Frilford Heath clinched the Shaw and Co Oxfordshire Foursomes League title thanks to a strong Matt finish, writes Michael Knox.

The pairing of Matt Briggs and Matt Haddy came from behind on Saturday to gain a narrow one-hole win in the decider and clinch Frilford a 2-1 victory over Oxford City at Southfield.

This tie was decided by events on the 15th hole, when Briggs and Haddy escaped from the trees for a three, while their opponents, Dave Summers and Dougie Hamilton, three-putted from the fringe of the green.

That put Frilford one up, and a superb chip by BB& O captain Briggs ensured a scrambling half at the 17th, and another shared hole on the last saw Frilford home.

In the top match, City's John Summers and Ian Bound were level par in beating Dickie Gavrilovic and Ashley Walton 4 & 3.

City, the only team that could have caught Frilford at the top of Section 1, looked like keeping the title race alive when Clive Bowler and Graham Henley were one up with five to play against Gary Corkish and Russell Brooks.

But the Frilford pair won three of the next four holes to close out their opponents 2 & 1.

So competitive is this league that, instead of being title contenders, City are now fighting to avoid the drop.

Indeed, The Oxfordshire's 2T-T victory at home to Studley Wood sent City to the bottom of the table with three games to play.

City do have matches in hand on the other strugglers, but they visit The Oxfordshire this Saturday, when another defeat could have serious implications.

Lyneham secured promotion from Section 2 when challengers Mentmore went down 2-1 to promoted champions Brailes.

The play-off between Drayton Park and Tadmarton Heath for the second promotion spot in Section 3 will take place at Magnolia Park on Saturday.