BANBURY Twenty missed the chance to close in on the Cherwell League Division One leaders as Banbury seconds had the better of the local derby draw.
Had they beaten Banbury seconds, Twenty could have gone top but instead they slip to fifth in the table, just one place ahead of their neighbours.
Twenty were without some of their bowling attack due to holiday commitments and Banbury seconds posted a decent score batting first.
They could only manage to reach 90-1 off 30 overs as experienced bowler Keith Arnold (3-56) kept things tight.
Andrew Sabin hit 58 at the top of the order for Banbury seconds before 50 from Ed Phillips and 60 from captain Stuart Beck helped Banbury to 227-6.
Andrew Sabin hit 58 at the top of the order for Banbury seconds before 50 from Ed Phillips and 60 from captain Stuart Beck helped Banbury to 227-6.
Twenty made a strong start to their reply and got themselves into a winning position at 136-3, with 90 needed off the final 20 overs.
This was mainly thanks to the performance of the day from Mark Haupt against his former club.
He crashed 13 fours and one towering six into the pavilion roof in a super innings of 77.
This was mainly thanks to the performance of the day from Mark Haupt against his former club.
He crashed 13 fours and one towering six into the pavilion roof in a super innings of 77.
Two silly run outs, coupled with some good bowling from Banbury seconds stopped Twenty in their tracks.
Spinner Paul Hill produced a brilliant spell to tie Twenty up. His 14 overs went for just 28 runs, with five maidens.
In his first game for five weeks after an injury, off-spinner Chris Board also returned excellent figures for the seconds, claiming 1-16 off his seven overs.
The leading wicket-taker was Ashley Blanchard with 3-49 off 14 overs.