SEAMER Ian Adams led Banbury to their first win in six games in his first league appearance for the first team in two years at Radlett on Saturday.
Adams, known affectionately at the club as ‘Swampy’, bowled unchanged for 22.5 overs and returned magnificent figures of 7-75.
Banbury bowled Radlett out for 168 in a match reduced to 83 overs because of the rain. In reply, Richard Kaufman’s side reached 172-5 to wrap up a five-wicket win.
Kaufman said: “I’m so pleased for Swampy. He is a top guy with a big heart who never lets you down. He just bowled the ball in the right spot and made things happen.”
Left-arm spinner Paul Hill (2-32) was the other bowler to pick up wickets at the other end. Simon Launder bowled a tight spell of 0-33 from 11 overs.
“The two seamers bowled well as a partnership, which kept the pressure on their batsmen,” said the captain.
With 37 overs to reach their target, Banbury made a solid start as Paul Taylor began to craft a sensible innings of 45.
After Craig Haupt’s first-ball duck, Taylor and Kaufman produced a useful third-wicket partnership of 74 in 16 overs.
Kaufman said: “We knew we had taken the game away from them and were confident of getting the runs because we had wickets in hand so could score quickly.”
Kaufman departed for 49 and with the run rate six an over, the ever-dependable Steve Beck (38) stepped in under pressure.
Needing six to win off the last over Beck was run out but young wicketkeeper Danny Harding (18no) hit the winning boundary with three balls to spare.
“Danny hit the shot of his life through extra cover,” said Kaufman. “He played superbly and his running between the wicket was excellent. This will give him confidence for the rest of the season.”
After ending a run of three consecutive draws, Banbury will feel confident when they host Slough on Saturday.
Ollie Murrey, who took 6-60 for the second team on Saturday, replaces Simon Launder who is attending a wedding.