A brilliant century from Lloyd Sabin put Banbury in charge of their Serious Cricket Home Counties Premier league Division 1 derby clash at Oxford on Saturday.

But they were unable to force victory as Oxford’s last pair hung on for seven overs to scramble a draw.

Oxford skipper Jason Harrison must have been pleased to ask Banbury to bat first, after taking two early wickets.

Sam Cheshire and Craig Haupt both fell in a fiery opening spell from Stuart Hole to leave them on 12-2.

Following the dismissal of Richard West for 32, Sabin and Ian Tew added 154 for the fourth wicket in 34 overs.

Tew was dismissed for 66 off 112 balls, but Sabin went on to score 126 from 176 balls with 15 fours and one six.

After 60 overs, Banbury were 239-4.

They added another 62 runs in the final six overs to finish on a formidable 301-5.

In reply, Oxford openers Dan King and Harrison added 43 before King departed.

Harrison and Stewart Laudat the put 50 before wickets fell at regular intervals to the bowling of Ollie Wright (4-37) and Ed Smith (4-56), Harrison was eighth out for 64 of 125 balls, with the score on 174.

The last pair of Ian Evans and Usman Arif then survived the last seven overs to secure a draw for Oxford, who stay in third place, well adrift of leaders High Wycombe.