OXFORD took over at the top of Home Counties Premier League Division 2 from Horspath after a hard-fought draw at Jordan Hill.

Having recovered from 85-7 to post 212 all out after being put in to bat, Oxford restricted the visitors to 178-8 at the close.

The result sees Oxford pick up four more points than the morning leaders to claim a three-point advantage.

However, for much of the home side’s innings it looked as if they would come off second best as Adam Price inflicted the early damage against his old club, returning 5-73.

Oxford were in disarray at 21-4, but Shamilal Mendis (36) led the fightback before tailenders Harvey Eltham (48no) and Freddie Simon (39) frustrated the visitors to post a respectable total.

Horspath were moving along serenely when Rameez Raja holed out to Simon at long on off Mendis for a run-a-ball 41.

Samad Fallah, bowling unchanged in a marathon 27-over spell, then got stuck into the Horspath batting to take 5-70 for his fourth consecutive haul of five wickets or more.

But he couldn’t dislodge opener Jamie Stead, who stood firm with an unbeaten 70 from 161 balls including eight fours, to see Horspath to safety.

Shipton-under-Wychwood were involved in a thrilling run chase at home to Buckingham Town which finished as a draw with the scores level

After being put in, the visitors rattled up 279-6 from 58 overs thanks to a consistent display topped by Steve Brunning’s 60.

A second-wicket stand of 112 between Andrew Hemming (55) and Calvin Dickinson, whose 82 came from 98 balls and included five sixes, put Shipton in prime position at 153-1.

Joe Barrett (45no) and Anupam Sanklecha (38) maintained the momentum and it all came down to Shipton.

It all came down to Shipton needing five runs off five balls and one off the last, but Shaun Cross was bowled to leave the hosts on 279-8.

Shipton were awarded to extra points as the batting second with the scores level

Aston Rowant crashed to a 49-run defeat at Amersham.

Fine bowling, led by Andrew Dyer’s spell of 3-28 in 18 overs restricted Amersham to 164 all out.

In reply, Rowant slumped to 15-4 to the bowling of paceman Alex Lines. They never recovered and, despite resistance from Wes Morrick, were bowled out for 115, with Lines and spinner Maduka Liyanapathiranage both taking 4-42.

Thame Town were shot out for 88 by bottom club Gerrards Cross, who romped home by eight wickets inside 20 overs.