CRICKET: Banbury rescued by the weather (From The Oxford Times)

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CRICKET: Banbury rescued by the weather

7:26pm Sunday 6th July 2008

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Rain came to Banbury's rescue as they appeared to be heading to a humiliating defeat at home to Oxfordshire rivals Henley in Division 1 on Saturday.

The hosts were in dire straits at 43-7, chasing a victory target of 215, when the rain, which had already caused two short delays, returned to wash-out the game.

Choosing to bat first, Henley were in trouble of their own at 84-5 just after lunch, following two wickets each for Ryan Newhook and Paul Taylor.

But Bjorn Mordt and Dave Allaway turned the game Henley's way with a sixth-wicket stand of 77.

When the second shower of the day arrived, Henley's innings was closed on 214-8 in the 64th over.

Because of the delay, Banbury's innings was reduced to 50 overs, but they were soon in trouble against former first-class opening attack of Billy Taylor and Mark Alleyne.

With Craig Haupt being run out, Banbury slumped to 14-4.

Ian Hawtin held the bowlers at bay, but former Gloucestershire captain Alleyne picked up four wickets as Banbury slumped to 43-7 in 28 overs, before the weather saved them.

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Pete, Oxford says...
5:40pm Mon 7 Jul 08

Since Banbury are so consistently and irredeemably average, not to say poor; why is it that they regularly supply half of the County side?

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Super Lancs, says...
11:25am Tue 8 Jul 08

Well either Oxfordshire are poor because of this reason, or the other eligible players are worse than those from Banbury - take your pick

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Jimmy Phillips, Banbury says...
11:57am Tue 8 Jul 08

Pete,

Is your opinion that there are players better than those picked for Oxfordshire who are available to play?

If so who are these players?

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MW, says...
4:42pm Tue 8 Jul 08

I'm with Pete on this.

There are more than 2 clubs in this county, where is the opportunity for colts and village cricketers to trial for the OCCC? I know several people in the Cherwell League Div 1 top 10 batting and bowling for the last 3/4 seasons who have never had the chance, well until they joined Oxford or Banbury.

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Dave Snr, Oxford says...
8:40am Wed 9 Jul 08

Come on name them!
Wasn't the Premier League set up in order that the best players play at the top level.

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graham, says...
11:01am Wed 9 Jul 08

the fact they've made the semi final's and play berks sunday to me proves the team is playing well together, and the fact only 2 oxford players are in the squad tells me that there is more than two clubs in the county,
until anyone names a player who they think should make the team/squad then it cannot be proved the wrong team is beign selected

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Observer, Oxford says...
11:23am Wed 9 Jul 08

Graham, At last someone is talking sense instead of people having a go at something they know very little about

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MW, Oxford says...
12:53pm Wed 9 Jul 08

It isnt for me to say who I think should go forward, the ECB already pay a cricket development officer for the county.

I notice from the line up from Sunday vs Cheshire, three Oxfordshire clubs made a represenation, the remaining club players come from Hertfordshire, Warwickshire, Essex and Wales.

Where is the cricket development in this county?

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graham, says...
1:04pm Wed 9 Jul 08

pick the best team, if your good enough you will play...any evidence of this not happening?

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Observer, Oxford says...
1:16pm Wed 9 Jul 08

I take it that you MW would like all players to be playing for clubs in the county which i would also ideally like to see.However, Oxfordshire, as i see it only had 1 player in their side that was not born, lived or played in the county (the player/coach).I am sure it is correct that Oxfordshire are one of very few minor counties that do this, which surely is very commendable.For Oxfordshire to be in the semi final for the past two seasons they must be doing something right.Why don't we all support & promote quality & success in the county which would surely be of benefit to all.

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Chris, oxford says...
1:28pm Wed 9 Jul 08

Graham, You are spot on.They are in the semi final for goodness sake, so they can't be that bad

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MW, Oxford says...
2:09pm Wed 9 Jul 08

I'm not disputing they have done well as a team in recent years.

My gripe with the selection process is that the selectors might be missing out on born and bred local talent because local lads don't get a chance. There isn't as far as I am aware, an invation to trial during the close season.

Who knows, Oxfordshire might be just as successful but with local talent?!

