Rain came to Banbury's rescue as they appeared to be heading to a humiliating defeat at home to Oxfordshire rivals Henley in Division 1 on Saturday.

The hosts were in dire straits at 43-7, chasing a victory target of 215, when the rain, which had already caused two short delays, returned to wash-out the game.

Choosing to bat first, Henley were in trouble of their own at 84-5 just after lunch, following two wickets each for Ryan Newhook and Paul Taylor.

But Bjorn Mordt and Dave Allaway turned the game Henley's way with a sixth-wicket stand of 77.

When the second shower of the day arrived, Henley's innings was closed on 214-8 in the 64th over.

Because of the delay, Banbury's innings was reduced to 50 overs, but they were soon in trouble against former first-class opening attack of Billy Taylor and Mark Alleyne.

With Craig Haupt being run out, Banbury slumped to 14-4.

Ian Hawtin held the bowlers at bay, but former Gloucestershire captain Alleyne picked up four wickets as Banbury slumped to 43-7 in 28 overs, before the weather saved them.