The Oakley first team had a disappointing afternoon at Old Alresford on Saturday where many players just didn’t get going under lead grey skies and a cold wind.
Batting first, Alresford reached a reasonable total of 216 on a pitch with a small boundary, however, amongst some of the good ground fielding and bowling, particularly from Tommy Holbrook, there was also plenty of erroneous stuff and dropped catches. It was with some irony that the hardest catch was one that actually stuck, Dan Beckell taking a flier in the slips. The wicket takers were George Lethaby (2) Alex Brundle (2) and Tommy Holbrook (1).
Oakley struggled on a cold and miserable afternoon at Old Alresford
After a rain delay the reduced target of 208 off 38 overs still looked manageable until the in form Scott Bright was cleaned up for an unlikely duck. From thereon the batsmen scratched around for form as the run rate increased by the over and only Michael Wood showed resistance and positive intent, reaching 31 before an inexplicable run-out that resulted in him volleying his bat down the pitch in an almost comical fit of temper.
George Lethaby (18 not out) and Alex Brundle (25) provided a bit of late cheer with a flurry of fours and sixes that took the Oaks past the 150 mark, but the damage had been done and it was a case of what might have been.
Next week sees the return of Clive Welsman who will be keen to get this young and improving team back to winning ways.
Up the Oaks!