MP Sports Cherwell League - Division 1

Horspath stretched their lead at the top by ten points when they overcame potential title rivals Cumnor by four wickets on Saturday.

Cumnor were put into bat and struggled in bowler-friendly conditions, although skipper Sam Jones (56) and youngster James Lee (31) eventually took their side to 166-8.

John Williams then took 3-22 to keep the home side in contention, but Joe Todd’s 44 and captain Robbie Eason (48no) clung on as Horspath reached 167-6.

Cumnor 8pts, Horspath 25

Oxford Downs are still seeking their first win, but came perilously close to gaining maximum points at home to Bourton Vale.

Justin Cantrell’s 88 was backed up by useful knocks from James Barrett (39), Wes Bartlett (38) and Calum Taylor (33) as Downs posted a formidable 264-8.

Paul Lazenbury took 4-46 and then top scored for Vale with 56, but Daryl Johnson’s impressive spell brought him figures of 7-70 and left the visitors hanging on for a draw on 209-9.

Oxford Downs 17, Bourton Vale 10

The only other winless side are Challow & Childrey, who suffered a heavy defeat at Shipton-under-Wychwood and stay rooted to the bottom.

Shaun Miller was their destroyer, the left-arm spinner taking 6-29 as Challow crumbled to 136 all out. Only Nigel Hill (47) and Jimmy Phillips (31) put up much resistance.

Shipton’s victory was never in doubt once Simon Hole had hit 43, and Tim Senior finished the job with an unbeaten 38.

Shipton 25, Challow & Childrey 5

Great & Little Tew buckled to a five wicket defeat at home to Buckingham Town, who clim-bed two places to second courtesy of the win.

Neither Robbie Shurmer (43) nor Anthony Smith (32) could build on their good starts, as Joshua Nix took 4-43 and Vishal Valambhia 3-20 reduced them to 151 all out.

Ashley Pearson hit 38 to get Town's reply going before Daniel Harris struck 72 not out to complete the task in the 34th over.

Great & Little Tew 7, Buckingham Town 25

Mark Sheehan hit 52 from 54 balls to take Oxford 2nd from a moderate total to a more daunting 212-8 against Bletchley Town.

Wasim Mehmood chipped in with 47, while Tom Joraslafsky toiled away for 20 overs to finish with figures of 5-77.

Amir Hussain (41) top-scored in Town’s reply, but Tom Geeson-Brown (4-38) and Brad Sutherland (3-14) combined to dismiss them for 152.

Oxford 2nd 25, Bletchley Town 5