Simon Hole starred with an unbeaten century as struggling Shipton-under-Wychwood drew at Farnham Royal in Serious Cricket Home Counties Premier League Division 2 West.
But despite the Shipton skipper’s individual brilliance, his side remain rooted in the relegation zone with just one game left.
Shipton host Cove on Saturday, but a home win will not be enough if Farnham take 11 or more points from their final clash at Harefield.
Going into the match 18 points ahead of Shipton, a draw suited the hosts far more than it did the Oxfordshire side, who look set return to the Cherwell League alongside Thame Town.
Hole’s 144 not out dominated Shipton’s creditable total of 278-9, although Gehan Perera made 44 and compiled an 87-run partnership with the skipper for the third wicket.
Victory never looked that likely for the visitors once George Thurstance (104no) and Daniel Simpson (75) took Farnham Royal to 102-2 and Thurstance steered them to 237-6.
Veteran spinner Shaun Miller claimed 4-56 in 17 overs.
Scores: Shipton-under-Wychwood 278-9 (S Hole 144no, G Perera 44), Farnham Royal 237-6 (G Thurstance 104no, D Simpson 75, S Miller 4-56). Farnham Royal 10pts, Shipton-under-Wychwood 13.
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