Despite missing a few key players, the under 13’s travelled to play North Cotswolds at their picturesque Blockley ground full of optimism for the new season. After losing the toss Banbury found themselves in the field and soon reduced the home side thanks to an excellent catch by Joe Church off the bowling of Matthew Scott and a fine run out by Hugh Robbins. This brought in North Costwolds two best batsmen and Banbury did not take another wicket until 72 was on the board in the 12th over. First game rustiness was showing with far too many wides being bowled but tighter bowling over the last 8 overs restricted North Costwolds to 114-8. The most successful bowlers were Joe Church 2-3 and Lewis Bullard 2-12, but James Hunt with 1-3 and a run out also deserves a mention.
Banbury started the run chase well before losing Lewis Bullard with the score on 13 and then George Grieves(17) and Jack Lambden(23) added 44 for the second wicket and Jack added a further 32 with Tyrone Eyles for the third wicket which fell with the score on 89. By this stage however Banbury were in the 16th over and falling behind the asking rate. Helped by a couple of lusty blows and a number of wides and no balls Banbury started the last over needing 14 for victory. The cause was helped by a leg side wide going to the boundary off the second ball and then George Coombes playing his first game for the U13’s became the hero by hitting a six and a four off successive balls to secure victory with one ball to spare!!
Both sides deserve credit for an exciting game of cricket played in an excellent spirit.