ASTON Rowant spoiled Oxford’s title party as skipper Wesley Morrick inspired his side to a pulsating three-wicket victory in Division 2 West.

With a win securing top spot and promotion back to Division 1, Oxford looked well-placed after Jamie Perkin’s century took them to 275-7 at Butts Way.

Morrick claimed 5-37, but then took centre stage with the bat, steering Rowant from 91-4 to 276-7 with 16 balls to spare.

He hammered 107 not out off 86 deliveries, with 13 fours and a six, although he was dropped by Andrew Clough.

Oxford will still win the title if they beat Dinton at home on Saturday, while defeat and a Rowant victory at Cove would leave their Oxfordshire rivals on top.

The visitors opted to bat first, but fell to 14-2 as Morrick removed Clough and Vishane Perera.

Perkin and Stewart Laudat led an impressive recovery, the former hitting 128 off 138 balls with 14 fours and five sixes.

Laudat added a more measured 54 off 85 balls, while Shamilal Mendis and captain Ian Crosby hit quickfire 27s at the end.

Morrick took his fifth wicket by bowling Jasper Davies off the final ball of the innings.

Damian Shirazi and Nick Ferraby put on 72 for the first wicket of Rowant’s reply.

But Oxford looked to have seized the initiative by the time spinner Mendis bowled Miles Hammond to leave the hosts on 91-4.

Morrick then dominated partnerships with Ashley Haw, Adam Muttitt and finally Karl Penhale, with whom victory was secured.

Mendis took 3-41, but he could not stop Morrick.