CRAIG Haupt struck 116 to help steer Banbury to a 23-run victory at home to Tring Park on the first day of the Home Counties Premier League season.

The opener hit 15 fours and a six, sharing lengthy partnerships with Lloyd Sabin (49) and Tom Bartlett (44), before being run out in the final over as they reached 261-4.

A 117-run second wicket partnership kept the visitors well in the game.

But skipper Shelvin Gumbs (68) was eventually caught leg before by Richard West, who went on to record figures of 4-40.

Banbury could not relax, though, and conceded 34 runs in extras as Tring stubbornly pressed on.

But the hosts finally wrapped up a victory when Charles Hill ran out Haseeb Ali to dismiss Tring for 238 with just seven balls remaining.

Banbury 20pts, Tring Park 6

Banbury 2nd succumbed to a five-wicket defeat at Long Marston.

Batting first, Banbury were bowled out in the 50th over for 182, Justin Lambden top-scoring with 62 and Mark Pallett hitting 50, while Alastair Bee claimed 5-56 for the hosts.

Marston’s reply was led by an excellent 101 not out from Archie Hammond, around whom the innings was built as the home side reached 183-5 in the 46th over, Ollie Murrey taking 3-17.

Long Marston 25pts, Banbury 2nd 8