The 3rds entertained Challow 2nds at The View on saturday in a 6th vs 7th clash as both side looked to distance themsleves futher from the bottom 3.
Winning the toss and batting first Banbury didn’t make a fantastic start and found themselves reeling at 76 for 5 after 21, with only Ali Jarvis (33) looking in good form beofere falling LBW to Turnbull (16-4-61-3) to a shooter. Young Will Briggs(41) then showed the rest of the middle order how to bat as he timed the ball to all parts in a very mature innings. When Briggs was dismissed in the 31st over Banbury had not recover completely at 115 for 7. However a well needed and well played partnership between Megson (51*) and Williams (26) Got Banbury towards a repectable total. It was Megson (who throughout the innings had complained that; "now i’m good enough to bat for a long time i’m not fit enough") took on the fiedlers in the deep towards the end of the innings to reach 190 in 50 overs for another point and finish the 53 223-9.
In reply Challow did not start well as the opening pair of Walker and Penrose fell to Berry and Williams for a combined total of 3. 1 of which was a stunning 1 handed diving catch from Wirth reaching high and wide to his left.
There was a solid stand between Owen (93) and Lynch (22) which brought the game back Challow’s way, but after Stevens (16-4-67-4) dismissed the later in a double wicket maiden Banbury had a glimer of hope. Atkinson (34) joined Owen in the middle and continued to excelerate but both fell victim to Stevens, who has enjoyed a fruitful year in Div 5.
The reintroduction of Williams followed by Berry at the other end went some way to stem the flow of runs in the last 12. Berry started his second spell ideally as he picked up a wicket with his first ball, though a dving Neil Megson rolling back the years helped. Berry finished with figues of 11-1-36-4. Two very good spells of bowling in what is fast becoming a good seasonfor the young seamer. Williams bowled very well and was unluck y to come away with only 1 wicket.
The Challow innings ended on 213-9 with neither side really looking to attack to much in the last over for risk of lossing.
Banbury, who travel to promotion chasing Horsepath next week, stay 6th but have closed the gap on 5th placed Thame who struggled against new league leaders Cubblingotn.
Banury 16 points Challow 11.