The first team, weakened by the loss of the Robinson’s, Scott Bright and Mark Potter, fell apart with the bat after reducing a decent Bentworth side to 168.
Oakley were nearly off to the ultimate start when the Bentworth run machine, opener, McCarthy, dollied up the first ball from Tom Holbrook into to the only place where there was no fielder.
After that Bentworth steadied and started going along at a steady rate despite some fine bowling from Tom Holbrook and James Bright, who once again, tore in to the opposition with no reward.
Oaks had a change of luck when McArthy, who had bludgeoned a quick 53, edged to George’s Lethaby’s first ball loosener, much to he delight of the whole fielding side as they now had a reall scent of victory.
As expected, Bentworth toiled in the hot afternoon sun after that dismissal came regular wickets courtesy of Alex Brundle, Tom Holbrook, Clive Welsman and Dan Sumner, to leave Betworth stuttering towards 164 all out.
It was a great all round effort in the field and at this point the Oaks were well on top.
However, a batting collapse ensued, with only Dan Sumner 17 and Sam Holbrook 33, showing any resistance as Oakley made a miserable attempt at chasing a meagre total on a good day for batting, with the tail not showing any wag to rescue the afternoon.
No one chooses to have a bad day, but the atmosphere in the bar afterwards was proof that several player felt they had let themselves and the team.
The Oaks need to bounce back quickly to keep alive any hope of an end of season Championship party, but it looks like the fat lady may have already sung.
Up the Oaks!