Barkby 2nds are promoted after crushing win over Oakham

The result ensured a second-place finish in Division 5 East of the Leicestershire and Rutland Cricket League, Enderby pipping them for the title.

Barkby skipper Adam Cookson lost the toss and his side was duly put into batby their Rutland hosts.

The formidable opening duo of Louis Botting and Jack Wood set off like a steam train for the second successive week. The pair raced to their 100 partnership with Botting surpassing his third successive 50 in an exceptional finish to the season, averaging 84 in the final three fixtures.

He was eventually dismissed for 64 as his trademark hoik to cow corner was snaffled on the boundary.

Another hard hitter, Conor Percy, was bowled for 29, as Barkby were cruising at more than 10 runs per over.

Wood and Eamonn Bourke brought up the 200 and the former struck a monster straight six on his way to 61 before chipping a full toss straight to cover.

Bourke (35) played well until he was stumped, making way for the fiery middle order. Ryan Waplington (40), Matt Harby (35 not out) and Max Carmichael (22) insisted on depositing every ball they could into neighbouring gardens for huge maximums.

The score ticked over 300 in just the 36th over and, for the third game in a row, captain Cookson called the declaration, at 305-6, gaining an extra nine overs to bowl Oakham out in and guarantee promotion.

In contrast to the two previous weeks, an early breakthrough was hard to come by, as James Kirk conceded 22 off four overs.

Dave Botting claimed the first wicket, bowling the opener round his legs.

Son Louis removed batsmen numbers three and four for the grand total of one.

The father and son duo returned figures of 2-15 and 2-29, respectively.

The medium pace of Ryan Waplington (2-6) was rewarded with two wickets.

Bourke (2-15) and Max Carmichael (2-25) took apiece of the final wickets as Oakham were bowled out for 136 and spark the celebrations.