JOHN Barrett was thankful to be celebrating as Oxford secured their return to the top-flight of the Home Counties Premier League with a rain-affected six-wicket win over Thame Town.

With Horspath going up as Division 2 champions last week, second-placed Oxford needed a victory to make 100 per cent sure of joining them at the expense of Amersham.

But Barrett’s side had to ultimately rely on the Duckworth-Lewis system, although their promotion rivals lost to Cookham Dean.

The Oxford captain said: “I’m happy. The guys have done a good job and the best two teams went up.

“It was quite stressful against Thame, but I am quite relieved to have done it.”

Thame elected to bat and were all out for 161 in 43.5 overs, with Samad Fallah (3-23) and Harry Stephens (3-32) starring.

Hassam Mushtaq top-scored for the hosts with 55 not out.

Oxford got off to a good start in reply, George Munsey hitting a quickfire 55 off 36 balls.

Heavy rain arrived in the 21st over with Oxford on 110-4 and the players never returned to the field.

Shipton-under-Wychwood also needed the Duckworth-Lewis Method to beat Gerrards Cross by one run.

Visitors Shipton chose to bat and were dismissed for 174, with Joe Barrett hitting a half-century (62) as he dominated a 106-run second-wicket stand with Anupam Sanklecha.

The match was heading for a close finale with the hosts on 119-6 in the 25th over, before the rain arrived and the west Oxon side earned the spoils.

Aston Rowant’s match at home to Buckingham Town fell to the weather.

The visitors were all out for 179 after electing to bat and the hosts were 43-1, before the rain came.