SERIOUS CRICKET HOME COUNTIES PREMIER LEAGUE

CRAIG Haupt’s century could not save Banbury from a three-wicket home defeat to Tring Park in Division 1.

But the nine points Banbury earned were enough to ensure they avoid relegation as they are more than 50 points clear of the drop zone with two games left.

Haupt made 102 in Banbury’s 177-6, which also featured 40 from Richard West.

But Tring reached 180-7 for a victory that keeps them in the title race – at least mathematically.

Banbury were in trouble at 26-2 before Haupt and West put on 135 for the third wicket, but their total of 177 proved too hard to defend.

Sam Cherry top-scored with 50 in Tring’s reply, while off-spinner West claimed 4-37 to mark a useful all-round game.

But Keith Dutch and Leigh Tomlinson got Tring over the line.