A fantastic unbeaten partnership of 181 from Dan Sumner and Gerry Dique swept the Oaks to victory on Saturday in what was a great all-round team performance at Amesbury.
Bowling first, Tommy Holbrook and Jimmy Bright pegged Amesbury back with some really tight stuff and as the pressure started to increase on the low scoring rate, wickets started to fall as runs became required.
Holbrook only picked the one wicket, which was less than his efforts deserved, but this paved the way for others as Amesbury were forced to play shots, resulting in wickets for Jimmy Bright(2) George Lethaby (2) and 4 for Dan Sumner who heading towards his best day in an Oakley shirt.
The eventual target of 181 looked testing rather than daunting on a good track however, and Sumner, bursting with confidence after his fine bowling spell, thrived on any bad balls as Dique once again, looked like a class act at the other end.
Hitting the Heights: Gerry and Dan are in Top Form
In what is a blossoming partnership of youth and experience, this was the second 100+ partnership in a week for this pair and the third of what is now becoming a fruitful season. It was fitting that both players finished on 83, even if Gerry’s perpetual jug avoidance is becoming something of a nuisance.
The Oaks have now totally dispelled any relegation fears in their first season in County 4 and can look forward to a productive last month of the 2015 season where players can play with more freedom. Captain, Darrel Dimond, was rightly proud of the shift all the players put in.
Up the Oaks!