SOURCE: Leighton Buzzard Observer. Leighton’s title hopes took what was probably a killer blow on Saturday when they lost away to Banbury IIs by 77 runs.
Banbury were asked to bat first and their opening pair of Andy Sabin and Ed Phillips constructed an amazing opening stand of 197 in 43 overs. Both were dropped a couple of times and eventually Sabin was first to go, run out for 97. Phillips survived until the last ball of the innings, caught in the deep by Phil Whatmore for 102 as Banbury recorded a total of 229.
Leighton’s reply was steady to begin with – the openers putting on 40 before Chris Thompson was caught out for 22. A stand of 51 between Tom Light (31) and Whatmore (28) maintained their momentum, but both were soon out with the score on 91.
Dan Scott hit 22 and Anthony Francis 23, but from 142-5 Town’s last five wickets fell for a mere 10 runs and the game was up.