REVIEW OF 2018: April-May

OXFORD City Stars added another title to their collection after winning the Division 2 Championship.

Having already clinched the South Division 2 crown, goals from Joe Edwards, Mike Whillock and Connor Redmond helped them to a 3-1 victory over Sutton Sting.

However, Stars could not complete a historic treble, going down 5-3 to Chelmsford Cheiftains in the play-off semi-finals.

Oxford United confirmed their Sky Bet League One status with victory over Rochdale at the Kassam Stadium.

A win at Doncaster had put the U’s on the brink of safety, but penalties from John Mousinho and Todd Kane made sure they were safe.

After a five-hour meeting with chairman Sumrith Thanakarnjanasuth, boss Karl Robinson predicted United would finish in the top eight next season.

Nathan Douglas came fifth in the men’s triple jump at the Commonwealth Games in Australia.

The 35-year-old started with two leaps of 16.35 metres, but then had four successive fouls, seeing him finish outside the medal positions.

Oxfordshire’s top badminton sides celebrated a magnificent season.

The first team ended a 20-year wait to get into the top-flight, while the second side were promoted to Division 2.

MAY

CHINNOR celebrated promotion to the third tier of English rugby for the first time.

Chinnor celebrate promotion to National League 1    Picture: David Howlett

A 40-31 victory over Sedgley Park in the National League 2 play-off sealed a landmark success.

In front of 1,378 spectators George Oliver’s late try saw the Thame-base club reach new heights.

Banbury Bulls missed out on promotion to the fifth tier after a 42-31 defeat to Exeter University in the South West 1 play-off.

Ryan Ledson picked up a hat-trick of honours at Oxford United’s annual awards dinner.

The midfielder was voted supporters’ player of the season, young player and also picked up the award for goal of the season for his late winner at Charlton Athletic in February.

The youngster was sold to Preston North End for an undisclosed fee later that month.

United ended their campaign with a 2-1 defeat at Blackburn Rovers, seeing them end a disappointing campaign in 16th place.

However, there was soon some good news for supporters with goalkeeper Simon Eastwood signing a new long-term deal.

The U’s also confirmed a pre-season tour to Ireland.

Jade O’Dowda produced a record-breaking display to win heptathlon gold at the England Under 20 Combined Events Championships in Bedford.

The Oxford City athlete set a personal best of 5,610 points, beating the record held by Olympian Katarina Johnson-Thompson, which had stood for seven years.

Oxford City Stars rejected the chance of promotion.

The county’s ice hockey team said the financial commitment of promotion had the potential to jeopardise the long-term future of the club.

JUNE

The new-look Oxford United management team of, from left, Derek Fazackerley, Karl Robinson and Shaun Derry   Picture: Richard Cave

OXFORD United appointed Shaun Derry as first team coach, working under boss Karl Robinson and alongside Derek Fazackerley.

The former Leeds United and QPR midfielder has previous managerial experience at Notts County and Cambridge United.

Samir Carruthers became the U’s second summer signing, while Joe Rothwell departed for Blackburn Rovers.

A new sponsorship deal with Singha Beer was also announced. The arrangement involves a six-figure sum for at least two years.

Oxford Brookes University’s rowers showed their domination across Europe as the first three places at the Ratzeburg International Regatta in Germany were filled by their crews.

In an outstanding performance, the victorious men’s crew lowered their club record in the 2,000m to 5mins 29.06secs.

Oxfordshire cricketers Harrison Ward and Ben Charlesworth were selected by England under 19s for two youth Tests against South Africa.

Both rising stars attended St Edward’s School.