The Oaks left the best to last on Saturday with a morale boosting double victory for the firsts and seconds.
Down at Oakley Park the First 11 condemned Holybourne to relegation with debutant and Colts coach, Alan North, hitting 67 in a 100+ partnership with Tommy Holbrook, who also hit a 50 in total of 239.
Holybourne were soon polished off for just 110 and will find themselves back in the regional leagues next year.
Special thanks to Jeremy Stewart, Steve Heath and Alan North for stepping into the team.
Meanwhile, down the road at Newfound, dramatic scenes were unfolding in a real ding dong affair as the second string looked to stave off relegation to regional 3.
A handsome victory looked on the cards as Clive Welsman and Steve Savage put on 83 for the first wicket on a horrible pitch as thunderstorms rattled around in the distance.
Clive and Steve Put on 83
However, a dramatic collapse ensued and only a bit of late belligerence from Tom Barnes and Ian Bennet, nudged the scoreboard up to 147.
Clive Welsman picked up an early wicket to raise hopes but with a mixture of defence and the picking of anything loose, St Mary’s appeared to be cruising at 63-1.
However, a pair of thrilling catches by Ian Bennet (off the bowling of Perry King and Alex Brundle) turned things around, allowing a fight back to commence and setting the stage for Brad Compton-Bearne.
Steaming in from the clubhouse end, Brad obliterated St Mary’s with six wickets leaving Will Bentley to complete the job, sealing a victory by 32 runs.
It was a great performance in the field and with 21 points on the board the Oaks then had a nervous wait to see if Herriard could better their result.
Back at the club, Deano became a destitute man’s Jeff Stelling as he got updates from Herriard, whilst Jeremy Stewart calmly calculated the ramifications.
Had we survived? Yes…no…probably…not sure!
Then the news broke that Aldershot had beaten Herriard by 2 runs and the party started at the Mango Grove restaurant who were the other winners, netting £570 from curries and booze.
A massive well done to everyone who has played for and supported the Oaks this year, the future is bright and some great times lay ahead.
We still have a few Sunday games left and the 20/20 awards day, so please continue to support the best village club in the land!
(Staying) Up the Oaks!