The First XI missed out on victory versus Basingstoke at The Bounty on saturday, despite posting a decent target of 239-4 on a good track.
However, the Oaks will rue not putting on a bigger target and despite a blistering 80 from in-form Tommy Holbrook, the rest of the innings turned out to be a bit turgid when there were some week Basingstoke fielders to be exposed.
In Form: Tommy Holbrook Smashed 80.
Other contributions came from Paddy Saines with a gutsy half-century, Gerry Dique and Nellie Warner.
The Basingstoke opener was dropped first delivery and as is so often the case, he went on to make a big century and that was ultimately the difference between teams.
Wickets were shared between Tommy, Jimmy, Gerry, Clive and a fantastic late hat-trick from Alex Brundle, which offered up some hope in the dying stages. However, Basingstoke completed the win, relatively comfortably, in the last over.
Hat-Trick in Vain: Alex Brundle
So, some encouraging stuff from the Oaks, particularly from Tom, but vice-captain, Clive Welsman, felt that there was more runs to be had than what Oakley compiled, particularly with wickets in hand on a good track.
And so it turned out.
Up the Oaks!