Firsts Lack the Power For a Chase

The firsts were beaten by league leaders Steeple Langford yesterday after failing to chase down a target of 174 on a pea shooter of a pitch where runs were hard to find.

George Lethaby returned to the attack to partner in form Tommy Holbrook and as a pair they took a couple of early wickets for not too many, to get the Oaks on the right track.

However, the Oaks were below par in the field and some needless extras combined with the Langford middle order batting sensibly and then gradually putting their foot on the gas, allowed them momentum.

Further wickets came for George, Dan Sumner (3) Clive Welsman (2) and Gerry Dique (2) as the Oaks gained maximum bowling points, but the general feeling was that 174 would be a big target to chase.

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The cause was not helped when Gerry Dique was out to a shaky LBW that appeared to pitching way outside the line and Dan Sumner was cleaned up soon after, leaving the Oaks reeling on 19-2.

Steve Savage and Scott Bright steadied the ship, but when Steve went to another dodgy LBW, the Oaks were in desperate need for a middle order batsman to support Scott (who went on to an excellent 50) and give impetus to a target that was approaching 10 an over.

However, it never came and by the time the bottom order came in the cause was pretty much lost, with the Oaks failing to reach 150.

All in all it was not a great day for lads but it has to be said that Steeple Langford were an organised and settled looking team who ultimately deserved their victory.

We move on

Up the Oaks!

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