Oakley fought back from a poor fielding display to claim an excellent and ultimately well deserved victory at St Mary Bourne yesterday.
Bowling first Oakley got off to a decent start with Clive Welsman removing the St Mary Bourne opener who spooned a catch to Brad Welsman to complete a father and son combination.
The St Mary Bourne number three then came in and was nearly out first ball off the bowling of George Lethaby and was dropped again (by Lethaby) on 15. After a series of further missed catches he went on to make 86 before eventually being well caught by Clive Welsman. Some of the fielding was costing Oakley dear.
The excellent Jack Green was the star turn with the ball taking six wickets but St Mary Bourne still looked pleased with their total of 219. Alex Brundle also chipped in with two important wickets as St Mary’s made a late charge at a score that could have easily headed towards 250.
The ever dependable Scott Bright got the Oaks off to a good start but after losing Steve Savage and Jack Green in quick succession the game was swinging in favour of St Mary’s. Clive Welsman (15) Chris Morris (14) and Michael Wood (21) all chipped in with support for the excellent Bright who eventually fell for 73.
Ultimately, an 8th wicket 50 run partnership between George Lethaby (35) and Steve Bown (18no) saw Oakley home with Alex Brundle (3 not out) finishing things off after Lethaby was run out with just three runs still required off 5 overs.
Captain Clive Welsman was very impressed with the way Oakley batted as a team to reach a difficult target with five overs still to spare; as a result, the Oaks, after 4 wins in six matches, are firmly placed in the top half of the table and can be well pleased with turning the game around with a very good team performance.
Up the Oaks!