A steady, if not spectacular performance by a makeshift Oaks ‘First XI’ was enough to see off an ailing Bentworth side that is struggling to stay afloat.
Bowling first, the Oaks, tied the Bentworth attack down with George Lethaby, filling the big boots of Tommy Holbrook, probably the pick of the bunch with 1-19 off 8 with Pete Dimond also doing well.
The highlights of the Innings were fine catches for Nathan Rabley and Ian Bennett plus a pair of excellent run-outs by Darrell Dimond and Alex Brundle.
Chasing a decent total of 175, the Oaks were rarely in trouble courtesy of a fine partnership of 81 by Michael Wood and Clive Welsman, who hit a classy half-century.
Opening Stand: Clive and Woody Dominated the Bentworth Attack
When the opening pair departed, the Oaks had decent contributions from Ollie Rabley and Darrell Dimond but it was Mike Askem and Alex Brundle who steered the ship to its destination with a steady partnership.
However, trying to win the game with a flash of flamboyance, Alex played the worst ‘ramp shot’ in cricketing history, allowing for George Lethaby to come in a clip one off his legs for 4 and complete a relatively easy victory.
A huge well done to those who stepped up when the Oaks were riddled with absentees due to holidays and other commitments.
Perhaps the only downside to a game that was played in lovely August sunshine, was the talk of Bentworth struggling to get 11 players on the pitch every week.
A wake up call that a club should always seek to move forward and not stagnate.