Several Oaks players staked their claim for places in a good pre-season friendly versus a makeshift Ashford Hill outfit at a sultry Oakley Park.
There were some encouraging performances with the bat featuring several players responding well to Gerry Dique’s request for more good partnerships throughout the team this season.
Gerry led the way with an unbeaten 50 on a tricky surface and was backed up well with all the top and middle order contributing 2o’s, 30’s and 40’s as well as some great tail end hitting in a total of 260.
In response, Hill opener, Peter Ballard rode his luck but also smashed some lusty blows off a bit of rusty bowling but once he departed, the Oaks controlled the rest of the game with wickets shared between Clive Welsman, Rob Wood, Mike Tiley, Dan Sumner and Ian Bennett in a total of 160 odd.
In general captain, Gerry Dique, was pleased with what he saw and was grateful for the chance to see Ronnie McCewan and Rob Wood in action, with both showing good ability with the ball in hand and as late order batsmen.
It’s very early to tell how the season will shape up but to see the top and middle order batsmen all looking in good nick on a tricky pitch bodes well for a solid season for the lads.
Well done chaps.
Up the Oaks!
