Oxford’s ninth-wicket pair of Ian Crosby and Ian Evans had to bat throughout the final 12 overs to salvage a draw in their Serious Cricket Home Counties League Division 1 match at Welwyn Garden City.

Facing a tricky target of 278 for victory. Oxford were well-placed at tea on 56-0 off 15 overs.

Welwyn introduced their two spinners after tea with devastating results.

Left-armer Paul Baker soon had Jason Harrison caught at slip and then dismissed both Nick Ferraby and Jamie Perkin cheaply.

At the other end, James Southgate wreaked havoc, taking five quick wickets as the Oxford middle order fell away.

In all, they lost eight wickets for 38 runs to stand at 91-8.

But Crosby and Evans batted skilfully to navigate through the closing overs.

Southgate returned a re-markable 5-6 off 13 overs.

Earlier, former Oxfordshire all-rounder Jamie Hewitt and Aaron Laraman scored half-centuries as Welwyn batted fluently to reach 277-5 against an Oxford attack, the pick of whom was spinner Ian Evans three wickets.