An incredible unbeaten run, dating back to July 2013, ending in cataclysmic fashion as the seconds were found desperately wanting in a savage beating by nearest rivals Compton & Chandlers Ford.
Batting first after losing the toss, Michael Wood and Dan Jones never really got going against decent but unspectacular bowling from Compton and both of them went in quick succession without much on the board.
Dan Beckall temporarily looked in good nick before skewing one looping in the air, leaving the crease in disgust before the catch was even taken, whilst Brad Compton-Bearne went to a cross bat hay-maker that was so ugly, it made made Anne Widdicombe look pretty. To crown his glorious moment, Brad threw his bat down the crease in a fit of temper that would have had a toddler writhing in envy.
A rare bad day: Brad Compton-Bearne
Alex Brundle was desperately trying to stick it out and was joined by Bob Lethaby, who came in early to try and steady the ship with some defence to stop the rot. However, Bob was done through the gate between bat and pad for nought and was soon joined back in the pavilion by George Lethaby, who celebrated this unique father and son double-duck by volleying his helmet a good thirty yards before attempting to spear it with his bat.
Jack and Alex Brundle tried to calm the storm but Jack went shortly after Alex had been caught, leaving it to Deano James to hit his best ever shot which, sadly, had the misfortune of arrowing towards Compton’s deep mid-on, who took it calmly.
Rob Gerrard had a late flurry of 18 but when Tom Barnes was brilliantly caught at slip, the game was up with Compton needing just 70 to win.
George Lethaby picked up an early wicket courtesy of a fine catch by Rob Gerrard but when the other opener was dropped with the score on 12 any hope of a miracle was quashed.
There was still time for some petulance from Bob Lethaby and Dan Beckall in the slips after the same opener failed to walk after a clear edge went in to the gloves of Jack Brundle, but the flurry of bad tempered sledging that followed was as much in frustration with personal performance as it was with the non-walking batsman.
Tom Barnes did give the Oaks a smidgen of consolation, picking up two wickets in an over when the game was already lost, which at least gave the Oaks a bowling point and denied Compton maximum batting points.
In reality, the Oaks were well beaten and the poor manner with which they dealt with a losing situation, was an example of a team that is not used to being not only being beaten, but having their noses metaphorically ground in to the dirt.
The Oaks have a week to lick their wounds, get back on track and continue towards promotion and another title.
Up the Oaks!