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Banbury CC are Oxfordshire T20 Champions for sixth year
21/09/2020
Exciting day of cricket to conclude condensed season sees Banbury’s first XI crowned champions
Banbury Cricket Club’s first XI have won the Oxfordshire T20 competitions for a sixth year running. The team beat Oxford Downs by 17 runs in the Bernard Tollett Final yesterday afternoon.
After winning the toss, having no hesitation to bat first, Banbury’s captain Olly Clarke and opening partner Joe White got the side off to a flyer, reaching 60-0 in the powerplay. Clarke fell shortly after for an excellent 41 off 28 deliveries, bringing Lloyd Sabin to the crease. He and White continued the rate, putting on a swift 81 together, before White fell for a well made 42 at a run a ball. Sabin continued on to reach his half century, eventually falling for 53 off 32, which included 3 fours and 4 sixes – taking Banbury to 169-4 off their 20 overs.
Oxford Downs set about the chase in fine style, closing the powerplay on 46-0. However, some excellent fielding from man of the match Lloyd Sabin saw the back of Freddie Smith for 30, which kick started a mini collapse as Downs went from 59-0 to 68-3. Some outstanding bowling and athletic fielding in the middle overs saw the run rate climbing, eventually proving too much for Downs to chase. Nerveless death bowling from Ollie Wright saw him finish with 2-27 from his 4 overs, as Downs fell 17 runs short.
Mention must be made of Banbury’s younger players: Ben Cross (17), Ali Short (16) and Charlie Haselgrove (15) who were outstanding in the field all day and have a very bright future with the club.
Banbury Cricket Club’s ground on White Post Road in Bodicote had earlier in the day played host to the Wilf Bennet final. That saw Witney Mills deservedly become champions, defending their 133 against Home Counties side Thame. Some superb determination and passionate support saw them home, in what was a great advert for the game.
It was a fantastic way to end a condensed season, and it was a joy to see so many club members, volunteers and spectators enjoying the mid-September sunshine, with some high quality cricket to boot.
author: Jack Lambden
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam