Oxford Sports reignited their title challenge with a 5-3 victory at home to leaders North Oxford in Men’s Premier Division of the Thames Valley Winter League.

In the battle of the top pairs, honours were even with Sports’ Ben Coomber and Dave Tuck fighting back to win the second set 6-3 after dropping the first 7-5 to Jay Sexton and Christian Petersen.

The difference came as a returning Tom Astle plus Tom Francis, for Sports, defeated North’s Chris Hampton and Alex Hadcock 7-5, 6-0 to clinch victory.

Sports have closed the gap on North to eight points – and they have a game in hand.

Woodstock, who made up ground with an 8-0 win over Thame, still have an outside chance of the title.

Joining them in the Premier Division next season will be Bicester, who ensured promotion from Division 1 with three matches to go, thanks to a 7-1 victory over their B team.

This was only Bicester A’s fourth set dropped out of 76 played this campaign and helped Bicester B keep out of the relegation places.

Three more men’s teams have gained early promotion – Woodstock C (Division 5), Portcullis C (Division 6) and Chinnor (Division 7).

No ladies teams have yet secured promotion

RESULTS

Men’s Premier Div: Abingdon 6, Norham Gardens 2; David Lloyd 3, Witney 5; North Oxford B 7, Oxford City 1; Oxford Sports 5, North Oxford 3; Portcullis 4, Virgin Active 4; Woodstock 8, Thame 0. Div 1: Bicester 7, Bicester B 1; Witney B 4, North Oxford C 4;Woodstock B 2, David Lloyd 6. Div 2: Banbury WE 7, Virgin Active B 1; Wantage 4, Oxford City B 4.

Ladies Div 1: Banbury 5, Banbury WE 3; Oxford Sports 2, Blewbury 6. Div 2: Abingdon 5, Benson 3; Bicester 5, Portcullis B 3; Cholsey B 5, Woodstock B 3; Kingston Bagpuize 5, Faringdon B 3; North Oxford C 3, Goring 5; Wychwoods 4, North Oxford B 4. Div 3: Abingdon B 4, Henley 4; Kings Sutton 6, Chinnor 2; Shiplake 7, Thame 1; Oxford Sports B 1, Goring B 7; Watlington 1, David Lloyd 7; Witney B 3, Marlow 5.