SUPERB knocks from Olly Clarke and Richard Kaufman have put Oxfordshire in pole position to claim victory against Wales.

The visitors lead by 51 runs heading into the final day of the Unicorns Counties Championship Western Division encounter in Usk.

Clarke (97) and Kaufman (86) starred as Oxon posted 406 all out, Andrew Gorvin claiming 4-102.

Wales were then restricted to 95-4 in their second innings.

A wet outfield delayed the start of play by an hour, but Oxon, who resumed on 111-3, soon asserted their control.

Kaufman quickly brought up his half-century as his partnership with captain Jonny Cater continued.

However, Oxon slipped from 172-3 to 179-5 when they were both removed.

Tomos Jones had Kaufman, whose 86 came off 105 deliveries and included 13 fours, caught by Joshua Andrady to end their 112-run stand.

Cater (35) was then caught behind off Gorvin.

But Oxon’s innings did not falter, with Clarke starring.

He combined with Tom Cosford (45) for a 69-run sixth-wicket partnership, before the latter was dismissed by Samuel Pearce as Oxon found themselves 248-6.

Clarke, who hit 12 boundaries in his 97 off 145 balls, continued to spearhead the innings, Harvey Eltham (33) also contributing.

The youngster was then agonisingly removed by Gorvin three runs short of his century as Oxon posted 406 for a first-innings lead of 146.

Wales still had a couple of hours to make progress.

Openers Joseph Voke and Umar Malik took a conservative approach in a bid to frustrate their visitors.

Russell White broke through their stern resistance, having Voke caught by Clarke for 16 off 54 deliveries to leave Wales on 37-1.

They then slipped from 56-1 to 70-4 as Malik, Andrady and Oskar Kolk fell.

But Wales reached the close of play without further loss.