On a hot day in Bentworth that was more befitting of mid-August than the usual early May soggy wickets, Ian won the toss and elected to field. Knowing the opposition had one or two strong batsmen, it was a case of trying to contain them on a hard wicket and a lightning-fast outfield.
Zack and youngster Will McCarthy took the new ball and struck almost immediately, with a wicket apiece in the first three overs. By the 10-over mark, Will had picked up a second wicket and Dave Bowers got in on the action with a wicket in his first over—nearly claiming the dangerman Nick Gay as well, dropping a sharp caught and bowled chance first ball. What a difference that would have made if it had stuck!
Wickets were coming with ease, but so were the runs, with Bentworth posting 66-4 in the first 10 overs. The next 10 overs saw Bentley racing away with some big boundary shots before being pegged back just before tea, thanks to some sharper bowling from Jack and Dave. Oakley’s day wasn’t helped by the twanged hamstring of Alex Gough who had bowled well last week.
Centuries and Containment Attempts
Things improved further after drinks when the big-hitting Mitchell spooned a rank half-tracker from Jack to Nigel at point (his second of three catches). But after that, it was hard going. Nick Gay began to find his stride and, with almost inevitable ease, worked his way to an unbeaten century. Bentworth posted a formidable 288-7 from their 40 overs.
On such a day, bowling figures usually don’t look too great, but Will McCarthy continued to prove his ability at senior level with an economical 2-32. Dave Bowers was also economical on a day where much time was spent ball searching.
Oakley’s Reply: A Run Chase to Remember
After enjoying a rare cricket tea generously provided by our hosts, Oakley set out on their reply, knowing that if ever there was a wicket to chase down 288, this was it.
After losing Rutty in the second over, Nigel came in and helped himself to some loose bowling. Kris held up the other end well, and by the time he departed in the 14th over, the platform had been set at 72-2. Dave Parry hit a quick 20 before departing, bringing Ian in to join Nigel in the cause to up the run rate.
Nigel’s luck finally ran out at the end of the 28th over, caught on the boundary—but not before completing a century of his own. Oakley had 12 overs to get another 100 runs, with six wickets in hand and very much in the hunt.
Tense Finish and a Final Flurry
Bentworth tightened up their bowling lines, but Ian (29) and Nellie (30) did well to keep the scoreboard moving before departing. Useful contributions from Will and Jack kept Oakley just about in the game, but Bentworth made things difficult with tight bowling, and some chaotic run outs didn’t help.
By the time Zack came to the crease with four balls remaining, the game seemed gone. Oakley needed more sixes than balls remaining to win. But cricket doesn’t always go how you expect… a no-ball followed, then Zack hit three consecutive sixes (the last of which was also off a no-ball), leaving Oakley still with a chance and two balls to go.
Another couple of sixes would have sealed an improbable win, but it wasn’t to be. Oakley finished just 10 runs short on 278-9.
A Spirited Contest
Whilst disappointing to come second, the game was played in good spirits throughout—both teams enjoying being involved in an early May run-fest!