Oxford lost ground in the title race as they were held to a draw in an exciting finish away to basement boys Aston Rowant in Division 1 Serious Cricket Homes Counties Premier League.
Chasing Rowant’s 210-7, Oxford’s last pair of twins Ian and Philip Evans came together with the score 199-9 with three overs left.
Going into the final over, bowled by Paul Humphreys, eight runs were still needed for victory.
Ian Evans got a single off the first ball, but then Philip Evans missed the second.
Philip Evans paddled the third delivery round the corner for three runs, but Ian Evans was unable to add to the total off the last three.
Earlier, Oxford had put Aston Rowant in to bat on an overcast morning.
The visitors started well when Stuart Hole bowled Australian Aaron Todd.
Alex Jewell batted well until he got a leading edge to give Shamilal Mendis a return catch with the score on 44.
Skipper Wes Morrick and Tim Morgan then put on 91 for the third wicket, before the latter was removed by Nick Ferraby for 57.
Chris Watling supported Morrick well before he was stumped by Jonno Evans to leave Rowant 186-4.
Tom Needham was bowled by Ian Evans and Paul Plumridge was run out, before Morrick’s excellent innings came to an end when he was stumped off Ian Evans for 97.
His runs came off 124 balls and included ten fours.
Needham struck an early blow in Oxford’s reply when skipper Jason Harrison was caught behind, and Stewart Laudat then edged a ball from Morrick into Alex Jewell’s gloves to leave Oxford 44-2.
Nick Ferraby and Dan King took the score to 96, before the latter was bowled by Karl Penhale for 61, and when Jamie Perkin became Morrick’s second victim the score was 131-4.
Humphreys had Ferraby caught by Penhale for 52, and then Leigh Lewis removed the big-hitting Ian Crosby for 22.
Jonno Evans was caught by Morrick off Humphreys and then Mendis fell to Lewis to make it 185-8.
Hole put on 14 runs with Ian Evans, before he chipped one to the athletic Lewis.
That set up a tense finish, but neither side was able to secure victory.
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