A 34 ball 50 from Richard West saw Banbury overcome a strong challenge from Cropredy who took their Premier League neighbours to the last over of their Bernard Tollett Oxfordshire Cup Quarter Final.
Having won the toss and elected to bat, Cropredy openers Peter Cooling (25) and J??? Fox (42) passed 50 for the first wicket before the former was caught and bowled by off spinner Jimmy Phillips (1-28). Fox survived a couple of chances during his positive innings before he was stumped off West (3-35), Cropredy had Fox and some lusty blows down the order to thank for their competitive score of 139-6 in 20 overs.
The performance of Cropredy’s opening Bowlers was equally impressive, as Ed Somerton (1-14) and Wayne Hazel (1-27) tied down and removed Banbury’s opening batsmen during miserly 5 over spells, Banbury were 49 for 2 at half way with Cropredy in control. The arrival of West at the crease turned the tide for Banbury as he struck two sixes and five fours in his quick fire half century. West was well supported by Chris Smith and Ed Phillips, as the reigning champions began to up the intensity of their running and stroke play. Still a committed display in the field from Cropredy saw Banbury require 8 off the final over, two towering sixes from Lance Shaw settled the matter.