Banbury stayed second in Division 1, despite a three-wicket defeat at Tring Park – which leaves them a huge 39 points off leaders Henley.

Inserted by the hosts, Banbury lost openers Damian Shirazi and Chris Smith early on.

A 50-run partnership between skipper Ian Hawtin, who hit 28, and Jamil Faruq (33) added some respectability to the score as they were dismissed for 183.

Most of the middle order made starts, but could not build on them.

In reply, Tring got off to a steady start, putting on 40 for the first wicket.

However, a collapse saw them lose their their next three wickets for only one run to leave them at 55-4.

Tring’s opener William Jones was proving a stubborn obstacle, before Ashley Blanchard, who finished with figures of 4-39 off only eight overs, had him caught behind by Hawtin.

Despite Blanchard’s efforts, though, Tring managed to get home with two wickets to spare and deny Banbury victory.