DORSET fell to defeat at Chapel Gate as Oxfordshire completed a seven-wicket victory midway through the final day of their Western Division clash.

A spirited unbeaten 62 from Jigar Naik had given Dorset a slender lead of 115 which Lloyd Sabin (45) and Harry Smith (48) made light work of knocking off.

Resuming on 128 for six, Dorset lost Sam Thomson and Mark Wolstenholme before Naik accumulated runs with James Hayman (11) and Brad Currie (8), sharing a last-wicket stand of 45.

Dorset’s second innings closed on 206 as Olly Clarke polished off Hayman and Currie to set a 116 target.

Oxfordshire came out bristling with intent in their reply as Sabin carted Wolstenholme for 16 off his first over.

The opener continued to score at more than a run-a-ball but saw opening partner Clarke ousted by Naik (2-35) as Dorset pegged them back at 43 for one.

Sabin was joined by Smith at the crease and the latter set a greater pace as Oxfordshire wasted little time in settling the result.

When Naik removed Sabin for a 43-ball 45, Oxfordshire only needed 40 more to win, but after striking seven boundaries, Smith was removed by Josh Digby (1-6) at 113 for three.

It was left to captain Jonathan Cater to find the boundary and complete a triumph that sent Oxfordshire into second behind Berkshire, with Dorset seventh.