Horspath 2nd saw their lead at the top of Cherwell League Division 1 cut to 22 points following a six-wicket defeat by Bicester & North Oxford with Christopher Hofen returning to haunt his old club with an explosive unbeaten century.
The hosts had been unbeaten since the opening day loss to Aston Rowant 2nd but that terrific run came to an end after they were unable to defend 218-8 after choosing to bat.
Horspath were made to work hard for their runs at the Recreation Ground against an accurate Bicester attack.
Opener Dan Todd continued his good form by making 63 off 94 balls with 11 fours. He put on 102 for the third wicket with Robbie Eason, who contributed 54 from 105 deliveries with eight fours.
But a steady stream of wickets kept Horspath in check with Ryan Moore (3-48) supported by Daniel Clark (2-66).
The game was evenly poised with Bicester 58-2 but then Hofen came to the crease and hammered 110 not out off just 63 balls as the second-placed visitors stormed to victory at 219-4.
The former Horspath batsman's scintillating innings included eight fours and nine sixes as he shared a third-wicket stand of 149 with opener Fraser O'Rourke.
Horspath skipper Ryan Hicks ended their partnership by having O'Rourke caught by Dom O'Connor for 59 from 136 deliveries with six fours but by then the game was up for Horspath.
Hofen went to his century in style with his ninth maximum before sealing victory with a single off the first ball of the 43rd over.
Horspath will bid to get back on track next Saturday at third-placed Buckingham Town, who beat Rowant by 71 runs.
Horspath CC would like to thank the following 2026 Player Sponsors:
Amin Rafiq (STRONG Pilates Oxford)
Asad Rafiq (STRONG Pilates Oxford)
Will Eason (Oxford Marquees)
Josh Richardson (Steve Richardson)
Tyrone Eyles (Interduct UK Ltd)
Robbie Eason (ARB UK Ltd)
Tom Coleman (RJA & SL Coleman)
Ryan Hicks (Green & Wakefield)
Ehsan Hussain (RMA Properties)
Tom Nichols (Savona Foodservice)
Josh Cummings (Gardiners Opticians)