MP SPORTS CHERWELL LEAGUE

Graham Scott's Match of the Day

Oxford Downs continued their march towards the Division 1 title on Saturday – but came within one wicket of suffering their first defeat.

In a low-scoring affair at Great & Little Tew, Downs were 129-9 chasing 146 for victory when Andrew Buckingham was joined by former Oxfordshire all rounder Luke List, batting in the uncustomary role of No 11.

The pair just managed to put together the 17 runs required, although List was perilously close to being given out leg before to Andy Harris in what transpired to be the penultimate over.

Earlier in the day, Tew’s young batting line-up could not put together any decent partnerships as wickets kept falling to Lester Smart and List, first during their opening spells and again when they returned to mop up the tail.

At least Harris’s half century gave the home side a total to defend, and victory was in their grasp when Downs lost three wickets for one run.

But like all the best sides, Downs found a way to win a game that appeared lost, and they extended their lead at the top to 27 points.

Great & Little Tew 11pts, Oxford Downs 25