Banbury’s Craig Haupt is disappointed after being dismissed for 74 in the win over Basingstoke
BANBURY made it four wins in a row after an 18-run victory over Basingstoke on Saturday – and captain Richard Kaufman has his sights set on finishing second in the Home Counties Division One table.
Kaufman admits leaders Henley are unlikely to slip up and is hopeful they can do Banbury a favour by beating current occupants in second spot – Slough – on Saturday.
Banbury travel to High Wycombe, a side they have yet to lose to since the formation of the Home Counties league, this week.
The following week they face second-from-bottom Radlett before finishing the season with a trip to Slough, which could effectively be for second place.
“We have a winning habit in the team and a real belief, which is helping us win these recent games,” said Kaufman.
The Banbury captain was glad every tactical move paid off to earn the win over Basingstoke.
After posting a relatively small total of 197, Kaufman never felt the win was certain until the last wicket fell.
“It was never secure and they always looked liked they could get it,” said Kaufman. “But the chopping and changing of bowlers worked in the end.”
Banbury were 180-4, after useful knocks from Paul Taylor (28), Chris Smith (47) and Craig Haupt (74), but lost their last six wickets for 17 runs in 52 balls.
Kaufman said: “Our batting was disappointing and apart from the openers, everyone else gave their wickets away.”
Simon Launder produced his best bowling spell all season, according to his captain, and finished with 4-32 as Basingstoke were dismissed for 179.
“The wicket suited him as it was up and down and he bowls the length to exploit that,” said Kaufman.
Mark Rorich earns a call up for Saturday’s game with High Wycombe in place of Calum Taylor.
Kaufman said: “Mark will stabilise the middle order. Calum can’t bowl anyway because of his injured shoulder.”