OCA League Divisions 1-4

East Oxford completed their remarkable rise to the top of the OCA League as they clinched the Division 1 title in style on Saturday, writes Kieren Bushnell.

Since their entry into the league in 2003, where they began in Division 7, East Oxford have won every title at the first attempt, culminating in their seventh crown with a 99-run triumph over Great Horwood.

Batting first, East Oxford posted 217-9, Amir Butt hitting 64, Tauqeer Hussain 47 and Aftab Alam 36.

Horwood were never in the hunt as they crashed to 118 all out, deadly duo Tauqeer Hussain and Mohammed Sarfraz taking 3-13 and 3-22 respectively.

Horley had to settle for the runners-up spot, despite being given maximum points by Oxford Caribbean’s concession.

In Division 2, the title and promotion places have still not been settled after both Northleach Town and Minster Lovell suffered shock defeats.

Minster Lovell’s promotion hopes are now hanging by a thread after they crashed to a 34-run defeat at home to Faringdon.

They had bowled out their visitors for 125, only Mike Hume (54) getting going.

Hume then took control with the ball, claiming 6-33 as Minster’s young batting line-up collapsed to 91 all out.

Minster stayed second after Northleach Town slipped to a two-run defeat at home to Hook Norton, who avoided relegation as a result.

Grant Wallis (46) and Adam Webb (42) saw Hooky to 222-8, and then Northleach fell just short at 220, Kingsley Went top-scoring with 76.

These results mean that Garsington are promoted, while Northleach will win the league if they beat Faringdon next Saturday in their final game.

Eynsham escaped relegation from Division 3 after a thrilling two-wicket victory at Clifton Hampden.

Adam Hingley took 5-29 as Clifton posted 189-9.

Young Matthew Lake was then the star for Eynsham with the bat as his 75 helped Eynsham to 190-8.

Their survival was confirmed at Radley’s expense after they lost by five wickets at Westcott.

Rasika Arukgoda claimed 5-44 as Radley were bowled out for 160, before Pete Smith (62) saw Westcott to 163-5.

In Division 4, East Oxford 2nd made it a great day for the club as they clinched the second promotion spot.

They will be playing Division 3 cricket next season after a 117-run mauling of Hailey.

Javeed Faruq hit a composed 79 in East Oxford’s formidable 247-8.

This total proved far beyond Hailey, who fell to 130 all out, Ulfat Rehman returning remarkable figures of 6-9 from 10.5 overs.

Brill had to settle for third place, despite a four-wicket win at champions Combe.

Freddie Keys took 5-21 and Ian Smith 3-4 as Combe crashed to 78 all out.

Brill lost six wickets in their reply, but managed to reach the target.