BASINGSTOKE Buffalo made visiting Oxford City Stars work hard for the victory that clinched them the National League South Two title.

A crowd of nearly 400 turned out to watch the encounter on Sunday, and on the opening powerplay of the night, the sides swapped goals as Michael Whillock netted shorthanded for Oxford.

The home side replied as Franco Tambellini’s shot was put away by Stuart Mogg from close range.

A great save by the Buffalo’s Chris Edwards denied Joe Edwards and then Kurt Tyrell went close at the back post from Daniel Murrells for the home side.

Oxford made it 2-1 from Alan Green, but the home side levelled with a superb strike from man-of-the-match Neil Leary, who fired a blistering shot into the top corner after being fed by Greg Martyn.

Excellent saves from Edwards kept out the Stars for the first 15 minutes of the second session.

Former Buffalo Josh Florey finally broke the deadlock and Joe Oliver made it 4-2 after 40 minutes.

The league champions showed what they were made of in the final period as they scored five more goals to the Buffalo’s one, making the final score 9-3.

Danny Ingoldsby netted for the Bison with a nice back-hand finish.