The Brexit and inclement weather conditions didn’t stop Oakley and Dummer contesting the Ron Ferguson 20/20 Cup on Friday evening, even though the attendance was restricted to those who are both brave and foolish.
The Oaks fielded a stronger side than they wished and after being put into bat with a false coin toss, Bob Lethaby opened with himself and Jimmy Bright, thus keeping the alleged ‘big hitters’ down the order.
Jimmy went for a quick 10 and Bob soon followed after a blistering 5 off just 15 deliveries and when Paddy Saines went for a golden duck, Dummer were in business.
The Oaks and Dummer Battle it out in the Ron Ferguson Cup
However, Alex Brundle had other ideas and a fifty off 35 deliveries put the Oaks in control. Backed up with a few quick-fire double-figure innings from George Lethaby, Dan Jones, Jack Brundle and Steve Savage, as well as an obligatory high-scoring late slog by Brad Compton-Bearne, the Oaks finished in a handsome position on 178.
Bob reversed the bowling order, opening with Jack Brundle and the multi-talented Darrel Dimond, but the Dummer boys couldn’t capitalise, with the only real resistance coming from Alex Stewart (50) Steve Heath (14) and a fine late knock by Mark Harmon (20).
With a strong Oakley team on show, Dummer needed to perform well but they were the first to admit that they didn’t bat well enough, struggling in particular with the raw pace of Bob ‘the Oakley Express’ Lethaby, who removed dangermen and neighbours, Mark Barden and Simon Pennington.
Other wickets went to Dan Sumner, Darrel Dimond, Dan Sumner, Brad Compton-Bearne and Jack Brundle.
Special thanks to Suzanne Barden (BBQ) Harry Lethaby (entertainment) and all the Dummer players and supporters who once again supported local cricket with their spending behind the bar and on the BBQ.
A fun evening all round.