Frustrating draw for Great Brickill

George Humphries’ spectacular 6-25 wasn’t enough to take the final wicket late in the day as Banbury held on to take six points from the affair, while Brickhill had to settle for 16 to move them back up to fourth in Cherwell League Division 1.

After a disappointing weekend last time out, which saw almost every game in the region rained off, sides were desperate to get some action in to help their early season league progress.

It wasn’t a high scoring affair at the recently rejuvenated Brickhill cricket club, but the home side got off to a terrific start.

Patrick Sreenivasaprasad and Michael Baker looked in great form after a week off, putting Brickhill into a good position with some fine batting at the top of the order.

Sreenivasaprasad fell for 17, while Baker top scored for the home side with 51, though partners weren’t too keen to stick around with him.

Seven of Brickhill’s batsmen could only hit single figure scores, but captain Graeme Carter added 17, while George Morris looked likely to go on to reach his 50 before getting run out on 31 as Brickhill ended on 148-9.

Chasing 149, Banbury’s retort was blocked at every path by some tight Brickhill bowling.

Ian Tew (21) and Edward Smith (28) made decent starts for the visitors, but it was as good as things got for Banbury as Humphries rattled through the order.

But for all Banbury’s stuttering, they were seeing off the overs, making for a nail-biting finale in store.

Tail-enders Neil Megson (5 not out) and Stephen Hart (6 not out) defended sternly at the death, frustrating the home side but ultimately rescuing a draw for Banbury, who closed on 126-9 - heavily aided by 43 extras.