Banbury v
Banbury 1st XI pre-season preparation has run over the course of the last three weekends in an uninterrupted programme of cricket in some superb weather. It started when Banbury beat Leicestershire side,
In reply, Ibstock were never in the game, and at 89 for 8 the game looked all but over. It was then Landsdowne and Rennocks produce the partnership of the day. They pit on 112 runs for the ninth wicket taking the total past the 200 mark and giving the home side a scare. Banbury did give all of their bowlers a run-out and the spirited resistance was finally ended when Ibstock were bowled out with the score on 201. Paul Taylor was the most successful bowler with 4 for 17 and young Ed Smith, on his 1st XI debut, picking up 3 for 27.
It was a decent all-round performance by the home side and the victory was of 93 runs was comfortable.
Aston Rowant v Banbury
The following week saw the first XI travelling to Aston Rowant. It was skipper Benji Hectors first match after returning from a winter in
And what a return it was!!! Hector winning the toss and electing to bat struggled initially, but with the score on 39 for 3 and the signs looking ominous, the tall South African took control. Aided by newcomer, Will Cooper (12), Luke Ryan (13) and Paul Taylor (17 not out), Hector smashed the Aston Rowant bowlers to all parts of the ground. His 50 came up in 76 balls, his hundred in 134 balls and he finished unbeaten on 149 off only 165 balls as he showed his power and class.
Banbury reached 218 for 5 off their 50 overs. Aston Rowant lost wickets steadily in their reply with only Eaton (61 not out) and Dutton (26) offering any sort of resistance as they were dismissed in the 45th over with a score on 146. All of the Banbury bowlers were used with Jimmy Phillips claiming 3 wickets. I
t was a good test for the Banbury side as they continued to move closer to the start of the season.
Kidlington v Banbury
Banbury’s first team completed the last of their three pre-season friendlies with a dominant performance against Kidlington at Stratfield Brake. Benji Hector again led from the front with a superb 180 from 181 balls, well supported by Oxfordshire skipper, Ian Hawtin who made 63. Their opening stand of 200 was aided by some indifferent fielding from the home side. Craig Haupt then smashed a quick fire 40 not out, off only 27 balls to push the Banbury total up to 294 for the loss of only 2 wickets.
In reply, Kidlington reached 237 for 7, with only Kitzon (53) and former Banbury players, Dave Taylor (35) and Shabaz Ali (33) making significant contributions.
Banbury’s bowlers all had a good run out with Ed Smith and Luke Ryan being the most successful with two wickets each.
This now leads into the opening Home Counties Premier League match against newly promoted Farnham Royal this coming Saturday at Whitepost Road.