THIS is shaping up to be a wonderful summer for English cricket with the home side already 2-0 up in the Ashes Test series over the not-so-mighty Australians after victories at Edgbaston and Lord’s.

For Bibury CC, their annus mirabilis came in 1969 when they won the prestigious Oaksey Bowl for the first time in their history, gaining a six-wicket victory over old rivals Ampney Crucis.

Winning the toss Bibury put their opponents in on a wicket and outfield which had been drenched for much of the previous 24 hours.

Bowlers Ray Hopkins and John Randall immediately began to trouble the Ampney batsmen only Butler looking at all confident. The end result was an all-out total of only 49, the last wicket falling in the last of the 15 eight-ball overs, Hopkins and Randall each taking four.

Brockbank and Brown gave Bibury a confident looking start but it was county second XI player Terry Day who really led the way to victory cracking an unbeaten 31 including three towering sixes - the clear answer to a very slow outfield.

Victory it was therefore for Bibury by a convincing four wickets and a new name to be inscribed on the Oaksey Bowl which was presented to Bibury skipper Bill Brockbank by Lord Oaksey.

Ampney Crucis 49: J Randall 4-21, R Hopkins, 4 – 25.

Bibury 50 for 4: T Day 31n.o.