The Second XI blasted back to form after a disastrous couple of weeks, completing a fine victory at AWE Tadley, chasing 191.
Bowling first, the seconds, despite a couple of fine catches by Alfie Rowley, missed opportunities in the field with Rob Gerrard in particular, unlucky to finish with just two wickets when he could have had 5.
The other wickets went to Alex Brundle (3) Perry King (2) and the excellent Oscar Rowley who also picked up two.
Chasing the target looked like a tough task but Michael Wood and Steve Savage eased the the Oaks past 50 without loss, before Woody departed in the thirties whilst looking good for a big score.
Alex Brundle came in at three and batted really well as he edged his way to a second 50 of the season but Oakley were hampered by the retirement of Steve Savage, who had to retire after pulling up with cramp.
Steve Savage hit an Excellent 53 before retiring
This brought Brad Compton-Bearne to the crease to finish the job with Alex but after a quick-fire 18 he was caught on the boundary, a decision he disputed and told every Oakley member about after the game until they either dozed of or simply went home for some peace and quiet.
As a consequence Jack Brundle managed to see Oakley home with a brilliant 0 not-out trying to claim that he hit the winning runs as he did so. The problem with hitting the winning runs is that you have to do just that, hit them, not try to claim heroics for a no-ball. Though in fairness, Jack completed his marathon stint at the crease without needing a drink.
All in all it was a great day for the two’s who could yet claim the title and it justified Michael Wood’s public and underhand sacking of veteran, Bob Lethaby, who has risked being fined by his club for allowing The Sunday Observer to publish extracts from his forthcoming autobiography ‘Wood You Believe It!’
With some irony, Bob captain’s a club invitational game against Woody tomorrow, a match where he promises that personal grudges won’t affect what happens on the pitch.
“I hate Woody”, said Bob, “but I have to make sure I do my talking on the pitch…he doesn’t rate me and that is his prerogative…a mesmeric spin bowler with his talent has a right to his opinion but I aim to make him grovel.”
When questioned Woody was adamant he made the right choice. “I picked Deano ahead of Bob because he supports West Ha…sorry, I meant because he was in the net practising while Bob was having a beer and that’s all I have to say on the matter…I will let the score-book do the talking as it did today.”
The match takes place at Oakley tomorrow at 1:00 PM…for more information click here.