HORSPATH suffered a catastrophic collapse to crash to a 72-run defeat at home to leaders Henley in Division 1 of the Serious Cricket Home Counties Premier League.

With the start delayed until 1.30pm following Friday’s deluge, Horspath put Henley in to bat with the match reduced to a 49-42 overs split.

Henley recovered from 9-2 to make 190-6 declared off 44 overs, with opener Michael Roberts hitting 50 from 115 balls with seven fours.

He shared a third-wicket stand of 110 with Ziafat Ashraf, who survived three chances in making 47, with Will Eason (3-35) the pick of the bowlers.

Horspath then slumped to 11-2, before a good stand between Jimmy Phillips (48) and Dom O’Connor (30) raised spirits.

But then the last eight wickets fell for just 29 runs, with seamers Tahir Afridi (5-49) and Matthew Carter (4-24) doing the damage, as they were bowled out for 118.

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Six of the Horspath batsman were out lbw.

Henley thus ended a run of  three games without a win, maintaining their one point lead over Banbury, who made short work of visitors Harefield with a convincing ninewicket victory.

Captain Luke Ryan took four wickets as Harefield were restricted to 174-9 off 64 overs.

Tim Paine hit his fourth century (101no) for Banbury as they eased to 178 for the loss of one wicket in 29.5 overs.

The hosts won the toss, putting Harefield into bat, and seam bowlers Ashley Blanchard and Karl Penhale did the early damage by dismissing Jalpesh Vijay and Scott Friend to leave the visitors on 22-2.

Ryan took three wickets, before Ollie Wright trapped Poojan Vyas lbw for 99-6.

Lee Tyrell and Daniel Ogden put on 40 for the seventh wicket until off-spinner Jimmy Phillips dismissed the former.

Ryan then caught and bowled Douglas King for eight and Ogden, who top-scored with 37, was sent back by Phillips before Harefield ended on 174-9.

In reply, Banbury’s Ed Phillips, looking to build upon last week’s 87 against Tring Park, was out first ball to King.

However, Paine, ably assisted by Lloyd Sabin (69) fired Banbury to victory with a magnificent 101 off 89 balls, which included ten fours and five sixes.

Bottom side Oxford are still searching for their first win after a 72-run defeat at Reading.

The home side elected to bat and put on 204-7, Bobby Malik leading the way (51).

Harvey Eltham took 3-42.

Vishane Perera scored 32 as Oxford were 70-2 at tea.

However, their innings unravelled in the space of an over and a half as Andrew Clough limped off with a hamstring injury and Ryan Carters and Shami Mendis were dismissed.

Alex Morgan was run out at the non-striker’s end by Jack Beavon as Oxford fell to 112-6.

And with Ian Crosby’s side up against it, they were eventually bowled out for 132.