Bashley (Rydal) seconds gave their Southern Premier Division 2 survival prospects a boost and at the same time dealt Fair Oak’s aspirations of promotion a blow by a narrow seven-run victory at the BCG.
In a match reduced to 32 overs a side, Oaks kept things tight, James Gradwell (2-13) dismissing charismatic Sam Kennett (22) and opening partner Will Tripcony in his six overs. Phil Morris (17) and Tom Jacques then combined in a crucial partnership of 50 for the third wicket, and at 83-3 the home side’s prospects looked much rosier. Left-armer Charlie Gwynn took 2 for 24 while cameos from Saif Achakzai (23) and George Wilson (11) pushed Bashley on to 136 for 6 at the close, Jacques remaining undefeated on 41.
Gregor McKenzie made 22 of Oaks’ first 26 runs at better than a run-a-ball before falling to teen Sam Crisp (3-20) The scoring rate then dropped, and a succession of batsmen then came and went as George Wilson (4-21) and Morris (2-40) applied the brakes. Opener Tom Hockenhull made 17 and Max Watson 23, but none of the batters could go on to make a telling contribution.
Fair Oak reached the last over with seven needed to win, but Crisp bowled Jimmy Hawkings with the first ball to leave the visitors 130 all out and Rich Featherstone stranded on 13 not out.
It was a second consecutive defeat for Fair Oak, which makes Saturday’s visit by OTs & Romsey to Lapstone Park pretty significant .. for both sides !
In a match reduced to 32 overs a side, Oaks kept things tight, James Gradwell (2-13) dismissing charismatic Sam Kennett (22) and opening partner Will Tripcony in his six overs. Phil Morris (17) and Tom Jacques then combined in a crucial partnership of 50 for the third wicket, and at 83-3 the home side’s prospects looked much rosier. Left-armer Charlie Gwynn took 2 for 24 while cameos from Saif Achakzai (23) and George Wilson (11) pushed Bashley on to 136 for 6 at the close, Jacques remaining undefeated on 41.
Gregor McKenzie made 22 of Oaks’ first 26 runs at better than a run-a-ball before falling to teen Sam Crisp (3-20) The scoring rate then dropped, and a succession of batsmen then came and went as George Wilson (4-21) and Morris (2-40) applied the brakes. Opener Tom Hockenhull made 17 and Max Watson 23, but none of the batters could go on to make a telling contribution.
Fair Oak reached the last over with seven needed to win, but Crisp bowled Jimmy Hawkings with the first ball to leave the visitors 130 all out and Rich Featherstone stranded on 13 not out.
It was a second consecutive defeat for Fair Oak, which makes Saturday’s visit by OTs & Romsey to Lapstone Park pretty significant .. for both sides !