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Chris, oxford says...
2:24pm Wed 9 Jul 08

?Chris Sandbach, Luke Ryan, Chris Smith, Francois Vainker,Ryan Newhook. Are these not local lads who have performed at top level club cricket

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Billy No Mates, Home Alone! says...
2:35pm Wed 9 Jul 08

There must be a lack of KCC stories on the forum for you boys to get your teeth into, so you have started on oxford selection, Hmmmm how interesting.

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graham, says...
3:13pm Wed 9 Jul 08

chris is correct all these guys and are local lads, in fact sandbach jack brooks vainker have all played for the development XI from which counts as a trial does it not? maybe the local talent performs well gets picked for these games and shows there skills...no?

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Chris, Oxford says...
3:39pm Wed 9 Jul 08

Graham is again spot on

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MW, Oxford says...
5:08pm Wed 9 Jul 08

Luke and Ryan only got the call up after joining Banbury. Chris Smith has always been Banbury.

Yes, fair play Chris Sanbach has played his way into the team... more of this please!!!

(I don't know Francois so can't comment)

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Chris, Oxford says...
5:29pm Wed 9 Jul 08

Come on MW don't be so silly.The best players play the top level of club cricket & this is where they prove themselves.
Why keep on about players in the lower leagues?
Are you just jealous thet some players obviously back themselves to compete against the best opposition they can which in this area is the Premier League.
It is sad that Oxon only have 2 sides in the premier league but perhaps there is a reason for this!!!

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MW, Oxford says...
6:54pm Wed 9 Jul 08

Chris,If there was a more open selection policy we wouldnt be having this debate. How do we know the best players are at Banbury?

Some people might want to be loyal and play club cricket where they have grown up, but still have aspirations to play county cricket.

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Jimmy Phillips, Banbury says...
7:15pm Wed 9 Jul 08

I have played in both the Home Counties Prem and Cherwell Div 1 this year. The 2 games i played were against top sides in Rowant and Downs

The gap in quality is absolutely massive.

If these wouldbe County players played for a premier league club they would be testing them selves against first class and minor counties players each week.

Banbury 2's came 2nd in the Cherwell League last year - should their top batters not be playing for Oxfordshire by your logic?

If these boys want to play for oxfordshire but remain loyal to their local clubs they must score close to 1000 runs a year in the Cherwell if you ask me - because the standards a so far apart

I don't see anyone doing this

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Chris, Oxford says...
8:43pm Wed 9 Jul 08

MW,
Surely the County selectors have a selection policy - You pick your best side. After all it's supposed to be the County team ie the best players.
It's a good job Mr Capello doesn't get this sort of rubbish

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Roger, says...
8:57pm Wed 9 Jul 08

Why don't you boys organise a game, oxfordshire v Cherwell league XI. Surely then the selectors will see those that may have slipped their net and the players will see how good they need to be to play with the big boys

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Batter, says...
9:05pm Wed 9 Jul 08

What a great idea, get it organised! I'll show the old timers in your middle order who's best in Oxfordshire!

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Chris, Oxford says...
7:59am Thu 10 Jul 08

But as a batter in the Cherwell League you must already be showing the selectors how good you are. What are your stats big boy!

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Billy No Mates, Home Alone! says...
9:04am Thu 10 Jul 08

Yawn, Yawn, Yawn, Give us a break cherwell league cant compete with the home counties.

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Jimmy Phillips, Banbury says...
9:48am Thu 10 Jul 08

While Roger's idea sounds good on paper - i fear that Oxon would struggle to get a strong side out as their players, many of whom have young families, already take a lot of holiday and give up lots of time to play for Oxfordshire.

More time given up for what would be essentially a meaningless game seems unlikely to me.

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alex jewell, Oxfordshire says...
9:49am Thu 10 Jul 08

as a player in the cherwell div 1 i agree the difference in the standard is a fair bit. maybe selectors should come watch games more often as i have never seen anyone watching a game i have played in so they can spot these players that want to play for thier local club but may still be good enough to represent the county. having played for the full county at 18 i have never since been asked to attend winter nets which i find odd would this have happened if i was at either banbury or oxford? i dont mean to sound like i'm blowing my own trumpet but i have scored 600 runs so far this year so if i get 1000 i will get picked ahead of these players? i'm not so sure to be honest. i dont want to sound bitter as i'm not just wanted to vice my opinion.

