The Second XI completed a tenth successive win today in turbulent weather where rain and lightning was always a threat against a keen and able Crown Taverners outfit.
However, the ground staff and the covers did a fine job and somehow we got the game on, batting first in damp conditions.
The top order found it hard going and when Jack Brundle, Darrell Dimond and George Lethaby went cheaply, Taverners were right in the hunt.
However, veteran, Steve Savage, was batting well, using all his years of nouse as he guided the scorecard to respectability with the ever reliable Alex Brundle, who later said it was the first time he had dealt with lightning behind the bowlers arm as a distraction.
When Steve (62) and Alex (42) eventually departed, the Oaks lost Dan Jones, Alex Ogden and Kalum Sappumannage in quick succession as they looked to compile a good total.
This looked out of the question but a quick-fire 17 from Mark Potter and an excellent last wicket stand of 29 between Ian Bennet and Mike Askem, took the Oaks to a formidable total of dead on 200 and maximum batting points.
Game On: The Oaks and Taverners were keen to play in harsh conditions
With a reduced target of 187 off 37 Overs, Taverners started well enough but a combination of excellent, youthful fielding, shafted the momentum back to the Oaks.
As a result, the Taverners stalled and the second half of their innings featured all the ambition of 63 year old admin clerk called Brenda, creating a situation where the game died as any kind of spectacle.
The Oaks toiled in search of bonus points and did get some reward with Mark Potter, Alex Brundle and DJ (2) picking up wickets as Taverners ended 4 down and 59 short of victory.
However, whilst the Taverners batting was slightly lacklustre, their support for Oakley as a club wasn’t. Unlike some clubs, they spent handsomely in the bar afterwards, obviously in the knowledge that cricket clubs need support off the pitch.
It is something that we will remember when we visit their ground for future fixtures.
So, a tenth win, 21 points and a performance where experience and youth blended into a good team performance where 66 year-old Steve Savage was the star performer who built a foundation for victory.
Well done to all involved, including Crown Taverners, in what was a day when many clubs would have caved in and ‘Got the Game Off’.
Up the Oaks!
