Banbury did the double of Great and Little Tew ahead of the first weekend of the league season where all five sides will be in action. The 1st XI entertain newly promoted Horspath in the Home Counties Premier League, while the 2s travel to Cumnor in the top division of the Cherwell League. The third, fourth and fifth XIs kick off their Cherwell league campaigns vs Oxford Dows, East Oxford and Aston Rowant respectively.
Luke Ryan has set his 1st XI charges the challenge of mounting a HCPL title push. They made the best possible finish to their preparations with a comprehensive 9 wicket win at Tew, a performance built around a dashing century by debutant Time Paine.
The Banbury seamers all made good use of helpful conditions after Luke Ryan had won the toss. Ash Blanchard dismissed Danger man Joe White and gave Tim Paine his first dismissal at the club. Karl Penhale was perhaps the most dangerous of the bowlers claiming two scalps while Liam Manley dismissed Tew’s overseas Coetzee and Ollie Wright removed England U17 man Jordan Garrett among his two victims.
It was clear however, as the morning moisture disappeared and batting became easier, that with a short boundary one side and a lightning fast outfield, that a big score would be required to make a competitive match. Banbury kept the pressure on with some tight bowling and good fielding as Ollie Wright, Will Briggs and Jimmy Phillips scored a run out each – Briggs and Phillips with direct hits. Eventually Tew were bowled out for 192.
All eyes then turned to Tim Paine, arguably Banbury’s highest profile signing. If there was any pressure on the Tassie gloveman it did not show as the first delivery of the innings disappeared over the ropes for six. Five further maximums and 14 fours followed in a whirlwind innings of 116 from 70 balls which drove Banbury to a 9 wicket win. Hugo Darby made a good foil for the fireworks, finishing on 50 not out, his first half century for the club. It took just 25 overs for Banbury to reach their target.
Scorecard from the match: http://banbury.play-cricket.com/website/results/2565064
Meanwhile there was another whirlwind in play down the road at White Post Road. Tom Bartlett bludgeoned an unbeaten 152 in just 40 overs and the 2nd XI posted a mammoth 350 versus Tew 2nd XI. The former Hook Norton left hander has now racked up over 300 runs in preseason and is well placed for his Cherwell League bow at Cumnor this week.
The first XI add experienced batsman Ian Tew to the 11 from last week to form a squad of 12, while Charlie Hill returns from Uni to take the reins of the 2nd XI for the first time in a competitive match.