BANBURY’S Division 1 title hopes were ended amid a crushing 147-run defeat away to Reading.
Following their loss at Serious Cricket Home Counties Premier League leaders High Wycombe the previous week, Banbury were already big outsiders for the championship.
Needing a gettable 234 for victory in this 50-over match, Banbury’s weakened batting line-up – without former Australian Test player Tim Paine – slumped to 86 all out.
After being put in to bat, Reading lost two early wickets but were rescued by Martin Andersson and Praful Waghela’s thirdwicket century stand.
But a late clatter of wickets – three of them falling to Ollie Wright – saw Reading limited to 233-8.
In reply, only three Banbury batsmen reached double figures.
Leg-spinner David Hartley dismissed the middle order before Khalid Malik wrapped up the tail with 4-17 from 9.5 overs.
Banbury were all out for 86 in 31.5 overs.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article