A THIRD century in five games from in-form batsman Craig Haupt helped Banbury earn their third draw of the campaign at Basingstoke & N.H. on Saturday.
Former skipper Haupt was once again the star with the bat after compiling 122. He made 124 against Oxford the previous week and 121 in the win over Finchampstead last month.
Fielding first for the fourth time this season, Banbury were forced to chase the hosts’ huge 329-7 total.
In reply, Richard Kaufman’s side recovered from 58-3 to finish on 253-7 and earn ten points.
Banbury have had plenty of opportunities to chase big totals to win this season as Basingstoke became the third side to score over 300 runs against them.
Kaufman, who has been playing for Derbyshire’s 2nd XI side this week, said: “Our bowling is not up to scratch and the bowlers have to stand up and be counted. They are all under scrutiny.”
Banbury’s bowling attack once again lacked quality and the hosts brought up their 50 in only the eighth over.
And when the first wicket finally fell, at 94, only 14 overs had been bowled. Vice-captain Paul Taylor made the breakthrough as wicketkeeper Danny Harding took the catch.
Paul Hill’s accurate left-arm spin slowed the scoring rate, but home skipper Lee Nurse and his brother Dean put on 101 together in 26 overs for the second wicket.
Wickets did fall near the end of the innings, but for the second time in three weeks Banbury faced a target of 329.
Against South African test man Charl Willoughby, this was always going to be a stiff task and when the first three wickets went down inside 16 overs it became more so.
Haupt and Steve Beck (48) retrieved the situation with a partnership of 143 in 29 overs, Haupt completing his century off 112 balls, which included a six and 24 fours.
The fall of three quick wickets put Banbury in danger of defeat and it was left to Richard Kaufman (25) and Calum Taylor (13no) to steer them to the safety of a third successive draw.
“We are batting well and have three batsmen averaging over 50 and one over a hundred,” said Kaufman.
“Craig is playing brilliantly for us.”
Banbury lie fifth in the Division One table after six games and will hope to return to winning ways on Saturday when defending champions High Wycombe visit White Post Road.
Last season Banbury remained unbeaten against High Wycombe, winning the first match by five wickets when successfully chasing over 300 and then drawing the second game.
Kaufman said: “I would like to bat first should I win the toss because the confidence of the bowlers is low.
“I will also be more defensive in my field placements.”
Mark Rorich is promoted to the first team in place of Andrew Sabin.