Division 1

RICHARD Beer was the toast of Oxford Downs, who edged closer to avoiding the drop after enjoying the better of a draw at Shipton-under-Wychwood.

Beer battered 77 not out in Downs’ 223-8, which also included handy contributions from Darryl Woods (42) and Justin Cantrill (36).

Sasha Barras (4-79) and Shaun Miller (3-82) shared most of the bowling and all bar one of the wickets.

Jason Hunt (36) got Shipton’s reply off to a flier, and when he skied a catch in the 11th over they were 64-1 and set fair.

But Steve Roberts (4-59) and Beer (4-57) left Shipton scrapping for a draw on 193-9.

Shipton-under-Wychwood 8pts, Oxford Downs 19

Lee Mason took 7-47, including a hat-trick, as champions Horspath thrashed fierce rivals Oxford 2nd to take their lead at the top to a massive 98 points and extend their unbeaten record.

The visitors could manage only 97 before being bowled out, and would have been humiliated had Luke Finch not hung around long enough to score 40.

Robbie Eason then hit an unbeaten 45 as Horspath eased to 98-1 in 22 overs.

Horspath 25, Oxford 2nd 1

Bilal Afzal finished with the outstanding figures of 5-18 from 21 overs – 14 of which were maidens – as Twyford sent Thame Town tumbling to 87 all out.

Earlier the home side had been in trouble on 82-5 from 27 overs when rain interrupted proceedings.

Ten overs were lost, with Twyford now due to receive 48 and Thame 42.

But the hosts were all out for 117 in the 40th, Rory Lyon hitting 47 either side of the delay, while John Maynard took 3-27.

Thame Town 5, Twyford 25

Banbury 2nd restricted Leighton Buzzard Town to 152-8 in an innings reduced by rain to 40 overs. Former Banbury Twenty bowlers Steve Hart (4-57) and Keith Arnold (3-44) shared the spoils.

The visitors’ reply lasted only 20 overs due to the weather, from which they mustered 53-4.

Banbury’s 12th draw of the season set a new league record, previously held by Didcot on their way to being relegated from Division 4 in 2007.

Banbury have Horspath and bottom club Great Brickhill left to play.

Leighton Buzzard Town 12, Banbury 2nd 3

Great Brickhill now have ground to make up after only 8.4 overs were possible in their match with Buckingham Town. Great Brickhill were 46-1 when the rain came and the match had to be abandoned.

Great Brickhill 6, Buckingham Town 6