Unfortunately, another week of the cricket season passes and it was another shocker for ‘summer’ weather. Only the First’s got a game completed, whilst the Second’s saw their match abandoned after one downpour too many and the Third’s didn’t even get started.
Fantastic First XI Demolish RAM
A wonderful performance in the field from the First XI smashed the unbeaten record of top drawer RAM side at Oakley Park yesterday. In shocking conditions where the game was always under threat, The Oaks bowlers adapted to the weather better than their opponents did with the bat.
The boys knew they needed a good start and they flew out of the traps, taking 4 early wickets to leave RAM in all sorts of trouble at 28-4. Tom Barnes (2) and Brad Compton-Bearne (1) plus a run-out did the damage, with Tom taking the vital wicket of Imran Kahan (not that one) who regularly scores for fun.
However, RAM are not leaders for nothing and a middle order partnership of 95 swung the score back into a state of equilibrium. At 123- 4 RAM were right back in it but The Oaks stood up to the task and when Ronnie McCewan and Alex Brundle ended that partnership, The Oaks sniffed their chance and took it. Ronnie finished with a superb 4-29 and Alex 2-42 as RAM were routed for 141.
Because of the weather, the target was set at 108 off 28 Overs and although the game looked won, DJ and Elliot Hennessey had to withstand some hostile stuff to get the scoreboard going. DJ played an admirable innings, taking a bit of a peppering as he dug in, allowing Elliot to dismiss any rare bad ball that came his way. He (DJ) was eventually out for the best 7 he will score for some time, as he had effectively seen off the good bowling.
Dan Sumner came in and by now, all he had to do is provide support for Elliot who was becoming increasingly destructive. The Oaks were heading for their best victory in their long unbeaten run and when Elliot eventually holed out for a fantastic 71, Ram were a beaten team. Alan (Alan) North finished the job by pulling a huge six in the direction of the car park.
So, a huge statement made in an 8 wicket victory that left RAM looking beleaguered but also accepting defeat with good grace. A good team is also one that loses with dignity instead of crying foul and looking for excuses, so fair play to them; a good bunch.
The Oaks were excellent out there and deserve the attention this victory will get them. What they must do now, is come back down to earth and look forward to the next challenge in a league full of very good teams vying for the top two positions.
It was just a shame that a rain affected game meant only nineteen points, despite an 8 wicket victory. That hardly seems fair but rules are rules, and cricket has long been the master of coming up with stupid ones.
Weather: Really shit again, 15c with heavy showers
MOM: Elliot Hennessey: an excellent 71 just ousting Ronnie’s 4-29
Second XI Halted by Rain
Report by the spellcheckers nightmare, Michael Wood.
The 2nd 11 went to kingsclere with a strong team hoping to get back to winning ways (erm…they won last week Woody!?).
It was a very damp pitch but kingsclere done well to get the game started and new boy Vickers opennes the bowling, bowling against a Batman’s to hit it further than Brad it was a touch ask. With 6s going around all over the gaff Oakley were praying for more rain. However Essex boy Rabley bowled a wide full toss which the batsman couldn’t handle and drove it back into the safe hands of Rabley. This was quite possibly the funniest wicket I have ever seen. Terrific!
Once the slogger was out rob wood come on and slowed the run rate right down with Woody at the over end bowling a superb bit of off spin the batsman were doomed and couldn’t get off quick enough.
The rain then got worse and with no covers the game was called off.
Annoying as it was a strong team
And we would of won.