CHALLOW & Childrey got their season off to the best possible start with a big eight-wicket victory over local rivals Abingdon Vale to top Cherwell League Division 2, writes KIEREN BUSHNELL.

Mungo Matthews was the star of the show, taking 6-19 alongside Ollie Dimblow's 3-36 as Vale were shot out for a paltry 104 in 37.5 overs.

Justin Penrose then scored an unbeaten half-century (51no) as Challow wasted little time reaching 105-2.

In Division 3, Didcot got their season underway in fine style with an exciting eight-run victory at Horley.

Winning the toss, Didcot opted to bat first and Ian Demain's 89, containing 13 fours, helped them set a useful total of 186-8.

Pete Papenfus posted an unbeaten 43 for Horley in reply, but Jordan Morrison (4-43) broke their resolve as they fell just short on 178 all out.

Rain thwarted Blewbury & Wallingford as they had to settle for a draw with Shipton-under-Wychwood 2nd.

Scott Harris shone with bat and ball, scoring 43 and ripping out Shipton's middle order to finish with 3-30 from his 17 overs.

Russell Hayes blasted 30 off 28 balls in a 56-run partnership for the first wicket for Shipton, but they were otherwise kept in check as they were held to 188-8 off 53 overs.

Blewbury had victory in their sights as they reached 162-7 off 37 overs, but their innings was cut short due to rain.

Jamie Boon hit 75 not out as Kingston Bagpuize started life in Division 5 with a seven-wicket home win over Banbury 4th.

Jamie Cox (3-33) and Arthur Verdin (3-40) combined to dismiss Banbury for 169, with Boon helping Kingston to 170-3 with plenty of time to spare.

Abingdon Vale 2nd were hammered by 132 runs away to Horspath.

The hosts declared on 229-6, with Vale stumbling to 97 all out in reply.

Didcot 2nd drew with Cumnor 2nd, closing out the draw with 184-9 after the hosts had posted a target of 236 all out.

Challow & Childrey 2nd went down by the narrowest of margins to Great & Little Tew 3rd in Division 6.

Tew posted 166-9 in 48 overs and despite an impressive 57 from Chris Warboys in reply, Challow fell just one run short at 165 all out.

Blewbury & Wallingford 2nd stormed to a magnificent ten-wicket victory over Oxford Downs 3rd in Division 9.

Wily seamer Neil Smith finished with 5-31 as the away side were skittled for 78 all out – a target Blewbury surpassed in just 12 overs.