The Second XI somehow managed to dodge the rain long enough at a miserable Oakley Park yesterday, ensuring their relegation fight will go down to a last day encounter with St Mary’s at Newfound next Saturday.
Put into to bat by runaway leaders Twyford, the Oaks knew that time at the crease was key with rain in the forecast. However, the prolific Twyford openers were soon amongst the wickets, with Steve Savage, Jack Brundle, Dan Jones and Alex Brundle all going cheaply.
The only resistance came from captain, George Lethaby, (who batted patiently for 20 overs) and a brief flurry of 19 from Brad Compton-Bearne.
However, when George was bowled for 23, James Wiltshire, Tom Barnes and Brett King all departed quickly after without troubling the scoreboard, leaving Bob Lethaby stranded on 6, just 44 short of a maiden half-century.
The Oaks finished on a paltry 88 all-out; Twyford are a good side, but it could be argued they are not that good.
The Oaks were well beaten on a dismal afternoon at Oakley Park
With rain clouds gathering to the west, the Oaks had one hope and that was an abandonment, however, sensing this was the case, the Twyford batsmen piled into anything loose and despite a wicket for George Lethaby, they raced to the target without any alarm and won at a canter.
Within half an hour, the heavens opened across Oakley Park, a depressing sight that only confirmed that if the boys had been able to dig in for just little bit longer with willow in hand, they could have escaped with damage limiting draw.
So, it all comes down to the last day and with Romsey and Aldershot already relegated, it is between the Oaks and Herriard for the last relegation spot. Oakley just hold the advantage and good win v St Mary’s should do the trick, barring a Herriard massacre of Aldershot, which is not inconceivable.
Come on the Oaks!
*Congratulations to Twyford, they are a good side who play the game in a well spirited manner and are deservedly champions.