JOE Butcher dropped down from the first team and smashed a career-best 159 to help Abingdon Vale 2nd to a 125-run victory at Kimble in Cherwell League Division 5.

Butcher and Max Owen shared a club-record stand of 219 for the third wicket as Vale racked up 261-4 dec in 48 overs, Owen hitting 61.

Butcher’s impressive knock came off only 117 balls.

The target proved way beyond the home side, who were bowled out for 136.

Butcher completed an outstanding day with 3-33, while his younger brother Matt took 4-49 and Matthew Darley 3-22.

Abingdon Vale’s first team moved fifth in Division 1, seeing off visitors Cumnor by 34 runs.

Vale were dismissed for 193 as Max Mannering (3-18) and Alex Davies (3-35) shone.

But the total proved adequate as Cumnor succumbed to Vale skipper Jonathan Jenkinson (5-36) and were bowled out for 159 with two overs remaining.

Challow & Childrey shocked high-flying visitors Buckingham Town 2nd with a four-wicket victory in a low-scoring Cherwell League Division 2 clash.

Buckingham’s decision to bat first backfired badly as they were shot out for 85 in 35.3 overs, Joe Harris taking 3-11 and Ollie Dimbylow returning 3-18.

But Challow lost six wickets en route to the meagre target, Ryan Gordon’s 32 proving crucial as they moved up to second.

Didcot ended the unbeaten record of leaders Bledlow Village with a 69-run victory.

Elliot Mathews struck 85 and Connor Morrison 60 as Didcot racked up 266-9 in their 50 overs, Waseem Khan taking 3-47 for the home side.

Richard Cook then claimed 3-36 for Didcot as Bledlow were all out for 197, Adam Mould top-scoring with 54.

Kingston Bagpuize were well-beaten by visitors Long Marston 2nd, who cruised to a 126-run victory in Division 5.

Stuart Bullen (4-41) and George Woodley (3-37) could not prevent Marston from posting 239 all out in 51.5 overs.

Matthew Wareham top-scored with 57.

Sam Woodruff then claimed 5-43 as Kingston were dismissed well short on 113.

Didcot 2nd drew with visitors Bledlow Ridge.

The home side posted 150-7 in their 53 overs, before Bledlow crawled to 130-8 to secure a draw.