The Sunday XI overcame local rivals Dummer in a good spirited game on a sensational August afternoon at Oakley Park yesterday.
With the Oaks batting first, Dummer had to cope with an early onslaught from Brad Compton-Bearne who was looking forward to making up for a disappointing Saturday. However, after 3 huge sixes, James Dodd had his man, caught and bowled, not long after Ian Bennett had departed in similar circumstances for a duck.
When Brett King departed for 10, Dummer were definitely on top of proceedings with not a great deal of Oakley batting left, but a 50 plus partnership from Alex brundle (50 ret) and Bob Lethaby (29) got the Oaks back on track.
This allowed Jack Brundle to open his shoulders and flourish with a quick-fire 34 that set Dummer an uneviable 172 to win on a tough pitch.
Perry King was once again on form and along with Tom Barnes at the other end, the Oaks were proving too much for the Dummer boys who got themselves in and out without much resistance despite an early flurry from Steve Heath.
Some late resistance from Patel (23) Harmon (11) Dodd (28) and Ballard (19 N.O) delayed proceedings and added respectability to the Dummer total, with the Oakley highlight being the snaring of Jim Stevenson by his son, Oakley Under 15, Morgan.
As ever, the game was played competitively but not without plenty of fun and light-hearted banter from both sides, with all the players and supporters enjoying a cold beer after the game as the sun set on a wonderful August afternoon.
Thanks to the Dummer lads for giving us a game at late notice and in turn, adding the the coffers at Oakley CC on a day where having no match would have been a travesty.
Up the Oaks!
