The second 11 fell just 7 runs short of victory after a thrilling contest against high-flying Langley Manor at a sticky Oakley Park today.
Bowling first the Oaks started well with Brad Compton-Bearne and Perry King keeping things tight.
However, the unlikely star was Bob Lethaby, who perplexed the Langley batsmen with a great eight over spell of slow stuff to strangle the scoring.
The Oaks bowled and fielded well throughout with Brad Compton-Bearne (3-29) George Lethaby (2-32) Will Bentley (2-30) and Bob (2-23) also taking 2 decent catches as Langley were reduced to 163-9.
However, in response, the Oaks collapsed in the face of good bowling and three ducks saw them in disarray at 8-3.
A fantastic partnership of 85 from George Lethaby (49) and Jack Brundle (37) got the Oaks back in the hunt but when big hitting Brad Compton-Bearne went for 1, it was a big blow.
Will Bentley (22) and Ian Bennet (24) regrouped, and nearly got the Oaks home in a dramatic finale.
Alas, it wasn’t to be and the Oaks just missed out on a great victory against a strong bowling outfit.
Ce la vie and all that!
Up the Oaks.
