Banbury 4ths hosted Chearsley 2nds at home on saturday and managed a win in closely battled contest.
Banbury won the toss and elected to bowl first given the overcast conditions and slightly green pitch. This provided initial success as Mark Pallett struck with his first ball (again) but struggled with his line after that in the swinging conditions. At the other end, Woody bowled a tight line and was unlucky not to pick up a wicket. Following a rain break, after which the game was reduced to 40 overs each, Woody finally struck in his last over. Some tight bowling from Dan Bartlett and Will Briggs built up the pressure and when Mark Claridge was out for 39, brilliantly bowled by Dan Bartlett, Banbury were on top. Another rain break ensued, after which Banbury returned to eventually restricted Chearsley to 135-6 off their 40 overs. The best bowlers for Banbury were Dan Bartlett with 1-5 off 6 overs and Woody with 1-36 off 10 overs. The total could have been less as Banbury gave away 45 extras and dropped about 8 catches!
With Banbury’s innings reduced to 34 overs due to the rain breaks, Banbury were off to a bad start with Kieran Scott out early. James Mitchelmore and Will Briggs then put on an excellent partnership which had Banbury on track for victory, until Will Briggs tried one swipe to many at the spinners and was stumped for 29. A few quick wickets then fell, including Mitch for 47, which left Banbury still needing 5 runs an over with only 7 overs remaining. However, a cameo innings from Woody with 22 not out got Banbury home with 1 over to spare!
The win kept Banbury in 2nd place in the league, still 10 points behind leaders Great Tew.