Oakley, against the weather odds, hosted neighbours Farleigh Wallop at a windy and cool Oakley Park today, running out winners in a closely fought contest.
Bowling first, Oakley restricted Farleigh to a respectable 150 on a wicket that was unpredictable after the recent wet weather that wiped out yesterday’s fixture calendar.
The wickets were spread out between George Lethaby (2) Dan Jones (2) James Bright (1) Alex Brundle (1) and a George Lethaby run-out with George being the pick of the bunch, going for just 16 runs off his 8 over spell.
Chasing the total, 9 man Oakley were dealt an early blow when Scott Bright went for six, leaving captain for the day, Bob Lethaby, nursing a badly bruised finger, to join Jack “I don’t talk much” Brundle at the crease.
Bob dug in, leaving it to Jack to hit a few lusty blows before departing on 21 and being replaced by brother Alex, who played well until a sticker done him up like a kipper, resulting in a disgruntled return to the pavilion.
Bob: Hero
It was now the turn for the returning James Bright, who was in imperious form, blocking the good and punishing the bad as Bob stoically, some might say heroically, played the part of the blocker and admirer at the other end.
The job looked nearly done until James departed, 4 short of a maiden 50, leaving it to George Lethaby to take control and aid Bob over the finishing line, hitting two quick fours in an unbeaten 15, to ease the pressure and reduce the run rate.
In a fitting finale, George took a quick single that allowed Bob to finish in style with a thumping four that his brave, turgid and heroic innings of 36 not out deserved.
Well done to the nine men and a special mention to the colts, who once again, served the club so well alongside the returning Matt Vickers behind the stumps; it was a day when the only losers were Adam Robinson and Scott Bright, who will now be fearing for their place as Oakley’s Saturday openers at the expense of Bob.
Up the Oaks!