Banbury were crowned Oxfordshire indoor champions after a 48-run victory over Cumnor in the final at Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre.

Banbury had eased to a three-wicket victory over Sandford St Martin in their semi-final, while Cumnor surprisingly crushed Kidlington by six wickets.

It was Banbury’s miserly bowlers who won the trophy, as they successfully defended a total of 92-4 to seal victory.

Batting first, Olly Murrey (20) and Simon Launder (19) led the way, while Ed Smith and Oxfordshire captain Ian Hawtin also chipped in with useful contributions.

And their total proved more than enough to see off a young Cumnor outfit, who fell to just 44 all out in their reply.

Murrey finished with 2-11, while Smith took 1-8 in 2.4 overs to really turn the screw.

It left Cumnor scrambling for runs – with both Shahbaz Alam and Sam Jones run out, while Umair Ghazali was out for hitting the ceiling!

In the semi-finals, Cumnor had looked in formidable form as they thrashed Kidlington.

They bowled out their opponents for a paltry 53, before Shahbaz Alam (27no) and Jones (24no) saw their team home without losing a wicket.

Steve Beck’s 32 not out saw Banbury to victory in the other semi as they successfully chased down Sandford’s useful total of 82-3.

Banbury will now take on Warwickshire champions Stockton at Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre on Sunday(5pm).

The winners of this match will compete in the regional finals at Edgbaston next Sunday (February 22).

RESULTS Semi-finals: Kidlington 53 (B Liya-narachchi 28, H Mohsin 2-19), Cumnor 55-0 (Shahbaz Alam 27no, S Jones 24no).

Sandford St Martin 82-3 (N Cox 28no, S Smith 25no), Banbury 84-3 (S Beck 32no, S Launder 20).

Final: Banbury 92-4 (O Murrey 20, H Mohsin 2-16), Cumnor 44 (O Murrey 2-11).