The 4th team notched up their first win of the season as they were the only Banbury side to win on Saturday Vs Challow 2nds.
Challow won the toss and elected bat, this looked a good decision as the pitch offer little for Banbury’s attack. However all the bowlers bowled with good control and backed up by resalute fielding made the CHallow batsmen work for their runs.
Challow skipper Justin Penrose marshalled his teams innings batting with patience and good shot selection as he ended on 127 not out and Challow on 214-3 off their allotted 53 overs.
Banbury’s run chase was always there or there abouts as the kept up with the run rate, lead from the off by returning student Sam Ryan (113), the opner looked confortable at the crease , as he played shots all round the wicket with ease, and was given able assistance by Altaf Hussain and in the latter stages by young wicket Keeper Kieran Scott.
Still needing 7 an over Banbury lost Scott and Ryan in relativly quick consession and looked like a draw was on the cards as the rate got to 10+ an over. With 16 needed off the last over it was a show down between Challow skipper, Penrose, and Banbury Vice Captain, Phillips. It was Banbury’s VC who came off the best as he finished the innings 4, 4, 6 leaving Penrose to cast a forlorn figure on the outfiield, having droped Phillips second ball of the over.
Banbury Skipper, Barry Grant, was in jubalent mood in the club house after the game. The only thing that houlted his celebrations was running out of people to buy beer for.
Grant said "I’ve never won before as captain, I’m sure how to react…… I guess I’ll buy the beer"
Man of the match Sam Ryan had few words to describe his elation other than "this better get me some congratulations at home, though Luke would have to go and get 8 wickets on the same day I get 100"- we can only assume his was as pleased for his brother as he was for himself.