Oxford & Bletchingdon Nondescripts sealed the MP Sports Cherwell League Division 2 championship in dramatic circumstances when they beat Abingdon Vale by three runs on Saturday.

Put into bat, Nondies had limped to 145-8 from their 53 overs as Vale’s left arm spinner Paul White tied up one end to finish with economical figures of 4-42.

John Guthrie (49) and club stalwart Ian Mead (32) – who was in the side when they were last in the top flight a decade ago – were the visitors’ main contributors.

After tea, Abingdon opener James Boon led the way with an impressive 72, but he was unable to build a meaningful partnership with any of his teammates.

Nondies’ quickie Ed Oakley claimed 4-41 and experienced off spinner Mark Strong took 4-46 as Vale fell agonisingly short of victory, bowled out for 142 in the 50th over.

Nondies are worthy champions having spent all bar the first couple of weeks in the top two.

Their only defeat came at Banbury Twenty, when Keith Arnold took 8-17 to dismiss them for 63, but otherwise they have been the strongest and most consistent side by a wide margin.