BANBURY GUARDIAN
BANBURY Cricket Club captain Richard Kaufman thinks last Sunday’s Knock Oaut Cup win at Stratford will give his side momentum going into their first league game of the summer.
Banbury had hoped to begin their Home Counties Division One campaign last Saturday but rain scuppered hopes of any play at Henley.
This Saturday Banbury host newly promoted Finchampstead, who won Division Two West last season, at White Post Road (11am start).
Kaufman said: “Not many other sides in our league would have played competitive cricket because of the recent bad weather so it helped playing last Sunday. Winning is a habit.”
Kaufman is in optimistic mood after his side’s comprehensive 102-run win over Stratford. The captain scored 58 and Steve Beck contributed 55. Kaufman was also pleased with the performances of his bowlers.
“The ball was moving on a length and Callum Taylor bowled brilliantly. Paul Taylor did well to find his rhythm so quickly after missing most of last season with an injury.
“Jimmy Phillips was unplayable towards the end and bowled classic off-spin. Paul Hill was as ever reliable.
“But the atmosphere out in the field was brilliant from all the boys. Everyone was diving to save runs. We need to keep that for the rest of the season.”
Simon Launder returns to the squad for Saturday and replaces Ollie Murray.