Oakley almost pulled off a sensational T20 defeat against Nations today in a classic encounter that will live short in the memory for those who took part and supported us on a desperate afternoon of early season weather.
The Oaks bowled first and despite getting a bit of tap from the Nations opener, they were soon amongst the wickets, with Tom Barnes, Bownie, Alex Ogden, George Lethaby (2) Ian Bennet (2) and returning hero, James Wiltshire, all amongst the wickets in a total of 116 in what was a largely dominant bowling performance.
George Lethaby and Alex Brundle opened, quickly amassing a 50 partnership to put the Oaks in the box seat. With both players unselfishly swinging like 1970’s salesmen at a suburban dinner party, a wicket had to fall, and when Alex eventually went played on for 25, George did the the decent thing and retired on 32 to let others have a bat.
This is when things didn’t go entirely to the script and with every player taking wild haymakers on a pitch resembling the Somme, wickets fell rapidly and comically, letting Nations back into a game where they had rarely been a threat.
Darrell Dimond went for 5, James Wiltshire for 10 (including a six that landed in Dorset somewhere) Ian Bennet for 13, Bob Lethaby for a traditionally inexplicable 8, Jack Brundle was run-out for 10 when cantering along the wicket and Steve Bown was caught for 11 by one of his own team mates (Dan Jones) who volunteered for the opposition.
When Deano came in to bat, it was all up for grabs with not many balls to spare but his inevitable duck allowed Alex Ogden to crack a four to win the game with three runs needed off two balls.
In the end, it all worked perfectly, because all the players either got a decent bat or a bowl, which is some achievement in a T20 game.
Ultimately, it was just a bit of fun on a Bank Holiday Monday and everyone was just relieved the game went ahead, which in itself, was something of a miracle.
Thanks to Nations for coming and thanks to all who showed up in poor weather to help out and support the club.
#clivesbus
