A makeshift Vodka and Oaks side lost out in a dramatic finale against second placed Longparish tonight but still finished in a commendable third place in Division One.
With Gerry Dique and Alex Brundle missing, the Oaks drafted in Darrell Dimond and Bob Lethaby against a strong ‘Parish bowling attack.
The Oaks lost both Dan Sumner (13) and George Lethaby (5) early on, but Clive Welsman remained firm, retiring to the hutch on 26.
Dan Jones also batted really well, retiring on 25, with late contributions from Darrell Dimond (8) and a traditionally chaotic 14 not-out from Bob Lethaby, aided the score to a commendable target of 125.
The Oaks bowled and fielded very well and were always in the game., with run-outs and a wicket for George Lethaby, keeping the scoreboard at a manageable rate.
However, 2 quick wickets did the Oaks no favours, as it allowed the ‘Parish opener to return and guide them along the right track to victory.
It all came down to the last over and sadly for the Oaks, a dropped catch and a fumbled stumping halted a charge for victory and ‘Parish completed the win with one ball to spare in a cracking encounter.
It was another narrow loss for the Vodkas but with four regular players aged 25 and under, it has been a good season where finishing behind Hook and Longparish is nothing to be ashamed of.
The next step is to keep growing as a team and turn narrow defeats into narrow victories.
Well done to all the lads who have played for and supported the Tuesday team, it has been a friendly and competitive league to play in.
Up the Vodkas!