Banbury 2nds have progressed to the semi finals of the Cherwell Cup after a 53 run victory over Long Marston.
With a strong but youthful side out on Sunday, Banbury won the toss and elected to bat. A power packed top three of Tew, Blanchard and Ali meant the usual 2nd team batsman were putting there feet up hoping to watch these boys in action.
This was short lived, as Tew snicked off 3rd ball. Shabaz and Blanch then started to knock the ball around, before Shabaz was unfortunately adjudged LBW. Blanchard went shortly after. Beck and Rorich steadied the innings, with Rorich playing some exquisit sweep shots. But with the introduction of Beesly into the attack, Rorich was caught behind.
Faruq and Murrey then went cheaply, and Banbury were struggling on 120-6. But, with some big hitting from Beck, and the wise head of Hill a partnership was built that took the score to around 200. Hill went for a good 24. Josh Megson entered the crease with 5 overs to go, and followed on his form from Saturday, by hitting his first 2 balls for 4. The pair scored at around 12 an over for the last 5 overs, before beck went in the last over of the innings for 118. Josh Megson was finally out for 28.
Long Marston innngs got off to a flyer, with Olly Murrey taking the brunt of the punishment, going for 52 off his 5 overs. But the introduction of Hill into the attack, and being able to set the field back after 15 overs changed the innings completely, and wickets then fell at regular intervals. Hill got 3 wickets and Faruq 2 as the game turned in 8 overs.
Youngsters Megson and Hill bowled well in the middle and latter overs, building pressure. Long Marston were finally all out for 207.
Banbury now play away at Bourton Vale on Saturday. 1.15 start.