxon post 280-7 from their 90 overs.

Shropshire, though, soon made inroads into Oxfordshire’s lead.

Ali, who hit 43 off 47 balls, with eight fours, and Leach leading the hosts to 71-0 at the close.

Play will resume at 11am today.