Oaks Edge Local Derby Thriller
The Oaks completed a clean sweep over rivals Overton on Saturday in a rollercoaster local derby that had everything — wickets, collapses, partnerships, and even a few wides that proved more valuable than gold dust.
Overton Set the Target
Overton batted first and, after losing Sam Galvin for a lively 21, looked well set at 72-1. But as so often in these fixtures, the momentum shifted. The Oaks bowlers began to chip away, with Alex Brundle grabbing two, Stef Kaltner taking a brace, Harry Tucknott chipping in, and youngster Archie Taylor bowling superbly for three wickets. Suddenly Overton were rocking at 149-8 and Oakley looked like they might be back in the clubhouse early with their feet up.
But cricket loves a twist. Alex Millar and Nick Tomlin dug in and added an unbeaten 50-run stand that frustrated the Oaks and pushed the score up to 199 from 45 overs. Not a huge total, but more than enough to ask the question — especially given the Oaks’ track record of occasionally making a meal out of a chase.
Chasing Chaos
If the Oaks’ plan was to start calmly and take the sting out of the game, no one told the top order. AB, Paddy and Will Cheyney all went cheaply, leaving the scoreboard groaning at 4-2 and then 18-3. Overton were buzzing, Oakley were grimacing, and the tea ladies were probably getting the kettle back on.
Thankfully, Stef Kaltner (24) and Kunal Solanki (a punchy 30) pulled things around with some determined batting. Kunal in particular looked in fine touch until a needless run-out turned the game once more. Nigel Bishop added 21, but when he fell with the score on 108-6, it looked like the Oaks had one foot in the grave. Harry Tucknott added a spirited 28 to drag the game back into reach, but at 160-7 with 40 still required, it was squeaky-bum time.
Captain Courageous and Rabley Rock Solid
Enter Dan Jones. Short of runs this season, the skipper decided this was the moment to roll up his sleeves. Alongside the ever-dependable Will Rabley, the pair soaked up the pressure, blocked what needed blocking, and put away the bad balls. Two wides that somehow ended up racing for five runs helped the cause — not that anyone in Oakley colours was complaining.
From there, the nerves settled. Jones and Rabley grew in confidence, and with each nudge and nurdle the target shrank until finally, without further drama, the Oaks crossed the line to seal a brilliant three-wicket win. Cue big smiles, a few relieved laughs, and one or two pints that tasted all the sweeter.
A Derby to Remember
The result may not alter the relegation battle, but it was a superb victory in a local derby that’s become one of the friendliest and most enjoyable fixtures on the calendar. Overton played their part, as always, with good humour and sporting spirit. It’s a rivalry the Oaks will miss next season, but they’ll be raising a glass to a deserved win — and probably still wondering how those wides ended up going for five.