Horspath 3rd's hopes of promotion from Cherwell League Division 4B were dashed with an eight-wicket defeat at home to Challow & Childrey 2nd.
The side went into the last round of matches in second place with a seven-point advantage over nearest pursuers Charlbury.
But Horspath's loss combined with Charlbury's 175-run win at Oxenford 2nd saw the pair swap places.
Horspath found runs hard to come by after being put in to bat and were bowled out for 120 with only Ansh Chande (23) and opener Tom Smith (22) making double figures.
The total was boosted by 40 extras, including 32 wides, as captain Marc Gregory (6-31) did the damage.
With conditions improving, Horspath's bowlers had little joy as Justin Penrose (46no) and James Smith (24no) saw Challow to victory at 121-2.
Daniel Stanley and Joe Gibbs picked up the two wickets to fall, while Luke Heritage conceded just 22 runs from his 10 overs.
Third place still represents a fine finish for the side, though, and they can look forward to next season with plenty of optimism.
Horspath 4th finished eighth in Division 6C after ending their campaign with a six-wicket defeat at Abingdon Vale 2nd, who are promoted as runners-up.
The visitors were bowled out for 95 after being inserted with Andrew Pogorzelski (4-25) the chief destroyer.
Adrian Manger (2-16) had Vale in early trouble at 14-2, but then Paul Butcher hammered an unbeaten 54 off 40 balls to see the hosts home at 99-2.
With a mix of promising youngsters and veteran campaigners, the side have made progression with the season featuring a six-match unbeaten run through July into August, including a win at champions Frieth.