Champions are close to retaining their title

Martin Anson kept Sandford on course to retain their crown

The division one champions bounced back from their only defeat of the campaign last week to beat Great Tew A by a massive 104 runs in Tuesday’s penultimate fixture.

Sandford posted 160-1 in ten overs with Martin Anson 36no, Chris Thompson 30no and Colin Simpson 26no leading the way.

In reply, Nick Best took 1-9 as Tew were skittled out for just 56 runs with Joe Hurst 13 the only batsman to make double figures as Sandford took a big step towards the title.

Cropredy beat Banbury by a single wicket, getting home with three balls to spare in a thriller.

Banbury reached 103-6 with Jack Lamden 32 and Mark Pallett 23 top scoring while Mark Twynham picked up 3-32.

In reply, only Luke Cherry 69no could reach double figures as James Risbridger 2-41 put the brakes on Cropredy who just edged home.

Shipston-on-Stour beat Great Tew by three runs in a thrilling contest.

Shipston posted 128-3 in ten overs with Jack Murphy 26no and Marcus Ireland 26no leading the way Simon Rae took 3-33.

In reply, Tew finished on 125-4 with Lloyd Brock 44no and Harry Smith 27no top scoring while Nick Hibbert took 1-46.

Hook Norton beat Castlethorpe by eight runs in another close affair.

Hooky posted 115-3 in ten overs with Andrew Stanley 32no and Dan White 25no top scoring while Nick Bell took 1-35.

In reply, Tom Rothwell took 2-41 as Castlethorpe were dismissed in the final over despite the efforts of Alex Piggott 33 and Colin Piggott 29.