Skipper Benji Hector hit a brilliant 140 not out from just 130 balls, but Banbury fell nine runs short of a thrilling victory against Welwyn Garden City in Home Counties Premier League Division 1 on Saturday.

Chasing 287-8, Hector smashed six sixes and 11 fours, but it did not prove quite enough.

Oxfordshire's Jamie Hewitt hit 87 and Nick Lamb 64 as Welwyn Garden City set a competitive total.

Needing well over five runs an over, Banbury faced an uphill task.

Hector and Luke Ryan gave them hope, putting on 138 in only 17 overs, but when Ryan fell for 60, their chance of victory had gone and they fell just short.