Both teams were in action again yesterday, with the First XI looking to tighten their grip at the summit of County 4 whilst the Second XI attempted to put a poor recent run behind them.
Super Sumner Strikes Again as Oaks Strengthen Title Challenge
The First XI went into battle with Medstead yesterday looking to hold on to top spot with five games to go in County 4.
On an autumnal feeling afternoon, The Oaks batted first but lost Nellie Warner LBW early on. Medstead were bowling some decent stuff but Dan Sumner and Gerry Dique dug in and put together a patient and vital 50 run partnership.
Just when it looked like Dan and Gerry were going to pile on the runs, a mix up left Gerry short of his crease on a marginal run-out, with the result being a kicked chair and Dan (taking the blame) staying out there to keep out of his captain’s way and make amends by scoring runs.
After losing Michael Wood shortly after for eight, the Oaks needed to be careful not to let the early advantage slip. They didn’t, and Clive Welsman, who has been in good nick lately, rebuilt with Dan, who had passed 50 and was going through the gears, looking for a second ton in two outings.
After Clive departed for 45, Brad Compton-Bearne was promoted up the order for a quick flourish to push the scoreboard along. It was indeed a quick flourish, but a wild looking gold duck wasn’t what the captain had ordered. It was now up to the tail to throw caution to the wind, which led to a flurry of wickets with Dan left unbeaten on 86 as The Oaks made 224 for 8.
After losing an early wicket courtesy of Tom Barnes, Medstead rebuilt and went strong and hard at the target, with Trepess and White taking the game to The Oaks. At this point Oakley were having to remain calm under the weight of some aggressive batting that was in danger of becoming an onslaught.
They did remain calm and at 77-1 Medstead began falling apart under the pressure of some fine spin bowling from Dave Pistorious and Dan Sumner. It was another change of plan that paid off and emphasised The Oak’s bowling strong bowling options and determination in the field.
It was some collapse too, with Dave returning excellent figures of 3 for 14 off his 9 Overs and Dan completing his second five for in 3 outings in what is becoming a fine season for him after a slow start.
The Oaks wrapped up the Medstead innings for just 116, finishing up just one run and one point short of maximum points. However, a shock defeat for nearest rivals, Overton, meant that with 4 games to go, The Oaks are in pole position for the title.
However, with a few more tough tests ahead, they must heed the advice of coach and mouthpiece almighty, Mark Potter, and take his plethora of sporting clichés one game at a time.
Smiling Assassin Ensures Two’s Bounce Back after Poor Run
The Second XI made it a weekend double for The Oaks after a well fought but ultimately comfortable win at beleaguered Sherfield.
The Oaks batted first and the nerves that come with a bad run were evident in the early overs as Steve Savage scratched around and Mike Tiley departed in the second over.
However, Steve is a gutsy old fox and with Jack Brundle he gradually saw off the opening bowling and began to set a platform. It may not have been pretty, but it was effective.
Steve (12) and Jack (18) departed but a further 18 from Rob Wood moved the scoreboard along and allowed the opportunity for Will Montgomery and George Lethaby to open their arm and build a competitive score.
They responded superbly by putting on 73 in 8 Overs to put The Oaks in control. Will made 51 and although George fell two short of a deserved fifty, he was delighted just to get some runs at number six after a depressing recent spell at number four. Perhaps number six is his best position?
With further useful contributions from Steve Spalding (20) Ian Bennett (14) and Brett King (5) took the total to a useful 218 and maximum batting points.
Could the Oaks roll over the opposition quickly and get the win required? Well, not quite as the Sherfield openers were decent and despite numerous changes with the bowling options the Oaks couldn’t get the breakthrough.
At 111-1 after 25 Overs Sherfield were in the game still but Will Montgomery stifled any run at victory with an excellent spell that left him as the only bowler to take wickets as he took an excellent five for, with rumours circulating on the WhatsApp group that he may have smiled but in the current global environment, this could easily be fake news.
Ultimately, Sherfield’s innings petered out and they were well short of the target, meaning at last, The Oaks could celebrate a victory as well as leaping back into 5th slot in in RNE1.
Whilst it is not impossible, third promotion spot is probably out of the grasp of The Oaks, but a strong finish will be an excellent achievement for a team playing in the highest league in their long history.
We move on to the 20/20 cup semi-final tomorrow in a positive frame of mind. Well done to both teams for two hard fought wins on a tricky Saturday when rain and wind was an ongoing hindrance to good cricket.
Up the Oaks!