Olney frustrate league leaders Eaton Bray to spice up the battle for the title

Olney took points off Four Counties Division 1 leaders Eaton Bray at the weekend as they held on for a draw at the Recreation Ground.
Olney's Olli KnowlesOlney's Olli Knowles
Olney's Olli Knowles

Biddenham’s seven wicket win over bottom side Aspley Guise saw them picked up 10 more points than leaders Eaton Bray, who were left frustrated by Olney’s lower order.

Despite losing Andrew Norris and Josh Peacock for single figures early in the innings to Josh Selvey, Eaton Bray made an otherwise positive start in Olney after captain Wes Hosking won the toss and elected to bat.

The partnership of Paul Harris (38) and Darren Kerins (53) put the leaders into a good position, and there were good knocks from Sam Slatter (17) and Robert Oakes (22 not out) further down the order to put the visitors in control.

Olney vs Eaton BrayOlney vs Eaton Bray
Olney vs Eaton Bray

It meant Eaton Bray closed their innings on 212-8.

Bray made a good start with the ball too, removing Olney opener Charlie Green for just 5, but the partnership between Olli Knowles (42) and Iain Keeping (40) put the home side back into the affair.

The run rate though was slightly behind, and Olney were constantly having to play catch-up as overs came and went.

But the home side were keeping hold of their wickets, and though they came up short on 189-7.

The result leaves Olney still in fourth, 36 points adrift of New Bradwell in third.

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