A weakened first team lost a close encounter at Ashford Hill yesterday after falling 20-30 runs short of a defendable target.
Batting first, Oakley got of to the worst possible start with both Tommy Holbrook and Clive Welsman going early. Dan Beckell then came to the crease and was going along nicely before unluckily being given out LBW, leaving Darrell Dimond and Steve Savage to steady the ship. Steve completed his second half century of the summer and Darrell went for 46, however, the middle order and tail end never really got going as the Oaks finished their innings on 178.
Oakley were narrowly beaten in hot sunshine at Ashford Hill
Ashford Hill started well but a flurry of wickets from Tommy Holbrook, Dan Sumner and Clive Welsman along with a brilliant direct hit by Darrell Dimond had them rattled during the middle part of their innings. However, they steadied themselves and were aided by bowling that was decent but not great, gifting wides and byes that made the task a lot easier.
On the whole, the Oaks fielded brilliantly and tried to keep themselves in the game right until the end, but ultimately, being a couple of batsmen short was their undoing. Oakley have several returning batsmen next week and with these additions, the narrow defeats will turn into wins.
On a personal note, I really enjoyed the little job that Clive gave me to help stem the runs, it kept me busy all afternoon. I have never fielded at Short Backward Square before, though I have been called one a few times!
Great effort lads.
Up the Oaks!