With holiday absences taking their toll, the Oaks 3rd XI knew they were in for a tough afternoon against free-scoring Binsted, a side who have piled up runs and points all season. And so it proved, although the scorebook doesn’t quite tell the whole story.
Toss Won
Skipper Dan was hoping to win the toss and bat but promptly lost it, leaving Oakley to field first on what looked a very decent track. A clear game plan was set: bowl straight, keep our cool, and not let the heads drop if runs came quickly. To their credit, the fielders and bowlers followed the script brilliantly. George and Jeff opened up with control and discipline; Jeff in particular was outstanding, sending down a remarkable 8 overs for just 19 runs and picking up a wicket. George again impressed, unlucky not to be rewarded despite troubling the batsmen regularly.
The change bowlers were then introduced, with James and Alex tasked to vary the pace. Sadly, James pulled up after just two overs with what looked like a calf strain, but Alex stepped up magnificently, carrying on his fine form to claim four wickets. The figures somehow went missing from the book, but those who saw it know how well he bowled against aggressive batsmen. With James injured, Dan was forced into action earlier than planned. Expecting to “burgle” three overs, he ended up bowling eight straight, finishing with 1-40 – a fine effort in the circumstances.
Brief Fightback
At drinks, Binsted sat comfortably at 114-1, but Oakley produced their best spell immediately afterwards, reducing them to 164-6. It was a brilliant passage, built on Alex’s wickets and disciplined support. Unfortunately, Binsted showed their class in the closing overs, adding 100 runs in the final ten to post a daunting 272. No slogging, no luck – just well-constructed batting from a side who know how to pace an innings.
The reply, sadly, never got going. A chase of 272 was always a tall order, but collapsing for under 100 was disappointing when more was possible. Jack provided the bright spot with a fluent 35, mixing strong running with some elegant lofted drives, while Tom McCarthy once again showed courage and composure with a battling 12. Beyond that, wickets fell too easily, leaving Oakley well short.
Like Basingstoke Capitals, Binsted are new to the league and simply too strong for this division. It’s not their fault the system places new teams at the bottom, but it does make things a bit of a dead rubber for everyone else. That said, they are an excellent bunch – competitive without arrogance, good-humoured, and generous in spirit. They’ll rise through the divisions quickly and deservedly so. Good luck to them.
Season Reflections
For me personally, this was the last game of the season. Whatever happens against Hook next week, this has been the best campaign the Oaks 3rd XI have had – we’ll finish with more wins than losses, having played good cricket and seen young players grow in confidence and ability.
New additions Lil, Jack, Prash and Will have brought quality and, most importantly, the right attitude – good cricketers but also good team men. Special mention to Will, who had dreadful luck with his ankle injury. And of course, heartfelt thanks to Penny, who has been our scorer almost every week with tireless commitment.
It’s been a hugely enjoyable season to captain, and I’m proud of what the side has achieved.