Harry Kent keeps Challow on track for championship challenge (From Herald Series)

HARRY Kent’s 76 ensured Challow & Childrey’s title hopes in Division 2 of the Cherwell League remain intact heading into the final week of the season.

Kent’s knock helped the visitors ease to 139-3 in 42.4 overs, having dismissed Cropredy for 136.

The result saw them keep pace with leaders Buckingham 2nd, who also had a seven-wicket victory.

To win the title, Challow must overhaul the 12-point deficit when they host Great & Little 2nd in the final game on Saturday.

But any win would see them promoted, with third-placed Leighton Buzzard Town eight points adrift.

Abingdon Vale had no answer to Akeel Khan as they lost to Division 1 high-fliers Dinton by 37 runs.

Batting first, Dinton were bowled out for 172, Will Fisher hitting 68 and Jon Jenkinson taking 4-67.

Will Barker struck an excellent 71 in Abingdon’s reply, but Khan (7-19) ran through the batting as Vale were bowled out for 135.

Didcot’s survival from relegation was guaranteed in emphatic style as they hammered Oxford & Bletchingdon Nondescripts by nine wickets.

Nondies were shot out for 101, Rob Keat doing most of the damage for the home side with 5-61.

Didcot then took just 23.3 overs to reach 104-1, Vishane Perera top-scoring with 33 not out.

Abingdon Vale 2nd’s promotion and title hopes in Division 5 were dealt a massive blow after a 15-run defeat at home to Leighton Buzzard Town – their second successive loss.

Buzzard posted 142 all out, Paul Butcher taking 3-43.

But Vale were then dismissed for 127, despite 33 from Chris Butcher.

Vale must hope either Cumnor or Long Marston win easily and they see off Cropredy 2nd next week to stand any chance of promotion.

Kingston Bagpuize proved too strong for Didcot 2nd as they ran out 120-run victors.

Will Woodley top-scored with 46 in Kingston’s 203 all out, Kane Durrant taking 4-37 and Ranjit Singh 4-39.

Didcot had no answer to a fine fielding display from the hosts, however, as they crashed to 83 all out, Matthew Watts taking 3-21.

Chris Warboys hit 59 as Challow 2nd held on to secure a draw against Chearlsey in Division 6.

Nigel Hill’s 51 helped Challow 3rd close in on the Division 8 title with a 52-run win at Tiddington 3rd.

Hill top-scored in the visitors’ 180 all out, before Tiddington were bowled out for 128 in reply.

The Division 10 title race goes to the final weekend after Kingston Bagpuize 2nd and nearest challengers Minster Lovell 3rd both had the better of draws.

Kingston reached 200-5 at Aston Rowant 5th, who held on at 171-8 to deny the leaders.

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