THAME Town lost the leadership of Division 2 West after Kidlington had the upper hand of their fiercely contested derby clash at Stratfield Brake on Saturday.

A fine innings by Shahbaz Ali enabled the hosts to reach 241-7 from their 60 overs, while Thame were indebted to Manoj Parmar as they held on for a draw on 194-7.

In near-perfect conditions, Kidlington made the most of winning the toss.

Their innings was built around a solid 94 from Shahbaz Ali, who hit ten fours.

He was well supported by Andrew Buckingham, who was run out one short of his half-century.

Thame kept things tight in the later part of the innings, restricting the home side to a gettable 241-7, considering the fast outfield.

In reply, Thame were in some disarray as Oxford University player Duncan Bradshaw ripped out the top order to leave themstruggling on 28-3, later to become 54-4.

The game hinged on a difficult dropped chance offered by Manoj Parmar to Mali Richards, when he was on 20.

If it had been taken, Kidlington would surely gone on to defeat the leaders.

Dickon Morris worked his way through the middle order, but the resolute Parmar went on to be undefeated on 84 at the close as Thame salvaged a draw.