Oxford Downs 2nd avoided relegation from Cherwell League Division 3 by the skin of their teeth, despite a 71-run defeat at home to Shipton-under-Wychwood 2nd.

Tom Swann top-scored with 86 as Shipton rattled up 215-9 before claiming 4-41 as Downs slumped to 144 all out.

Despite the defeat, Downs got enough bonus points to creep above the drop zone.

In Division 2, Johnny Law helped Oxford Downs to a nine-wicket win at Sandford St Martin.

Law took 5-41 and Harry Sutton 3-36 to help dismiss the home side for 141, Jim Howe top-scoring with 53.

George Sandbach (72no) and Wasim Mehmood (66) then led Downs home at 142-1.

Left-arm spinner Sam Haselgrove was the star as Witney Mills secured a three-wicket win at Bletchley Town in Division 4. He claimed 5-16 to skittle Bletchley for 89.