Oxford Downs suffered an early setback to their title aspirations with an opening-day defeat at home to Bletchley Town in Division 1.

All-rounder Ghufran Mohammed was the star for last year’s Division 2 champions, who have reverted back to their former name after six years as Milton Keynes Park.

Mohammed took 4-59 as Downs were dismissed for 145, Graham Simpson also claiming 4-31.

Only newcomer Tom Norris (38) and Wes Bartlett (35) got going with the bat.

Mohammed then struck an unbeaten 61 as Bletchley eased home by six wickets.

Oxford Downs 6pts, Bletchley Town 25

Cumnor were forced to hang on for a draw at Banbury Twenty with their last pair at the wicket.

Twenty rattled up a formidable 234-8, with John Wright (71) and new signing Ashley Pearson (46) leading the way.

Adam Cook was the pick of the bowlers with 4-59.

Cumnor struggled against Faisal Khalid, who returned 5-38, but held on at 152-9. Ali Morteza and Alex Kidd both made 30.

Banbury XX 16, Cumnor 8

Horspath signing Adam Krol, the former Thame captain, made a rapid impression for his new club as he top-scored with 75 in their 240-5 at home to Bicester & North Oxford.

Joe Todd gave him excellent support with 67 not out.

The visitors never threatenend the target, finishing on 167-7 as Adam Yates (40) and Duncan Bradshaw (39) batted solidly.

Horspath 15, Bicester & North Oxford 8

Shipton-under-Wycwood crashed to a nine-wicket defeat at home to Dinton.

Batting first, Shipton were skittled for just 115, Rod Browne returning figures of 3-14.

Rob King (56no) and Lee Marland (44no) saw Dinton home with few alarms.

Shipton 2, Dinton 25

Buckingham, relegated from the Home Counties League last season, began life back in the Cherwell with a seven-wicket success away to Oxford 2nd.

Oxford batted first and made 192-9 as New Zealander Brook Hatwell returned 3-26.

Hatwell then starred with the bat, making a top score of 76 not out as he and Jonny Cater (67) saw their side to victory.

Oxford 2nd 6, Buckingham 25