BANBURY missed the chance to take control of the Division 1 title race as they suffered a nine-run defeat to new leaders High Wycombe.

Victory would have seen them top the Serious Cricket Home Counties Premier League after Henley lost to Burnham, but they have now dropped to third.

Wycombe started well and after a third-wicket stand of 64 between Nathan Hawkes (80no) and Adam Hose (47) were 127-2.

But Luke Ryan’s (5-30) introduction saw the hosts take wickets regularly as Wycombe posted 226-9.

Banbury got off to a poor start when Hugo Darby was trapped lbw for four.

And wickets fell regularly as they struggled to 89-5.

A sixth-wicket partnership of 95 between Chad Keegan (58) and Richard West (53) helped the hosts back into the game at 184-5.

However, once they were out, Banbury fell short.