Michael ‘Woody’ Wood’s second 11 barely moved out of first gear in a one-sided affair against Liphook and Ripsley yesterday to maintain their status as promotion favourites.
Bowling first the Oaks didn’t mess about with Steve ‘Bownie‘ Bown and Lance ‘Vanny’ Van Dyke taking 3 wickets apiece as L&R were reduced to a paltry 25 for 6.
It took an L&R Under 13 player to steady the ship with the opener and with the aid of a couple other colts, they edged past 100 despite further wickets for Dan ‘Tom’ Jones (2) Alex ‘Let’s Get Ready To’ Brundle and Tom ‘Jones’ Barnes.
Chasing the target Michael ‘Woody’ Wood got out clean bowled after executing an exquisite pull-shot and Dan ‘Becky’ Beckell went LBW as Oakley stuttered.
However, Steve ‘Savvy’ Savage steadied the ship with a very useful 47 that was backed up by a careful 24 by Alex ‘Let’s Get Ready To’ Brundle and a five minute cameo 17 (including 2 sixes) from Brad ‘Commie-Bernie’ Compton Bearne.
It was a routine win that didn’t have the drama of last week’s game at Holyborne, with the highlight of the day for Bob ‘Lethy’ Lethaby, who had, in reality, been about as much use as a one-legged man in an arse kicking contest, being a post-match chat with the opposition’s chairman and treasurer.
Apparently, a few years ago, a member of the travelling community joined L&R and when the subject of new sight screens came up at a club meeting, they were soon to be greeted with some handy-work by the said gentleman.
He generously gave up his own time to smash up two caravans and create two sight screens with the debris, surmising that it was the obvious thing to do, as the wheels were already in place!
Hearing the tales of the opposition committee members is often more entertaining than the game itself.
Up the Oaks!