The 4ths travelled to Kimble on the weekend, where they were held to a tense final wicket draw by Kimble 2nds.
The day started badly for Banbury due to a last minute drop out – fortunately Jack Lambden was able to fill in at short notice, but this meant most of the team arriving at 1.30pm. Fortunately, Ginger Morgan had gone ahead and ably deputised at the toss, although losing the toss. On a unpleasant looking wicket (no covers had been put on the wicket on Friday or Saturday), Banbury rushed to get ready and were promptly in trouble, falling to 27-3 after 13 overs with Richard Lambden, Andy Jones and James Mitchelmore all back in the shed. A partnership of 63 between Anas Ahmed and Sion Charlesworth-Jones (15) and 41 between Anas Ahmed and Mark Pallet brought Banbury back into the match. As more wickets fell though, Anas continued to be untroubled by the bowlers as he reached his 50, after which he then opened up, including sending the opening bowler over mid wicket for 6. A few lusty blows at the end by Dan Bartlett (11 not out) enabled Banbury to reach 156-7 of their 5 overs. Anas Ahmed finished unbeaten on 87 in a fabulous knock.
With the sun finally appearing it was Banbury’s turn to bowl, but at least with a total of sorts to now defend. However, Mark Pallett ripped through the Kimble top order as they failed to cope with his swing, including a wicket with his first ball (the opening bat bowled without offering a shot). By the time Mark had finished his opening spell of 7 overs, Kimble were 8-4. Mark Wright then chipped in with 2 quick wickets and George McDowell picked up his first league wicket dismissing the Kimble skipper for 14. At this stage, Kimble were 30-7. However, some positive batting from the tail enders and some costly dropped catches by Banbury took the game down to the final few overs. Mark Pallett then picked up his 5th wicket, to a brilliant catch by Jack Lambden at point, and then Anas Ahmed show his all round skills by picking up a wicket to leave Kimble on 95-9 and 5 overs remaining. However, Banbury couldn’t pick up the last wicket and the match ended in a draw. The best bowlers for Banbury were Mark Pallett with 5-27 (of 11 overs) and Mark Wright with 2-10 (off 12 overs). Anas also bowled 3 overs and had 1-0!
The result took Banbury to 3rd in the Division 8 table, 1 point behind 2nd place Abingdon Vale and only 11 points behind leaders Great Tew.