Finally.. the cricket final of the Wessex League was played at the East Meon village cricket ground last Friday despite threatening rains. Both teams were glad to have the final played. Oakwood won the toss and put Alton into bat. The opening pair of Lewis and Matthew were confident to see through the opening overs. However the Oakwood bowlers had different ideas wickets began to tumble, first Matthew was caught magnificently, followed by Lewis being bowled after taking a wild swing. Alton found themselves after the first four overs 186 for 4. Jacob and William tried to drag the run rate to respectability with some responsible shots, but the Oakwood bowling attack was aggressive. Their fielding was superb and stopped many a fine shot from Alton's batsmen. There was excellent running between wickets by Josh, and Alex created problems for Oakwood. Yet Oakwood's bowlers seemed to have an answer to Alton's resolve. By the end of the 20 overs Alton had reached the meager total of 189 for 9 wickets.

Alton faced an uphill battle to stay in the game. Tom showed the way by taking a wicket in the opening over. Jacob bowled a very good line and length to restrict the batsmen from cutting loose. A freakish run out caused Oakwood to be rattled with Lewis hitting the stumps with the Oakwood batsman standing out of the cease watching the return. Alton continued to apply pressure to the opposition by accurate bowling. Oakwood did manage to play every ball on the wicket without getting bowled. Lewis and William did their best to get wickets, however Alton's fielding was was to it usual standard and catches were dropped and overthrows were made. Oakwood's total slowly increased up to 261 for 3 at the end of their 20 overs.

Once again Alton felt defeat at the hands of Oakwood, for the second year running. However, this final was closer than the final score reflected. Oakwood held on their catches whereas Alton dropped 6. Alton's bowling as the best of the season only bowling 8 wides or no-balls. Overall, Alton were outplayed by a team who were confident and experienced in every department of the game. Oakwood were well deserved winners and Alton proved worthy opponents. Who knows maybe next year with more experience and determination Alton will be finalists again.

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