The First XI’s roller coaster season hit another dip on Saturday at a hot and sunny Alresford.
Bowling first, the Oaks never got going and a series of half-chances went begging to fielders and bowlers who were often out of sorts and not on their game.
Alresford took full advantage and a score of 218 for 7 looked decent on a deteriorating pitch with wickets shared between Clive Welsman, Dan Sumner, Mark Potter and Gerry Dique, who took 3.
Chasing the target, Dan Sumner (15) and Gerry Dique (30) found life difficult as they struggled against the wicket and some tight fielding, resulting in the run rate steadily rising to really challengeable levels.
One bright light was the batting of the improving Tom Holbrook, who scored quickly on his way to a season best 39, but when he was out, the run rate was soon out of control and wickets fell at regular intervals as a consequence.
It was one of those days when a lacklustre performance was couple with nothing going the way of the Oaks and the lads must now regroup and find a performance for the up and coming cup game this Thursday.
Up the Oaks!