Opener Ned Murray hit a superb century as Horspath announced their arrival in Division 2 West by getting the better of a draw at Oxfordshire rivals Aston Row-ant on Saturday.

Heavy rain overnight and in the morning led to the start being delayed by more than half-an-hour.

But after being put in to bat, Horspath racked up an impressive 284-5 off their 56 overs, before restricting Rowant to 194-7 off ten overs less.

Murray took advantage of a good pitch with a chanceless knock of 101, which included 12 fours.

He shared an opening stand of 98 with Jimmy Phillips (44) and a third-wicket partnership of 103 with Australian left-hander Tim Hutchison, whose fluent 67 featured nine fours and a six.

Relegated from Division 1 last season, Rowant’s attack was hampered by skipper Wesley Morrick suffering a groin strain while bowling.

None of the other bowlers could contain the visitors.

And the Rowant batsmen were never in the hunt in reply as last year’s Cherwell League champions picked up regular wickets.

When Archie Leon and Richard Cook fell for ducks in the space of two overs after tea, Rowant were wobbling at 78-4.

Horspath’s hopes of victory rose further when opener Tim Morgan went to a sharp catch by Adam Krol off Phillips for 45 to make it 103-5.

But Morrick, batting with a runner, saw Rowant to safety after surviving a big shout for a run out early in his innings.

Morrick finished unbeaten on 51 with six fours, while former Challow & Childrey all-rounder Phillips completed a fine debut by taking 4-71 with his leg spinner.