The 4s traveled to
Abingdon Vale for their latest division 5 game. although the oufield was damp and slow the used track did not look too bad considering the weather.
Banbury lost the toss and were asked to bat (only the second time this season they have batted first). Things did not start smoothly and Mitch was soon on the recieving end of a shoulder high in swinging flat one. The young AVCC opener clearly not phased (or appologetic) retunred to his task of putting banbury’s top order to the sword as his first spelled ended with figures of 4-40. Bassit offered resistance at number 3 playing shots all round the wicket for an excellent 41. However with Bassit out Banbury look in trouble at 100-8. A 59 run partnership between Berry(35*) and Bartlett(25) saved Some face for Banbury as the two young men batted very sensible, ran well and had good shot selection. the tail enders got under the Abingdon bowlers skin, Banbury finally dismissed for 159.
Banbury failed to make early in roads and seam was soon replaced by spin, which seemed to give Banbury a fighting chance. From being 80-0 abingdon began to lose regular wicket to the hands of Stevens (3) and Altaf Hussian (2) and were soon 120-5. Banbury’s tails were up as they were now in the game a bit. Alex Balnchard and Andy stevens continued to toil away and bowl some unplayable deliveries. However the Luck seemed to be against Banbury as half chance after half chance went down, fell short or just out of reach. Abingdon reached the total 6 down, leaving Banbury with 8 points.
A more spirited perforance from the 4ths, who kept fighting.