The Oaks emerged as handsome winners over Crondall in this long standing annual friendly, courtesy of of a wonderful century by Dan Sumner and 3 late wickets from paceman, Bob ‘the Oakley Express’ Lethaby.
In a game that was all about who would adjust to the awful playing conditions, it was Dan Sumner who shone through the cloudy skies with a century that came courtesy of hard work and flamboyance.
Dan Sumner: Great unbeaten century.
The other main contributions came from Alex Brundle (20) and Dan Jones (42) in a final total of 223 that looked pretty formidable in deteriorating weather and a miserable temperature of around 15 centigrade.
The two Crondall openers looked in good nick and a flurry of early fours had the Oaks wondering if this was going to be a lot closer than imagined.
However, the pitch was not improving and two quick wickets from the excellent Perry King, wrested the initiative away, leaving it up to Elston, the Crondall number 5 to keep them in any kind of contention as the drizzle threatened to develop into full scale rain.
Further wickets came for Tommy Barnes, Brad Compton-Bearne and Dan Jones but as the clouds thickened and the rain intensified, the Oaks were searching for a young hero within their fading ranks to take them over the line.
Enter ‘The Oakley Express’.
With a mixture of guile, raw pace, and boundless energy, Bob came in from the Oak Tree End like a man possessed, rekindling memories of another Bob (Willis) at Headingly in 1981.
With arms and legs pumping like a traction engine, Bob steamed into the tail, causing a panic-stricken run-out and taking three quick wickets as the Crondall batsmen, in the physical peak of their careers, tried and failed to deal with his lightning pace.
Ecstatic: Alex Brundle struggles to contain his joy whilst reading out Bob’s figures.
Crondall finished all-out on 116 and retired to the bar to do their bit as worthy drinkers to keep the till ticking over, providing all important funds into the Oakley coffers. As a club, Crondall are a great bunch of guys and always welcome in what is one of favourite fixtures.
Man of the Match: Bob Le…oh okay then…Dan Sumner for his excellent hundred.
Well done Dan…up the Oaks!!