Left-arm spinner Luke Ryan played the starring role with figures of 6-65 as Banbury edged to a thrilling two-wicket victory at home to Bishop’s Stortford in Division 1 on Saturday.

Winning the toss, Banbury skipper Ian Hawtin put the visitors in to bat, and they got off to a steady start as Mohammed Akram and David Hughes shared 52 for the first wicket.

But both fell in quick succession to Richard West, before Eddie Ballard and Daniel Blacktopp put on 80 for the third wicket.

Blacktopp was run out by Shahbaz Ali, and Ballard was caught behind by Hawtin off Ashley Blanchard, and that sparked a big collapse.

And it was Ryan who was the instigator as he ripped thr-ough the lower order and tail as Bishop’s Stortford were dismissed for 202, losing their last seven wickets for 31.

In reply, Banbury needed only 38.2 overs to reach the target, despite losing regular wickets.

Craig Haupt top-scored with 50, while young opener Lloyd Sabin hit 44 in 47 balls.

But from 153-7, it was left to the tail, and a quickfire 24 not out from Ryan in particuar, to see Banbury home.