THIRD XI: Bayswater 72 (Iverson 6/26, Forbes 4/15) lost to. Oakleigh 1/91 (Fabris.E 35*, Wijeyeratne 28, Taylor 23*)

The Oakleigh 3rd XI had remarkably achieved the rare feat of an undefeated season in 2012/13, and appeared certain to complete the double in 13/14 before running into a star studde Caulfield outfit in the final round and losing by one wicket.

Rather than destroying their confidence the loss seemed to galvanise the group as they produced their three best performances of the year to completely outclass strong opposition and claim back-to-back titles.

Asked to bowl first on a very hard and flat wicket the Oaks were faced with a massive challenge as Bayswater progressed to 29 for no loss. The opening ball partnership of Stamps & Shields unable to claim that vital breakthrough despite some consistent lines and several half chances. However the introduction of Justin Forbes brought about the change of fortune, the sixth time this finals series a new bowler had claimed a wicket in their 1 st over.

The change of angle did experienced Baysy bat Brett Clark, and he spooned a drive to Handel at short mid-wicket. Gary Iverson took the ball from the other end, and between them produced an exhilarating spell that captured 6/18 in 12 overs, completely turning the game in the Oaks favour after a large run chase seemed imminent.

Some greater steel was shown in the lower order, but the sustained pressure and guile from the Oaks bowlers saw Bayswater all out for 72, the final wicket, Iverson’s sixth summing up their performance as the ball rolled back onto the stumps off the batsman’s foot gently dislodging one bail.

Elliot Fabris and Jamie Wijeyeratne strode to the wicket as they had together in the latter part of the season and set to take the game away from the visitors strong bowling attack. A composed mix of patience and intent on loose balls, saw Oakleigh motor away to 50 from just 19 overs, the milestone achieved courtesy of an imperious six from Wijey that sailed onto the pavilion roof.

His dismissal shortly afterwards brought young tyro Will taylor to the crease who immediately made his intentions known with two lofty 4s, all but wrapping the match and season up. Baysy captain Shearer kept his boys engaged for another hadful of overs before the task became too large and he conceded shortly before stumps.

A rapturous Oaks skipper, Brad Nicholson defended his title and promptly announced his retirement from the post he had performed so skillfully in the past three seasons.

FOURTH XI: Malvern 180 (Stamps.A 4/40, Riley 2/20, Shah 2/48) def. Oakleigh 108 (Burke 35, Uren 24, Chapple 21)

Playing at the picturesque Malvern City Oval the home side called correctly and took advantage of the beautiful batting conditions. Regular wickets fell, but valuable runs were scored in the meantime. Left arm seamer Ben Rilkey claimed 2 wickets, as did Jatin Shah, while Allan Stamps further confirmed his legend status with four wickets, including his 900th for the club in a mighty effort.

Required to face 12 overs, the Oaks moved cautiously to 1/33, with last week’s hero Darcy Burke unconquered at the crease. Hopes were extremely high of a fairytale end to the year, as Burke and Chapple progressed to 81 for only the loss of Patel and Uren. However disaster struck and Oakleigh folded, all out for a disappointing 106. Malvern were worthy premiers, compiling a consistenyly high quality of play during the season.

It was a bitter pill to swallow for a proud Fourth XI team ably led by Daryl Mendes, however the gains made by several of the younger stars this season have the club extremely bullish for the coming years.

A special club family event was held at the Oakleigh-Carnegie RSL after play on the Sunday, where a festive atmosphere was the order of the day. While the club ultimately fell marginally short of the improbable, 2 senior premierships, the HATCH Title, T20 Championship and a whisker length second place in the Ken Fewster Club Championship stamped this as one of the best season’s on record in the club’s proud history.