The Second XI put in a fine performance to overcome Herriard in what was always a competitive game at cool but eventually sunny Oakley Park yesterday.
Batting first, the Oaks were scratchy early on in the face of some decent bowling, with Down and Butler looking the part in a tense start.
George Lethaby, who had escaped a caught behind appeal, lost patience and went to an ugly swing on 12 and when a normally assured Dan Jones departed shortly after on 7, the Oaks were looking shakey at 20-2.
James Bright came to the crease with the pressure on and something to prove as a batsman. It was then a case of cometh the hour, cometh the man, as he plundered runs from anything loose whilst ably guided by Oaks legend, Steve Savage, who provided vital support despite a leg injury.
Howdy Partner: Jimmy Bright and Steve Savage put the Oaks in command
A partnership of 125 ensued, swinging the match back towards the Oaks with Steve (47) hitting his own stumps in a fine display of jug avoidance and Brighty going on a masterful 87 whilst pushing for a ton as the Overs ran out.
A bit of late aggression from Brett King (9 no) and Kalum Sappumanage (8) aided the score past 200 and earned maximum points, with target being 203, a par total on a pitch that was playing well.
The openers needed to bowl well and that they did, with Perry King and Mike Askem bowling great lines to frustrate the batsmen who were struggling to beat a well set field that was on its game.
Mike finally got his reward but it was stingy nature of the opening pair that set it up for the batsmen to try to go hard at George Lethaby and Kalum Sappumanage to get the run rate back on track.
It worked out perfectly as George, despite being a bit loose at times, picked up a first Saturday five for, including the vital wicket of the dangerous Butler who starting to open his shoulders, and Kalum, who was superb, snared three wickets with controlled spin.
A final wicket for Dan Jones finished the job and a well executed victory in a game where the comfortable looking result was not a true reflection of a competitive and fine spirited match where everyone played their part in a fine fielding performance.
So, with two games gone it is maximum points for the Oaks and with healthy numbers turning up, the garden is looking rosy.
Up the Oaks!
#clivesbus