Big-hitting South African Craig Haupt wrote himself into the Home Counties Premier league record books on Saturday by becoming the first player to score a double century.

The Oxfordshire left-hander made exactly 200 not out and shared in a record-breaking opening stand of 312 with Andrew Sabin, who finished unbeaten on 101. Andrew Sabin

But their brilliant efforts were not enough to clinch victory in Division 1 at home to Beaconsfield, who held on grimly at 209-7 chasing Banbury's massive 312-0.

Haupt's 200 came off just 206 balls and contained two sixes and no fewer than 27 fours - that's 120 in boundaries.

Sabin's 101 was his first Premier League ton and contained 13 fours.

Their partnership eclipsed their own previous league opening record of 220 against Luton in the Premier's first season last year.

With such a commanding total, Banbury were able to keep at least five men around the bat for most of the 60 overs Beaconsfield batted.

After losing their first four wickets for 49, Naim Doshi and Simon Perks repaired the damage with a stand of 94 in 27 overs.

Banbury switched their bowlers around, but Beaconsfield, one of only two teams to beat the champions last season, held on at 209-7.

BANBURY

A Sabin not out...101

C Haupt not out...200

Extras...11

Total (no wkt, 59.3 ov)...312

Bowling: Woodroffe 12-1-51-0, Mason 9-0-61-0, Owen 15.2-1-66-0, Doshi 8-1-52-0, Sullivan 15-1-76-0.

BEACONSFIELD

A Storie lbw Radford...13

D Drepaul c Megson b Adams...0

J Chaudrey c Megson b Rorich...15

M O'Reilly c Taylor b Radford...16

N Doshi c Megson b Taylor...65

S Perks c Taylor b Haupt...34

S Lynch not out...38

R Woodroffe lbw Rorich...10

L Mason not out...4

Extras...14

Total (7 wkts, 60 ov) ...209

Fall: 1-3, 2-21, 3-45, 4-49, 5-143, 6-177, 8-201.

Bowling: Radford 15-3-35-2, Adams 7-1-18-1, Rorich 9-2-39-2, Taylor 16-1-45-1, Hill 7-2-20-0, Haupt 6-0-47-1.

*Banbury 15pts, Beaconsfield 6