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Jimmy Phillips, Banbury says...
9:52am Thu 10 Jul 08

As i was writing my 1st post i was wondering how many you had scored Jewlsey. I have read about a few of your ton's.

You and Chris Sandbach are definately the standout players in the league.

Hopefully Rowant will get promoted so you can score another 600+ in the feeder.

Just make sure next time you face me you play a bit straighter! ;)

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alex jewell, Oxfordshire says...
10:03am Thu 10 Jul 08

I knew you were gonna mention that dismissal jim!! 1st one you've turned this year! lol

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Jimmy Phillips, The nets, working on my arm ball says...
10:12am Thu 10 Jul 08

That is undeniably true Alex, must have hit a stone!

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Ed Phillips Banbury CC & Oxfordshire Development XI, Banbury says...
12:22pm Thu 10 Jul 08

Finally some clear thinking, and people voicing their opinion with an open view from both sides of the argument!!

Some of the comments from people in this discussion are ridicules!! Eg. Luke Ryan was 15/16 when he left Cumnor CC and not bowling more then 5-7 overs a week in Cherwell divisions 2 or 3! I dont think any selector how ever much they rated Cherwell league cricket could have picked him, it was when he turned 18 and took 44 wickets in the HCPL he was picked!!!

There are some good players in the Cherwell league, Ive played in both leagues on and off for three and a half years and I think it is safe to say the better players are playing in the top league, this is not to say some of the better players in the Cherwell league couldnt make the step up given time, but I have found it hard making the step up myself and I suggest it is not as simple picking the best players from the Cherwell league and saying they will do just as well It is a bigger progression then that and requires a lot of work on your technique and temperament!!!

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Roger, says...
9:51pm Thu 10 Jul 08

Some interesting banter. Alex, i'm sure the selectors do know how well you have been doing and keep it up your chance will come.
What is a shame is Hewitt, Williams & Knightley playing outside the county, if they are truly better players than the young pretenders it would be good to see them in the Cherwell. That would certainly help raise the standard

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Batter, says...
10:05pm Thu 10 Jul 08

Nice idea Roger but not much point Hewitt and Knightly must live miles away considering the clubs they play for and not sure where Williams lives but he cant have much left i the tank

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Outsider, Glos says...
9:26am Fri 11 Jul 08

Understand people who want to play for their local club rather than Oxford or Banbury; but if they can't or don't want to put in the extra practice, and commit to extra playing and travelling time to play premier league cricket how does it follow they will want to or be able to commit the time required to play minor counties cricket even if they are good enough?
I don't think 2 or 3 players who live outside the county is that bad compared to other counties who recruit from all over the country.
And still no-one has added to this thread a number of players in the cherwell league who should be considered for the county; it seems like an arguement for arguements sake. Let's have some names!!

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Never Break The Chain, Melbourne says...
12:55pm Sun 13 Jul 08

Perkin..West...and above all Lee. How that guy has never represented the county in the last 10 years is a disgrace

quote

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Never Break The Chain, Melbourne says...
12:58pm Sun 13 Jul 08

And of course List however I fear eating 3 roast dinners a day may have hampered him in recent years!

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Downs Syndrome, la la land says...
11:22am Mon 14 Jul 08

Yeah i agree with never break the chain

All those downs players should play for Oxon. It is becasue we have all these minor county standard players that we are consistently winning thropies!

How many times must we win the HCPL before these players are to be noticed??

Do you know how may runs Jamie Perkin scored last year??

No??

Neither does he!

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dave, Oxfordshire says...
1:45pm Mon 14 Jul 08

who is lee? downs havent won anything recently or have i got the wrong end of the stick?

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MW, Oxford says...
5:31pm Mon 14 Jul 08

Cumnor seem to be doing alright this season. Maybe Banbury/Oxfordshire selectors might get out and watch some games.
Downs vs Cumnor must be worthwhile with plenty of local talent on show.

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dave, oxfordshire says...
7:52pm Mon 14 Jul 08

i'm not sure many of the cumnor lads qualify!

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KCC LOVES A STORY, says...
8:09am Tue 15 Jul 08

WHY ARE WE UNABLE TO POST ON ANY OTHER CRICKET THREADS ??????

