BANBURY threw away a winning position and agonisingly lost by one run in their titanic Division 1 top-of-table battle at High Wycombe on Saturday.

Chasing Wycombe’s formidable total of 275-9, Banbury were bowled out for 274, with more than five overs left.

This followed a brilliant spell of left-arm spin bowling from Banbury’s Luke Ryan, who captured 8-96, and yet still finished on the losing side.

Banbury appeared to be heading for certain victory when they stood at 273-7, needing just three to win with three wickets standing.

Ian Hawtin and Ollie Wright were then dismissed as the score progressed to 274-9.

Three balls later, No 11 Josh Megson was out stumped and Banbury had lost.

Because both sides had bowled their overs so quickly, there would have been an additional four overs at the end of the day.

So it is Wycombe – and not Banbury – who lead the table.

Batting first, Wycombe sped to 275-9 from 66 overs thanks to half-centuries from Alan Duncan (72) and Nick Robinson (50).

After Ollie Wright took the first Wycombe wicket, Ryan then took centre stage, picking up the next eight wickets to fall in his 25 overs.

Banbury’s reply seemed well on course thanks to fine innings from Lloyd Sabin (68) and Nathan Hawkes (61).

But then with victory firmly in their grasps they let it slip.