WITH several key players unavailable, Winterbourne were undone when they locked horns with unbeaten leaders Oakley in Regional Division One (North).

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Winterbourne got off to the best possible start as Jamie Harvey smashed a six on his first ball. Two more boundaries followed in the first over and Winterbourne were off to an excellent start at 14 without loss.

The left arm of James Bright kept things tight at the other end and was troubling Windows with in-swingers.

Harvey hit another six and a couple fours to race to 31 after six overs, but Holbrook then brought one back through the gate which left the visitors on 37-1.

Matt Shellum played well but scoring was slow as nothing was shared by Oakley’s opening bowlers. Potter came on to replace Holbrook and struck in his second over to bowl Shellum for six. With the score now on 69 for 2 off 17 overs.

Ed Dadd joined Windows and after 27 overs, the pair had built a solid platform, but with the score on 110 for the loss of only two wickets, it was time to hit out and make use of the wickets in hand.

The next five overs were going to be crucial in determining the result, but with captain Clive Welsman now into the attack, the game took a dramatic turn in Oakley's favour. With pace off the ball, Welsman showed that spin was the key on this ground.

Dadd was bowled by Welsman for 19 and then Windows was trapped LBW for 36 in the 30th over. Abbas was caught behind first ball and Raul Beckles was bowled two overs later for six.

Suddenly Winterbourne were 134 for 6 after 32 overs.

Dan Sumner took a wicket in his first over as Hassan was caught for three and it was left to Craig Johnson to try and farm the strike and claw back. Harry Hart departed for four but brother Archie batted superbly, allowing Johnson to put on 25 runs in four overs. Hart was unlucky to be caught and bowled in the 40th over, and with Sam Pearse the last man, Johnson had no option but to go for it, but was bowled by Holbrook for 32. Welsman finished with 5 for 37 and Winterbourne were all out for 176.

After tea, Winterbourne’s opening bowlers Ed Dadd and Harry Hart couldn't break the hosts’ opening partnership.

Raul Beckles replaced Dadd and immediately struck in the 17th over. Abbas bowled well from the other end and Winterbourne started to claw their way back. However, with much-needed spin from Matt Newman absent, Welsman (42*) took control along with opener Worthington to help Oakley cruise to a six-wicket win with six overs to spare.