The in-form Oaks 2s looked to build on their recent good form as they entertained Ramsdell’s 2s at an increasingly sunny Oakley Park yesterday. Stand-in skipper George Lethaby won the toss and opted to bat first, aiming to take advantage of a, shall we say, mature Ramsdell fielding side.
Early Wobble
Initially, this decision seemed unwise when Tom Hartgill went LBW for nought. Perhaps he was still digesting his breakfast? However, The Oaks soon rebuilt, with in-form Kris Tucknott looking solid and gorging on anything wayward. Kris went caught and bowled for a useful 30, but Rutty continued to profit from anything loose. Rutty was joined by the lively Alex Brundle, who looked in the mood to run the Rams ragged and soon started doing so.
Mid-Innings Surge
Rutty just missed out on his 50, getting out on 49. (A collective groan could be heard from the pavilion). With the score now at 120 and some quick scorers to come, The Oaks were looking clear favourites to post well over 200. George came in, and the innings really started ramping up as he and Alex ran everything. Alex raced past 50, but George was given out stumped on 30 despite clearly being back in his crease. An odd decision, but all was explained later. Bizarre.
Still, at 187-4, the decision wasn’t worth dwelling on. As punishment, after Alex finally went out on 74, Nick Green walloped three sixes in a fine cameo of 26 as the score raced past 200. Mike Tiley (14) and Jack Brundle completed the innings, leaving The Oaks with a commanding 245-6 to defend.
The Bowling
With maximum batting points achieved, the only thing that might stand in The Oaks’ way was obdurance rather than a run at victory. This was clearly the case, as The Rams held their own, profiting from some wides as The Oaks tried to build on an early wicket from Harry Tucknott. Enter AB, who, not satisfied with his 74, proceeded to rip out the Rams’ top order. It was like watching a hot knife slice through butter, or something similar.
Chaotic End
All resistance went from The Rams, and all that was required was the push for maximum points. This happened in chaotic fashion in what turned out to be the final over of the game, with Jack Brundle bowling one over for no runs and three wickets. One for the Oakley record books, surely and something Jack will never want to talk about. George finished the job with an easy run-out to complete a handsome victory by 162 runs.
It was then into the clubhouse to watch The First XI complete a dramatic victory live on TV. What a game that was. So, it was job done for the 2s, and with Basingstoke suffering the misfortune of having their game cancelled, the 24 points take us up to second, with promotion in our hands. However, there are a lot more tricky hurdles to jump before then, with some hard games ahead.
Man of the Match: Alex Brundle – 74 runs and 5 wickets making it an easy choice. AB was delighted with his broom after ‘sweeping’ the Rams aside.
