Horspath’s march to the Cherwell League title continued apace on Saturday, when they brushed aside in-form Shipton-under-Wychwood to extend their lead at the top.

Shipton came into the game on the back of three wins on the bounce, but within 45 minutes had been reduced to 32-6 and the game was over.

Will Eason (5-22) was responsible for the carnage, taking five of the first six wickets to fall in a devastating opening burst.

Shipton’s scorecard looked like it had been printed upside down, as the tail then dug in to get their side into three figures.

The ninth-wicket partnership of 36 between Paul Jennings (20) and Sasha Barras (36) was the highest of the innings, and the last two wickets added 53.

Horspath then batted as if they had a train to catch, with Jason Hunt the only bowler to restrict the scoring.

Jimmy Phillips plundered 47 while Eason also batted positively, hitting 45 not out to complete a good day for himself and his side.

Only Buckingham Town have a realistic chance of hauling in the leaders, but it seems more likely that Horspath will be out of sight by the time the sides meet on August 17.

Horspath 25pts, Shipton-under-Wychwood 4

Oxford Downs are back in the relegation mire after losing at Buckingham Town and slipping to the bottom of the table.

They were soon in trouble against Simon Myatt (3-30) after being put into bat, but recovered from 66-6 in the 19th over to reach 217-9. James Ellwood led the way with an invaluable 98.

Town scored at five runs an over after the interval and despite losing wickets at regular intervals reached 220-7 in the 44th over.

Opener Rob Large (36), then Callum Price (41) and finally Ben Laycock (46no) saw them over the line.

Buckingham Town 25, Oxford Downs 11

Banbury 2nd’s slim title hopes look to be over after they were on the wrong end of their eighth draw in ten matches.

Oxford 2nd amassed 273-5 declared from 52 overs through Akheam Fox (52), Alex Morgan (55), John Barrett (61no) and Naeem Bardai (34). Steve Hart’s three wickets cost 97 runs. Steve Beck then hit 57 and Justin Lambden made 37, but Banbury only narrowly avoided defeat on 179-9.

Oxford 2nd 20, Banbury 2nd 5

Garth Davson hit a magnificent 139 and followed up by taking 4-61 as Thame Town were put to the sword by Great Brickhill.

Davson was supported with the bat by Doug Aris (56) as the hosts racked up 279-5.

Only Will Rooney (3-72) enjoyed much success with the ball.

Thame had a go after tea, Will Sutcliffe hitting 105 and Deon Laubscher 48, but wickets kept falling and they were left to block out on 247-9.

Great Brickhill 20, Thame Town 7

David Powells (54) and Shahid Mahmood (47) took Twyford to 224-5 at Leighton Buzzard Town.

But it was not enough as Tom Light (61), Phil Whatmore (54) and Sam Janes (45no) helped the hosts reach 225-6 with three balls to spare.

Leighton Buzzard Town 25, Twyford 11