Two late withdrawals left the Oaks short on bowling options as they struggled to get in to the game against Odiham.
Bowling first the Oaks created a few chances but there was also a dismal amount of extras coming from wides and leg side byes courtesy of poor bowling (48 extras, 26 in wides) as Odiham amassed 214-5.
Wickets came from George Lethaby (2) Brad Compton-Bearne and Dan Jones and there was also a run-out. Youngster, Matt Jones, bowled well during his short spell later in the innings.
On a good pitch it wasn’t an impossible target but the Oaks lost Jack Brundle early to arrest any momentum. From then on batsmen got in but failed to push on with Steve Savage (28) Dan Jones (17) and George Lethaby (17) all frustratingly getting out whilst looking well set.
An obligatory innings by BCB saw him race to 36 and with Tom Barnes making up with a poor day with the ball with some fine batting, there was some hope of victory. However, once Brad was out and Ian Bennett departed for one, there was little in the way of support in an inexperienced tail.
Brad top scored with 36
A familiar story featuring 4 ducks, including a gutsy one for Billy Turner, who at least hung around admirably for several overs to allow Tom to compile 25 not-out.
With the Oaks now hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone, they must somehow muster a win or two to stay in the league next year.
A good start would be learning to bowl straight and not chuck away runs in the field.
Onwards and Upwards.
Up the Oaks!
