MP Sports Cherwell League - Div 1 Dan King became the first century-maker of the new season in the top flight, but his efforts were not enough to propel Oxford 2nd to victory at Cumnor.

In a tense match played in persistent light drizzle, the home side were asked to bat and posted a competitive 220-9, thanks largely to a 107-run partnership between Adam Cook (93no) and Sam Jones (41).

Tom Geeson-Brown was the pick of the visitors’ attack, taking 4-35 in two spells spanning 14 overs.

King’s assured 107 and Brad Sutherland’s 39 kept Oxford in contention, but Jones (4-44) wrestled back the initiative and they had to settle for a draw on 210-8.

Both sides were docked three points for their slow over rates.

Cumnor 12pts, Oxford 2nd 8

Newly-promoted Great & Little Tew were given a rude awakening to life back in the top flight, although they narrowly escaped with a draw at Horspath.

Tew decided to bowl first and kept the home side’s scoring under control, but their bowlers enjoyed few successes as Horspath reached 218-4.

Joey Todd an impressive 84 not out, while Adam Krol made 60.

Only Rob Garrett (59) could get going in the visitors’ reply, but Will Eason (4-43) could not prise out the final pair, who clung on at 116-9.

Horspath 16, Great & Little Tew 5

Bourton Vale were the day’s only winners in the top flight, thrashing Challow & Childrey by eight wickets.

Vale pipped Challow to the Division 2 title last summer, but there was a gulf between the sides on Saturday in a match reduced to 67 overs by rain.

Challow managed 150-6 from 40 overs, in which James Phillips hit 41 and Paul Lazenbury took 4-37.

Vale then rushed to 151-2 in 24.4 overs thanks to Alex Fateh (50), Jamie Noble (48) and Lazenbury (45no).

Bourton Vale 25, Challow & Childrey 4

No play was possible in the match between Bletchley Town and Buckingham Town, both sides picking up six points.