Despite the defeat they will be comforted by some real positives from the display.

On a decent batting pitch Leighton Buzzard batted first and Brackley's opening bowlers Matt Corns and Rob Cartwright showed excellent control as they pegged the home side down.

Rob Cartwright struck first having Mistry caught behind with the score on 24 and when off-spinner Mike Cartwright had dangerman Friday lbw, Brackley were on top.

Bishop and Kempster then put on a 40 stand and the innings was finally balanced until the return of young pace bowler Rob Cartwright.

His second spell was superb with a four-wicket haul that returned him figures of 5-28 and put Brackley in the driving seat. With Josh Markham making his debut and bowling tightly, Brackley were looking to keep the opposition under 200, but a late flurry of runs took the home side to a respectable 228.

Brackley needed a steady start but the first three wickets fell cheaply as the batsmen failed to capitalised on some wayward bowling and good batting conditions as they collapsed to 30-3. It was only when Mikey Cartwright came to the wicket that Brackley really got back into the game. With a superb display of powerful hitting he raced to 50 off 60 balls including two towering sixes and with Dave Barnes stroking the ball around Brackley were looking at a positive result.

Mikey Cartwright finally went for an excellent 61 and once Barnes was out for 15, only Rob Cartwright on 21 showed any real resilience as Brackley limped to 157 all out.

Skipper Keith Cartwright was not too upset. He said afterwards: "Although the result went against us there were some real positives from the match. Eric Carpenter had a superb match behind the stumps and will solve a problem position for us.

"The bowling of youngsters Matt Corns and Rob Cartwright will stand us in good stead this season. Both Mikey Cartwight and Dave Barnes showed what good players they are and when the top order hits form, I'm sure we will be in a strong position to challenge in this league." Brackley are at home to Aston Rowant on Saturday (17/05).

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