Josh Hill produced the best spell of bowling from a Banbury players in many years, on Saturday finishing will exceptional figures of 14.3-4-32-9.
Banbury won the toss and elected to insert XX Club, on what looked a dry but decent wicket. Josh Megson(7-3-17-0) took over the role of senior seamer (at the age of 15) and produced his most consistent, but least rewarding spell of the season. He bowled good areas and decent pace, as was unlucky with the odd chance going to ground.
With Ed Smith called up to the 1st XI, the new ball was shared by Nathaniel Gregory(3-0-18-0). But the experiment didnt work, and Josh Hill was introduced into the attack in the 8th over.
After a maiden in his 1st over, Hill struck in his second over, having Sam Ryan stumped by Cheshire for 25 with the score on 37. Six overs passed, with little happening, before Hill then trapped Rehman LBW for 12. His 3rd wicket came in his 7th over, Best also LBW for 9.
Conner Williams was now into the attack, and continuing his good form that had seen him promoted from the 3rd XI. Bowling good areas with the occasional late swing. It was Williams who claimed the 4th Wicket having Miller caught behind for 9.
XX Club captain Soppett then came to the crease and tried to attack Hill, and after being dropped at slip, hit him miles over the sight screen for 6, but next ball pushed hard at one again, and was bowled through the gate for 11. At this point, with the opposition at 88-5, vice captain Sabin decided the team needed a bollocking to buck up there ideas as the fielding had got rather sloppy and intensity levels dropped.
The next ball Hill had Arnie caught at extra cover, for 0 and a sheepish looking Sabin joined the huddle!
In Hills next over he held a sharp caught and bowled. Ahmed was then bowled by Hill for 4, and finally no 4 M Thomas was removed for 19 after batting 71 mins, by a amazing one handed diving catch from Luke Radford.
Hill had 8, and wanted a 9th, and with his dad bowling at the other end, and not appealing for a close LBW he had a good chance. And, it was just a matter of time before Mahmood played one to Radford, who parried and caught it on the second attemp, to complete his route. XX Club had reached 100.
Controversy ensued at the start of the inning for Banbury, when the opening batsman was timed out, but after discussions between the two captains, the appeal was with drawn and the batsman allowed to continue.
Cheshire was first out for 17, and Gregory followed soon after for 0. Sabin was also harshly adjuged LBW for the second week running for 8 and Banbury were struggling a little at 26-3.
The experience of Smith and Radford then saw them put on a 59 partnership which eased any nerves. Radford was the dominant party hitting 40 off 38 balls. He was finally out playing his 5 unsucessfull reverse sweep, only this time to be stumped off the keepers helmet!!
Jamie Coles(10no) joind Smith(24no) at the crease and they knocked off the final 15 runs with no alarm.
Hill was the star of the day as Banbury got 25 points to XX Club 5.