CRICKET: Banbury close gap (From Banbury Cake)

CRICKET: Banbury close gap

10:22pm Sunday 3rd August 2008

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BANBURY brought themselves into the thick of a desperately tight title race with a notable six-wicket victory away to leaders Radlett on Saturday.

With Banbury being the only one of the top five to win on a rain-affected day, they are now only five points behind leaders Tring Park.

Only five points separate the top five teams with five games to go,which should make for a thrilling end to the season.

Two of Banbury's young guns came to the fore after Radlett had chosen to bat first in a match shortened to a 58-48 over splt.

Seamer Ed Smith, who is only 18, tore the heart out of the innings just when it looked as through Radlett were set to post a more than useful total.

He captured three wickets in the second of two accurate spells that brought him 3-22 in 14 overs.

With young spinner Luke Ryan picking up two quick wickets and Nathan Hawkes running out the dangerous Shane Burger, the hosts were bowled out for 162 in the 55th over.

This gave Banbury 51 overs in which to get the runs, but they slumped to 44-3 as Felix Walker captured three quick wickets.

Craig Haupt steadied the ship, but at 124-6 the match was still in the balance.

Then Ryan made his second significant contribution match, scoring 38 not out off just 35 balls with five fours, as he and Ian Hawtin saw Banbury home with more than two overs to spare.

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