CRICKET: Party poopers Abingdon Vale end Tiddington's title bid

ABINGDON Vale ruined Tiddington’s title party, beating the Cherwell League Division 1 leaders and denying them the crown in the process.

The visitors needed just eight points to wrap up the championship, but Vale produced an outstanding performance to leave them with only five, and having to settle for the runners-up spot.

Dinton took full advantage to record an eight-wicket win at already-relegated Aston Rowant 2nd.

Only Nick Pykett (58no) got going for Tiddington, with Jon Jenkinson the pick of the Vale attack with 3-35, while Joe Butcher, Graham Charlesworth and Henry Pickford claimed two wickets apiece.

Tiddington took to the field knowing that six wickets would give them the title.

They dismissed Amith Premkumar, Will Barker and Luke Maslen to leave Vale on 66-3.

But Jeismhan Diwakar (52no) and Sam Chilvers (44no) led Vale to victory spoiling Tiddington’s planned party.

Abingdon will be joined by Challow & Childrey in the top flight, after they secured the second promotion spot in Division 2 with an eight-wicket win over Great & Little Tew 2nd.

Joe Harris took a hat-trick in figures of 5-30, combining with George Trewby (3-39) to dismiss Tew for just 125.

Ryan Gordon (39no) then led Challow’s reply as they eased to 126-2 in the 25th over.

Didcot held on for a draw against Sandford St Martin.

Chasing 250-8 for victory, Didcot lost wickets regularly and needed Richard Cook (66) and Vishane Perera (33) to ensure that they avoided defeat, helping their side to finish on 174-8.

There was another reason to celebrate at Hales Meadow on Saturday night as Abingdon Vale 2nd secured promotion from Division 5 with a five-wicket win over Cropredy 2nd.

With table-toppers Cumnor losinng against second-placed Long Marston 2nd, Vale took full advantage to finish one point ahead of the morning leaders in second.

George Evans (4-35) and Paul Butcher (3-24) combined to help dismiss Cropredy for 126 in the 42nd over.

Rob Hood has struggled for form all season, but saved his best until last with a vital 43 – making up for two earlier dropped catches – as Vale reached 128-5.

Chris Butcher, who also spilled an earlier opportunity in the field, chipped in with 31.

Didcot 3rd secured the Division 8 crown with an 81-run win at home to Shipton-under-Wychwood 3rd.

After posting 188-6, Luiz Miguel-Stoman hitting 72, Didcot dismissed their rivals for 107.

Challow & Childrey 3rd beat visitors Kimble 2nd by five wickets to seal the Division 9 title.

And Kingston Bagpuize 2nd’s draw with visitors Dinton 3rd handed them the Division 10 crown.

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