A brilliant century from Nathan Hawkes could not prevent Banbury losing by five wickets away to Cambridge Granta in the group final of the Royal London National Club Championship.

Hawkes hammered 140 off 107 balls with seven sixes and 14 fours to dominate Banbury’s total of 246-9 from their 45 overs.

But Banbury’s depleted attack – the top spin duo of skipper Jimmy Phillips and Luke Ryan were playing for Oxfordshire – could not contain the Granta batsmen.

Openers Jonathan Atkinson (89) and Douglas Rice – with 110 off 121 balls – put on 201 for the first wicket.

But Banbury hauled it back, taking five wickets for 25 runs to set up a tense finish.

In the end, the hosts scrambled home with a ball to spare to reach the next round.

Scores: Banbury 246-9 (45 ovs, N Hawkes 140), Cambridge Granta 248-5 (44.5 ovs, D Rice 110, J Atkinson 89).

Sport Latest Sport news