Banbury defeated leaders Henley off the final ball of a dramatic Division 1 clash at the Brakspear after scoring 56 in the last five overs.

New Zealand all-rounder Ant Bullick struck the winning runs to finish unbeaten on 59 after earlier taking five wickets.

Banbury’s victory saw them close to withing 30 points of Henley with four matches to play, giving them renewed hope of bettering last season’s second-placed finish.

Stand-in skipper Jimmy Phillips inserted Henley after winning the toss and saw his side make decent progress.

Bullick led the way with 5-68 off 21, with Ashley Blanchard (2-19) providing good support.

Henley were reduced to 117-6 before Jono McLean (69) and Chad Keegan, who made a quickfire 63, steered them to a more respectable 210-8.

Damian Shirazi, who had earlier claimed 2-42, and Richard West made starts in Banbury’s reply, but the visitors were behind the required run rate at this stage.

Ian Tew’s 58 off 63 balls added the impetus, then Bullick’s 59 off 47 and Blanchard’s 22 off 19 set up Banbury’s pulsating victory.

Blanchard was run out in the final over, but Bullick finished the job.

Banbury now visit local rivals Oxford on Saturday, knowing a victory and Henley failing to beat draw specialists Slough would leave the title race wide open.