Oakleigh took on Bayswater in all 4 grades in a big Rd 2 clash last weekend, both clubs having completed 4-win sweeps in Rd 1. The clash looked evenly poised after day 1, with the mighty Oaks holding sway in the 2s and 4s, whilst Baysy had 218 to defend in the 1s and a healthy 259 in the 3s. Early on day 2 things swung heavily in Baysys favour as our 1s slumped to 5-47 and the 3s to 3-24, whilst the 2s chase of a modest 147 had collapsed from 1-82 to 6-119. But then, just as the dark clouds loomed, heroes emerged from everywhere in purple and gold. Shane Townsend with 95no, ably supported by Mick Splatt with 47, changed the fortunes in the 1st XI game. At the same time, evergreen Andrew “Doc” Donohue was compiling his 2nd ton from as many games in partnership with James Benn, who also tonned up following 70 last week to ice the 3rds game. The 2s steadied on the back of Rob Howes rock-solid 80no and the 4s won in regulation fashion. Amazingly, the clouds had parted and we had unveiled our 2nd consecutive Oaks Day to start the season – one of the most dramatic and least expected. After this terrific start we take on long-time rivals Box Hill next week in what should be another great set of games.

Go Oaks

1sts 7-222(Towny 95no Mick 47) d Bays 218(Spike 4-65, AJ 2fer, Jnr 2fer)

This game fluctuated wildly over both days and surely Baysy will go home scratching the heads wondering how they can beat us. Our record over the last 7 years against them has been dominant, but this one looked different for long periods. We lost the toss and bowled, and picked up 3 early wickets. Baysy formed a partnership and reached 5-156 with still 24 overs remaining, with any score up to 270 and beyond possible. A great spell from Spike turned it around and we did extremely well to restrict them to 218. Early on day 2 we were solidly placed at 1-39 but then lost 4-8 to slump to 5-47. Enter Towny at no7 with his finest innings for OCC, batting first with good mate Willo, then with Mick from 6-84 to turn the game. Mick was unlucky to be given out LBW for 47 after a match game changing partnership of 103, but Towny and Alex Ross(13no) sped to the total with still 12 overs to be bowled. Towny was stiff not to get the chance to bring up a well deserved ton, but we still banked a great win.

2s 184(Howes 80no Elliott 32 Rhys 30) d Bays 146(WilT, Crofty, Stampsy all 2fer)

This game was set up on day 1 with a very tidy bowling performance and solid late afternoon batting reply as went went to stumps at 1-56 chasing 147. We got the staggers on day 2 but Rob Howes led us home with an imperiousn80no.. Earlier Rhys and Elliott had both made 30s to get us to 1-82, but a middle order collapse threatened to ruin the good work. Losing partners rapidly, Rob put on crucial small partnerships to inch towards the total with Pricey and Crofty before he found solid support in Latho to get us past the total. A good win for the 2s but work to do on all disciplines.

3s 6-304(Doc 113 Jimmy 108, Naughtin 52) def Bays 9-259 (Sammy R 5/74, Dave A 3/41)
When we were 3-24 off 17 chasing Baysys very competitive 259 things looked decidedly ugly. Enter Jimmy and Doc to turn the game on its head with a match winning 187 run partnership. Baysy had no answer to this batting masterclass. Docs 2nd ton in as many weeks – we will have to call him “Grange” from now on as he’s just getting better and better with age -113 had 16 4s and one 6 while Jimmys maiden ton of 108 had 16 4s and three 6s. Pat Naughtin brought it home with a blistering 52 that rubbed salt into open wounds. A great chase from the 3s..

4s 9-251(Cooky 83 Masi 41 Jatin 32 Duckett 25 BBBillyRob 22) d Bays 135(ABS 3-15)

A very solid win from the 4s, batting very well around Joel Cook on day 1 to post 9-251. Masi contributed a neat 41 at the top but the sentimental highlight was a stoic 22 from veteran OCC legend Bill Robinson, turning back the clock with his version of fleet running between wickets and deft dabs to 3rd man. Jatin and Duckett hit out at the end to post a very good score.

In reply Bays moved along well enough to 3-90 before big Al got them in his sleeper hold, bowling 15-9-3-14 to torpedo the chase. Baysy never recovered, rolled for just 138 to secure a 2nd win for Daz and his team