Oakley IIs traveled the short distance to Bramley this Saturday to face Old Basing IIIs with a strong side and feeling confident.
After losing the toss the Oaks were sent into the field and started well. Dave Bowers and Harry Tucknott looked threatening with the new ball and were unlucky to only claim one early wicket. At 83-3 at drinks the innings was delicately balanced but this really changed with the introduction of ‘Tall’ Jeff.
Tall Jeff Leads the Way
‘Tall’ Jeff used his height to maximise the variable bounce in the wicket, claiming an impressive four wickets in his spell. As the innings progressed Old Basing kept attacking and it was only through sharp fielding by Will Rabley and an excellent stumping by George Rutt that the score was kept to a competitive, but achievable, 185.
Oakley’s innings started with a clatter of wickets as the Old Basing attack fully exploited the inconsistencies in the pitch with some accurate bowling. After losing three quick wickets, Oakley re-built through Matt Burrell and Kalum S. With aggressive running between the wickets the target was soon being chipped away at and the momentum of the game begun toshift.
Matt’s Marvellous 50 not Enough
Unfortunately, with boundaries still hard to come by, the pressure grew and when Kalum (26) then Matt fell (59) Oakley were still some way short of the target. Oak’s pushed on, with Will Rabley in particular looking good, and with five overs to go were still in with a chance of an unlikely victory. It was not to be though, as Will (35) was bowled to leave Oakley 13 runs short of victory.
Overall, it was a competitive game played in good spirits by both sides. There were many positives to take away including some excellent fielding and fight with the bat, which almost led to a victory even in the most challenging of circumstances.
We move on, taking the positives.