CHIPPING Norton could not regain top spot in Oxfordshire Cricket Association League Division Two as they were among few Cotswold clubs to survive the wet weather.

The first XI may wish the rain had intervened after being skittled for 78 in reply to 124-8 against fourth-placed Marsh Gibbon in a match reduced to 25 overs per side.

Chippy, who fell below new leaders Witney Swifts the previous weekend and are now in second spot after finishing third last season, were boosted by the bowling of Mark Jarvis, who took 6-40 in seven overs.

But, despite captain Ian Widdows’ 31 in reply, the town side fell to Sat Vadivale as he claimed 5-9 in just four overs.

Chippy’s Sam Evans said: “We were unlucky not to get promoted last year. Results towards the end of the season did not go our way.

“We have had a lot of new faces join the club to complement the talented squad we have.

“The season aim for the club is to get the first XI into Division One. We also have a secondary objective of integrating some of the older youth section into senior cricket.

“For our first XI to reach Division One would be a dream for a number of players, who have played in the team since Division Seven in 2007. The club’s promotion record in recent years speaks for itself.

“But Division Two is a tough league. With a number of good teams, it will be a difficult one to get out of. If we take each game at a time and do our best to continue winning, we should be in contention.”

The club lost Ben Tew to Wootton and Boars Hill and Dean Warner-Carter to Charlbury this year but have added Richard Ferley, Dave Brassett, Rob Bradford, Petre Smith and Kevin Duester, who returned after time away at Chadlington.

Promoted Chippy seconds, captained by Sam Townsend, are third in Division Six after a seven-wicket defeat to table-toppers Westbury seconds.

Chippy scored 150-6 through Michael Tompkins (55) and James Hood (38) but Westbury responded with 152-3 in a match reduced to 30 overs per side.