Classic Press Cherwell League Division 1

BANBURY Twenty were crowned champions for the second time with a 76-run victory over Buckingham, writes Keith Campbell.

Buckingham also had cause to celebrate as they picked up enough bonus points to avoid the second relegation spot - that fate befalling Oxford Nondescripts who lost by seven runs to fellow strugglers Rover Cowley.

Preferring to trust the ability of their bowlers to bowl sides out over the possibility of interruption by the weather, Twenty, whose previous title success came in 1996, opted to bat first and totalled 248 before being dismissed in the 48th over.

Jason Burbidge led the way with 71 and was well supported by Dave Clark (48) and Mickey Thomas (41) as James Gear took 4-66 and Paul Streeter 3-29.

Buckingham appeared well set at 135-3 after 25 overs, but a break for rain and the loss of Will Hearsey (59) and Steve Beck (45) in a fine 14-over spell from Steven Hart saw them collapse to 172 all out in the 36th over, Hart finishing with the magnificent figures of 8-61.

**Banbury Twenty 30, Buckingham 17