The Oaks turned up at a sunny Bentworth in good spirits after some blistering recent form. Could they take that form into a game against a, shall we say, mature side, that is battling relegation?
You are about to find out.
Batting First
The Oaks batted first on a pitch that was offering plenty for Bentworth’s solitary youngster, who obliged with plenty of lift and pace. He was well backed up by wily older fellas who were pretty consistent, letting the pitch do the work.
Still, Matt Burrell (29) and Ben Robinson (32) batted gamely and took The Oaks nicely along to 50 without loss and seemingly in charge of proceedings. Then, as the saying goes, it all went Pete Tong, with a top and middle order collapse right up there with the best of them.
Only some late resistance from a belligerent Mike Tiley (24) and Charlie Ead (15) aided The Oaks past a hundred. However, when these two departed along with Harry Tucknott, it was all out for 122, with Bob Lethaby stranded on 1 not out when looking good for a maiden 50.
Defending a Small Target
The Oaks fought hard in the field in an attempt to get back in the game but when you are defending 122, the bowling has to be perfect rather than decent. It was only ever decent, with too much loose stuff amongst the good deliveries.
Had The Oaks got the talented Nick Gaye out 20 runs earlier than the 45 he accumulated, it may have been a different story. When he did get out with 20 still needed, there was brief hope with Bentworth getting bit edgy at 4 then 5 down. Credit to them though, they saw it through for a deserved victory and a boost to their survival hopes. The Oaks wickets went to Matt Burrell (2) Charlie Ead, Harry Tucknott and George Lethaby.
Moving On
With a cocktail of false confidence, a bit of bad luck and decent Bentworth bowling, it was not a great afternoon for The Oaks but one to learn and move on from. Bentworth were good hosts and we wish them luck as they look to stay in the division to play us again next year.
For The Oaks, any lingering hopes of a late promotion push have been extinguished, so another year in the fifth tier beckons.
We crack on and look forward to a strong finish.