A brutal innings by Nathan Hawkes made skipper Ian Hawtin’s decision to bat first pay dividends as Banbury secured a convincing 142-run success in their rain-affected Division 1 match at Tring Park.

The visitors’ margin of victory was slightly exaggerated because rain cut 15 overs off Tring’s reply, and they still decided to go for the runs.

They were bowled out for 75 inside 29 overs, giving Banbury a welcome success.

The match-winning display came from Hawkes.

Coming in at 46-2, Hawkes soon saw two more wickets fall at the other end, leaving them a precarious 67-4.

But Hawkes took the attack to Tring, hammering 84 from just 76 balls with two sixes and ten fours.

He shared a fifth wicket stand of 96 with Ian Tew, which laid the basis for their total of 217-9 from their 57 overs, their allocation being reduced by a delayed start.

Two further showers meant that Tring needed a target of more than six-an-over for the victory that would keep them on the edge of the title race.

So they went for the runs, but the Banbury bowling was just too good for them, and only two players reached double figures.

Ashley Blanchard captured three wickets at the top of the order, while left-arm spinner Luke Ryan took 4-13 in eight overs as Tring completely lost their way.

Todd Guthridge mopped op the tail to seal a victory that would banish any slight thoughts of relegation worries this season.