CRICKET: Win keeps Oakfield third in table

Warwickshire League Division 4

Oakfield 1st XI v

Massey Ferguson 1st XI

Oakfield were looking to return to winning ways when they hosted Massey Ferguson on Saturday. After a week of wet weather Oakfield skipper had no hesitation in electing to bowl first on a damp wicket. Dave Odwell picked up a wicket in his first over and he and Chris Smith continued their fruitful partnership this season as they dominated the first 15 overs. Economic Smith picked up 1-14 from 9 overs and Odwell 4-31 from 12 overs as the hosts were reduced to 25-5 at one point. At this point Oakfield had a lacklustre few overs which allowed the hosts to recover with a 50 partnership for the 6th wicket. Luke Armstrong joined the attack and made the breakthrough, and he was well supported by Jamie Brightwell who found his radar later in his spell.

The pair picked up the last 5 wickets with Brightwell taking 2-31 and Armstrong 3-11 to dismiss Massey’s for 106, which was probably more than they should have scored from 25-5.

Oakfield made a steady start in response but lost Richard and Stewart Burnett to give the visitors a glimmer of hope. Rob Harris made 20 before he holed out but Craig Gowdy (42 not out) and Luke Armstrong (19 not out) saw Oakfield to a comfortable 7-wicket victory, youngster Armstrong completing a fine day with both bat and ball.

The win keeps Oakfield third in the League and well placed as they approach the halfway point of the season. They will be looking to continue their good form when they visit Southam this coming Saturday.

Warwickshire League Division 8 East

Hunningham 2nd XI v

Oakfield 2nd XI

Oakfield travelled to Hunningham looking to arrest a run of bad form over recent weeks. Skipper Jonny Abbott made a good start in winning the toss and electing to field first. Anuj Satsangi (4-43) led the attack, and was well supported by Karum Kooner with 2-20. Shozab Mohammed, Matt Shipman and Jack Watts also picked up a wicket each as the hosts were dismissed for 193.

This wasn’t an easy target to chase on a damp wicket, made much harder when the top five didn’t fire. Gurj Rupal led the fightback and was well supported by Shozab Mohammed, who made 40.

With five overs to go Oakfield needed 28 with three wickets left, but Rupal was crucially dismissed for a fine 71. The tail didn’t wag and Oakfield were bowled out for 169 with three overs to go in a disappointing result. The side need to learn how to close out a game like this and at least come away with a draw if they are to climb the table.

Warwickshire League Division 12 East

Oakfield 3rd XI v

Wilnecote 2nd XI

Oakfield took on Wilnecote on Saturday looking to boost their mid-table position. Captain Brian Harris won the toss and elected to bat, looking to pick up all 24 points. There were contributions throughout the team, with Will O’Rourke making 48, Liam Green 33 and Callum Wayness 32, before skipper Harris made an unbeaten 41. This enabled him to make an aggressive declaration after 40 overs with the score 225-5, Andy Robinson also finishing 18 not out.

It was clear that Wilnecote’s main aim was to pick up a draw, as illustrated by opening batsmen Makepeace. Wickets were spread amongst the team with Guy Smith leading the way with 3-19. Harry Sparke took 2-14 and Callum Wayness 2-16 as Oakfield edged towards victory, with Gabriel Howes chipping in with one wicket. However, the hosts fell agonisingly short of victory as Wilnecote closed on 99-8 from 50 overs, their opener Makepeace carrying his bat in a remarkable innings lasting 50 overs, in which he ended just 7 not out!

Sunday Friendly

Oakfield v Marton

Oakfield played their first friendly on Sunday when they hosted Marton. Batting first, Marton struggled to get on top of Oakfield’s opening bowlers Carum Kooner (3-21) and Callum Wayness (2-7).

Young Owen Armstrong picked up 2-42 as Marton fought back, but a wicket each for Vishan Palmer, Vijay Manickam and Jonny Abbott saw Marton dismissed for 133.

Luke Amstrong led the reply with the bat and was well supported by Gurnam Singh who made 36. Armstrong batted throughout the innings as his unbeaten 54 saw Oakfield to a 7-wicket victory and completed an excellent weekend for the 16-year-old.