The first team got their season after a poor start after a below par display against a spirited but unspectacular Bentworth side today.
Batting first, Bentworth were pinned down, in particularly by Tom Holbrook, who put in a fine spell of bowling. However, the breakthrough didn’t materialise until the arrival of Clive Welsman, who bowled full and slow for success taking a of couple of wickets in a tight spell.
However, there was too much short stuff from the Oaks on a pudding of a pitch, although Dan Sumner and George Lethaby did have some success picking up a wicket apiece and Tom Holbrook eventually picked up the couple of wickets that his bowling deserved.
Chasing a total of 179 the Oaks kept getting themselves in then out, losing patience with slow straight bowling that was nothing to be alarmed about. Paddy Saines, Dan Sumner, Clive Welsman, Darrell Dimond and James Bright all made starts before infuriating themselves with poor shot selection.
Tommy Holbrook and George Lethaby, steadied things but when Tom went for 22, the game was nearly up. George was joined by Keith Cutmore who batted well for 13, and then his Dad, Bob Lethaby, who was happy to try and see out the innings and look to George to finish the job.
George, however, holed out to a long hop after a gutsy 36, leaving the Oaks 30 runs short of victory with five overs to play.
Some harsh lessons learnt on a disappointing day.
Up the Oaks!