Horspath Cricket Club News story

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Horspath to face Oxford in Hartwell Cup final

04 Aug 2023

HORSPATH will face Oxford in the Hartwell Senior Cup final at Sir Paul Getty's Ground, Wormsley on Sunday, September 17 after their old rivals stunned holders Banbury with a thrilling one-run win.
It will be the first meeting between the two clubs in the showpiece decider of Oxfordshire's premier T20 competition.
Horspath had booked their return to the picturesque venue with an emphatic eight-wicket win at home to Brackley in the first semi-final on Tuesday.
Banbury were favourites to join them and make it a repeat of last year's final, but Oxford upset the formbook by ending the north Oxfordshire club's four-year reign in dramatic fashion at White Post Road on Thursday.
Oxford posted 133-8 after electing to bat with Brendon Smith smashing an unbeaten 45 off 37 balls.
Banbury appeared to be on course for victory as opener Joe White and skipper Olly Clarke put on 71 for the second wicket, taking them to 105-1 with 23 balls remaining.
But then Jack Wilkins took two wickets in two balls - including Clarke for 33 - to lift Oxford's hopes.
Banbury arrived at the last over needing 14 to win and Dave Eaton boosted the hosts by blasting a six.
In a gripping finish, the home side required three off the last ball to tie the scores and win by virtue of losing fewer wickets.
Eaton scored two but was run out by Dylan Swanepoel going for a third, leaving Oxford the winners by the narrowest of margins as Banbury finished on 132-5 with White unbeaten on 50 from 59 deliveries.