CRICKET: First defeat for Oakfield

David Odwell bowling for Oakfield earlier this month against Nuneaton 2nds

Warwickshire League

Division 4

Star Alvis 1st XI vs

Oakfield 1st XI

Unbeaten Oakfield travelled to Star Alvis looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the season. The hosts won the toss and elected to field, so Oakfield batted first for the first time this season.

After the loss of an early wicket, skipper Richard Burnett and Dan Clowes built a solid platform before Clowes was bowled for 40.

Young allrounder Luke Armstrong joined the captain and showed his huge potential as the pair built another solid stand before Burnett fell for 90.

After another quick wicket, Neil Armstrong joined his son and the pair set about building a testing target for the hosts.

By the end of the innings Oakfield had reached 270-4 from their 50 overs, with Luke unbeaten on 55 and Neil continuing his fine form with 69 not out.

Oakfield were high in confidence when they began bowling after tea, but soon realised they were not going to have things their own way.

For once the opening bowlers didn’t make early inroads and it took the introduction of Jamie Brightwell to remove both openers. Alvis are a solid side and they showed this with some good shots and excellent running to keep themselves in with a chance of victory. Openers Dave Odwell and Chris Smith returned to the attack to pick up one and two wickets respectively and an exciting finish ensued.

Scott Cluley also picked up a wicket, however Alvis reached their unlikely target in the last over with three wickets remaining.

This was a disappointing defeat for Oakfield but they are well placed in third position in a tight league and will look to return to winning ways when they host Massey Ferguson next week.

Warwickshire League

Division 9 East

Oakfield 2nd XI v

Atherstone 2nd XI

Oakfield’s second string took on Atherstone at home looking for a much needed win. The visitors won the toss and elected to bowl, a decision that was soon paying dividends with wickets falling at regular intervals.

Only Gurj Rupal (36) and Chris Goodwin (29) made double figures as Oakfield limped to 116 all out in just 26 overs, which looked well below par. The visitors looked well set to claim victory by 5 wickets until spinners Jack Watts (2-17) and Gurj Rupal (3-3) sensationally bowled Atherstone out for just 100, Rupal completing a great day with bat and ball.