Weather The Winner

Allrounder Steve Clark (pictured) joined Simon Stanway in taking the new ball as unfortunately Mo Choudhury was unavailable due to injury.

Stanway as usual settled into a decent line and length and his new partner Clark justified the decision to take the new ball as he took the wicket of Joe White who was well caught by AJ Woodland in his first over. Clark continued to take wickets at regular intervals and by lunch the visitors had lost four wickets all to Clark.

Resuming after lunch the visitors set out rebuilding their innings and with some slow but steady success, however, the weather played its part as rain stopped play and with that total number of overs to be bowled in the game were reduced.

The First Team opening bowlers was well backed up by the change bowlers with Michael Payne and Rory Criddle taking a wicket each as Banbury ended their inning on 167-7 from their 52 overs.

With the reduced overs in the match, The First started their innings needing 168 from 43 overs. The early loss of the David Burnell did not affect the chase as Woodland and Payne kept up with the rate and when Payne was out for 24, Macdonell continued with Woodland but then the rain came in again which resulted in a loss of 10 overs.

When play resumed, the rate had now increased beyond a realistic achievable target. Macdonell was next to go, also on 24 and he was quickly followed by Clark. It was left to Sheridon Gumbs and debutant Scott Rolfe to see out the remaining overs for a draw as TPCC finished on 128-5 from 33 overs.