Oxford have become the first success story of what looks like being a fine season for Oxfordshire rugby.

The county’s oldest club, who are in their centenary season, clinched promotion from the BB&O Premier Division after beating Drifters 41-3 on Saturday.

Mathematically, Oxford co-uld still overhaul Broadmoor Staff to go up as champions, but that looks a long shot.

However, both Witney and Banbury look strong fav-ourites to win Southern Counties North and Midands 2 East South respectively.

Added to that, Oxford Harlequins are on the brink of a highest ever league finish – third in National 3 South West and Chinnor likely to end up a place behind.

All this is a big step forward after the comparative mediocrity of 2008-09, so there should be plenty to celebrate in Oxfordshire.

Talking of their promotion, Oxford coach Kevin Jones said: “I didn’t think we had the strength in depth at the beginning, but then the youngsters started to play and we got momentum from there.

“We went through a period where we played the team at the top of the league four weeks in a row and beat them without being there ourselves.

“One of the major things was bringing in Mark Lockwood at prop.

“He was languishing in Quins’ fourth team, but came in and solidified our scrum. He has been our cornerstone.”

Oxford are a far cry from their hey day as the top club in the region, but Jones said they have hope for the future.

“I can’t quite believe it has happened at the same time as the centenary,” said Jones.

“I’m delighted for the people who have kept faith with Oxford Rugby Club.

“We need to strengthen the side next season, but the basis is there.

“Broadmoor are a very strong team. We should have beaten them at home, but away they deserved their victory.

“Overall, I couldn’t have asked for anything more from the players this season.”