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Ed Phillips Banbury CC and Oxfordshire Development XI, says...
3:51pm Tue 15 Jul 08

I struggle to see how people can be so narrow minded!!! It is a known fact that playing minor counties cricket seriously limits the amount of local cricket you can play meaning that you are not able to play in the village knock out!!!

Again Im not trying to say that these players are not good enough, I played with them and seen them score runs and take wickets but it is not as simple as you make out!!! From your floored arguments I can only imagine that people writing on this thread are people that thought they should have played minor county cricket but didnt!!! Talk to people like Paul Tew about that when selection was genuinely corrupt!!!

At the moment these players are playing in the 3rd level of cricket possible, please tell me what other sport there is where selectors would cast aside players playing at the top level and skip a league completely and then pick people for the third level!!!!?????

Again Im not saying they are bad players but they need to work on their game before hand!!! If I score the same amount of runs as they do in that league my name dose not get banded around for the minor counties team because I do not perform in the HCPL can some one please see where I am coming from!!! Or just continue with your pointless debate that will not affect any one let alone the Oxfordshire selectors!!!!!!

Sorry for my heated way of putting my point across, but it appears some people want to see players they like, know or see play in Div 1 week in week out playing minor counties cricket. I invite you to come and watch Banbury 1st team play for the second half of the season and gage your opinion having seen both, over fixtures are on our website, I would like to highlight the fixture against Henley as their bowling attack consists of Billy Taylor who still has a list A (domestic one day) contract and Mark Alleyne, also Tino Best has singed for Slough, are there any bowlers of this quality in Div 1? Also make an effort to come to white post road for the Oxford vs Banbury game coming up soon. Lets have some balanced opinions having seen both sides please rather then looking after your own at all costs!!!! Ill even buy the beers, but if you comments are any thing to judge you but that wouldnt cost a lot how much can 6 halves of bitter shandy cost?????!!!!!!

I struggle to see how people can be so narrow minded!!! It is a known fact that playing minor counties cricket seriously limits the amount of local cricket you can play meaning that you are not able to play in the village knock out!!! Again Im not trying to say that these players are not good enough, I played with them and seen them score runs and take wickets but it is not as simple as you make out!!! From your floored arguments I can only imagine that people writing on this thread are people that thought they should have played minor county cricket but didnt!!! Talk to people like Paul Tew about that when selection was genuinely corrupt!!! At the moment these players are playing in the 3rd level of cricket possible, please tell me what other sport there is where selectors would cast aside players playing at the top level and skip a league completely and then pick people for the third level!!!!????? Again Im not saying they are bad players but they need to work on their game before hand!!! If I score the same amount of runs as they do in that league my name dose not get banded around for the minor counties team because I do not perform in the HCPL can some one please see where I am coming from!!! Or just continue with your pointless debate that will not affect any one let alone the Oxfordshire selectors!!!!!! Sorry for my heated way of putting my point across, but it appears some people want to see players they like, know or see play in Div 1 week in week out playing minor counties cricket. I invite you to come and watch Banbury 1st team play for the second half of the season and gage your opinion having seen both, over fixtures are on our website, I would like to highlight the fixture against Henley as their bowling attack consists of Billy Taylor who still has a list A (domestic one day) contract and Mark Alleyne, also Tino Best has singed for Slough, are there any bowlers of this quality in Div 1? Also make an effort to come to white post road for the Oxford vs Banbury game coming up soon. Lets have some balanced opinions having seen both sides please rather then looking after your own at all costs!!!! Ill even buy the beers, but if you comments are any thing to judge you but that wouldnt cost a lot how much can 6 halves of bitter shandy cost?????!!!!!!

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graham, says...
4:51pm Tue 15 Jul 08

i dont think you need to take it personally Ed, good luck playing at the top level i hope you score stacks of runs

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KCC LOVES A STORY, says...
6:41pm Thu 17 Jul 08

SEE ALEX YOU POST ON HERE ENOUGH YOU GET YOURSELF BACK IN THE FOLD, LOVING YOUR WORK GET SOME RUNS FOR THE BIG BOYS.

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MW, Oxford says...
4:56pm Fri 18 Jul 08

dave wrote:
i'm not sure many of the cumnor lads qualify!

Whys that Dave, they have the same rules apply to them as any other club.

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