‘I see us winning the league’: Banbury Cricket Club captain Kieran Coyne eyes title after strong start

Coyne, who has implemented youth alongside experience in his team selections so far this campaign, believes Banbury have enough ‘match-winners’ to go all the way.

As it stands, Banbury are a little adrift of the likes of Oxford Downs, Finchampstead and High Wycombe, but it’s all still to play for during the second half of the season.

After all, at one stage before three consecutive draws against all three of their likeliest title rivals, Banbury were flying at the top of the league.

“From an us point of view, from a team perspective, we’ve been doing really well,” Coyne told the Banbury Guardian.

“Everyone is contributing nicely and there’s a really good buzz around the team and in the dressing room. I’m a pretty happy captain just after the halfway point.”

When interviewed by this newspaper before the season got underway, Coyne spoke with great confidence about his side’s chances of winning the league.

In what is the top level of competition for recreational club cricket in the Home Counties of England, Banbury have proven they can beat anyone when on their game.

Whether it be fielding masterclasses or merciless batting displays, Banbury have a host of star players who can turn on the style and blow opponents away.

On whether he thinks Banbury can win the division one title for the first time in 26 years, Coyne added: “Yeah, I do.

“I think Wycombe and Finchampstead are very good sides but I think we have enough match-winners in our team to have a red-hot crack at it.

“If we play our best cricket consistently, I do see us winning the league. Whether we can play our best games and best cricket for those games, only time will tell.

“But I think we have enough in our side to rely on one or two people - different people - every week to get points for us.

“Hopefully, the conversation at the end of the year is a positive one!”