Michael Wood enjoyed his maiden outing as second team captain today as the Oaks won a hard fought contest against a young and spirited Longparish III’s.
Batting first, the Oaks stuttered badly, with early season nerves leading to Dan Sumner being run out in the first over and fellow opener, Steve Savage, dismissed for a disappointing 3.
Wood steadied things before getting out when looking well set on 18, however, it was Darrel Dimond (58) and Scott Bright (46) who led the fightback and wrested control from Longparish.
This was backed by 33 from Tommy Holbrook and 29 for débutante, Mark Potter, aiding the score to a competitive total of 226.
Winning start: The Seconds in Action at Oakley Park Today
Defending, Oakley set about the Longparish attack with gusto, Tommy Holbrook taking three early wickets including two in two balls and Callum Van Dyk unlucky to claim just the one in a fine spell.
Any chance of an early finish was diminished when Longparish first team batsman, Justin Jackman, arrived at the crease, steadying the ship, before threatening to swing the game back in their favour.
However, wickets continued to fall, with Alex Brundle and Dan Sumner taking one apiece before Wood introduced Mark Potter to crush any chances of a realistic Longparish fightback.
Mark took three late wickets, with Tommy, finally and deservedly, ending Jackman’s fine innings of 86.
So in the end, a reasonably comfortable day for the seconds, who should have ambitions of a successful season ahead.
Finally, special thanks to all the ground-staff who made it possible to play today’s game after Thursday’s downpour, the lads were grateful to get a game at last!
Up the Oaks!!