ECB National Club Twenty20

Banbury are off to the Kia Oval for the national finals following a nerve-jangling three-wicket win at Peterborough Town yesterday.

Chasing Peterborough’s 107-7 in the regional final, Banbury scrambled home with three balls to spare.

Nathan Hawkes and Jonny Cater took them to 50-1 off nine overs, but the runs dried up as wickets started to tumble, and they slumped to 67-5.

Needing 20 to win off the last three overs, Ian Tew hit a straight six and Justin Lambden three twos as 15 came from the 18th over.

Banbury then only picked up two off the penultimate over, which saw Tew caught and bowled by Paul McMahon to make it 105-7.

But Ashley Blanchard and Lambden kept their nerve, with the latter hitting a two off the third ball of the last over to spark wild celebrations.

Earlier, Banbury had put up a terrific effort in the field after putting Peterborough in to bat.

Blanchard took two wickets in the first over, before Ryan shone with 2-14. Now Banbury can look forward to joining holders Wimbledon, Chester-le-Street and Ormskirk at the Oval on Friday, September 13.

Captain Jimmy Phillips said: “It’s absolutely fantastic. We bowled superbly. We nearly made a mess of it with the bat, but the boys came through and we are just so proud and happy.

“I’ve got to take my hat off to Ian Tew, Justin Lambden and Ashley Blanchard, who saw us over the line.

“Justin has only played two league games for us, but he made the most important nine not out of his life.”

Scores: Peterborough Town 107-7 (20 ovs, R Sayer 34), Banbury 108-7 (19.3 ovs).