The 3s arrived at Newfound on the back of three successive victories, looking to make it four against a strong Basingstoke side. The same unpredictable strip as last week was in use but the groundsman had pulled a masterstroke in leaving some grass on – either that or his mower was broken. Dan won the toss and put the visitors in.
What a decision that proved to be, George Bird took the new nut and may well have ended the cricketing career of the Basingstoke opener who did well to keep out a toe-crusher first up before seeing one nip away second ball of the innings and clip his off stump – all before the official start of play. Tough Saturday that. Young Tom McCarthy struggled a bit more for consistency at the other end but stuck to the task, eventually removing the other opener. He settled into his spell after that and should have had a 2nd, only for Tom Hartgill to shell a dolly at cover.
Jeff replaced Tom and was metronomic in his usual style but runs continued to flow at the other end, Siriwardane mixing vicious striking and riding his luck with a few half chances on his way to an entertaining half century. Tom Hartgill eventually found his catching hands (or one hand in this case) as Jeff made a a breakthrough to leave Basingstoke 120-3 at drinks.
The Basingstoke keeper Garlick (aptly named with the curry night to follow) came in an continued the momentum as Jeff’s spell came to an end, 2-25 off his 8 overs a staggering effort on a decent pitch with a lightning outfield. Nevertheless it looked as though Basingstoke might reach something unchaseable as skipper Dan took some tap and Garlick reached his 50. Tom Hartgill came on to turn his arm over and turned the tide with a generally accurate spell, picking up 2-36 despite another dolly falling to the ground – the skipper this time the culprit. Noah chipped in with a wicket at the other end as Oakley dragged Basingstoke back to a total of 228-7.
Despite runs on the board, the mood in the Oakley camp was positive given the rapid Newfound outfield. This optimism soon felt misplaced though with Jeff playing on without scoring, perhaps the pitch not as docile as the previous innings had suggested? Tom Harris came in to steady the ship with the skipper, and steady it they did. Dan swept beautifully and Tom lashed cuts and pulls to all parts as Basingstoke toiled in the sun. They put on 82 in no time, before Dan departed for a well made 39. Tom departed LBW shortly after for a classy 43 leaving Oakley 87-3 in the 14th over, a good start.
Noah and Benjamin came to the crease looking ti build another partnership. Steady progress was made until drinks, at which point Oakley sat slightly behind the required rate at 105-3. However Noah clearly enjoyed his orange squash as he started to accelerate, capitalising on loose balls, hitting his first adult six and running well between the wickets. Benjamin played a supporting role at the other end, turning over the strike and chipping in with the occasional boundary. Another partnership of 82 was ended with Benjamin caught and bowled for 29.
At 169-4 the game was there to be won with 60 needed from 55 balls but an experienced hand was needed to partner Noah to victory, in comes Steve Savage. Any hope remaining with Basingstoke evaporated as Noah marched on to his 50 and Steve rolled back the years with some quick running and classy stroke play. In a fitting manner, Noah hit the winning runs with a lofted drive, ending on a chanceless match-winning 71. Well batted sir. Steve more than played his hand finishing 24 not out.
Victory in the end came with 9 balls to spare. Thanks to Basingstoke for a great game played in good spirits. Oakley move up to 3rd in the table, taking the early lead in the battle for bronze medal in a league where the top 2 seem beyond reach.