After a good run of warm-up games, a rare (frame it!) Village Cup win, and four weeks of outdoor training, we’re ready to get going down at the theatre of scenes and other places near Basingstoke. Or at least we would be, if the weather fancies cooperating. The forecast is doing its usual thing of threatening doom, but we’re hoping it’s all a bluff by an overtly cautious met office. We want Sunshine, runs, wickets and three victories… that’s the dream boys and girls, that’s the dream. But what about the reality?
First XI vs Ashford Hill
The First XI welcome Ashford Hill after last week’s friendly where the 2s and 3s kindly softened them up a bit but lost. What Hill bring against the 1s is anyone’s guess, but let’s focus on us. We look in decent shape, well I think we do.
Paddy Saines and Woody open looking to get their season going, with new boy, the irrepressible Nathan Scarff, in at 3. Paddy and Woody are due a few runs after a “character-building” pre-season, whilst Nathan will look to put last week’s shot over the top that didn’t go over the top, behind him. His 34 v Overton showed glimpses of what he can do. Will Cheyney, last year’s run machine, has already found some rhythm with a 50 and will be eyeing more coming in at 4.
Alex Brundle makes a heroic return at five after his finger webbing mishap at Longparish. It’s unclear whether he’ll be batting or just showing off the bandage, but either way it’s good to have him back as a stoical little batter. Ian slots in at six looking to turn last year’s 2s innings into First XI runs.
Skipper DJ drops to seven, clearly playing the long game, while Harry Tucknott sits at eight despite a strong pre-season. Slightly annoyed, expect him to treat that as a temporary position on his way to becoming a quality all-rounder. Mike Bryant, Stef Kaltner and Archie Taylor complete the order. All are more than capable with the bat, although Stef will be hoping for a quick cameo rather than another “dig us out of trouble, please Stef” situation.
With the ball, we’ve got options aplenty. Ever reliable Stef will always be a threat. Harry and Archie continue to evolve into fine young bowlers, Mike and AB bring the experience, while DJ and Will offer spin (well, slow bowling really but let’s call it spin to look good). It’s a well-rounded attack that should pose a threat to most teams.
We may not yet have that one player who takes the game away from the opposition, but we’ve got something potentially just as useful: eleven players who can all contribute with the bat. No genuine rabbits here and that could really come in handy in close games.
Second XI vs Basingstoke Capital (Away)
The 2s head to the scenic surroundings (check the sarcasm meter) of Stratton Park for a proper test against one of the promotion favourites, Basingstoke Capital. This one should tell us a lot about where the 2s ambitions lie. Will it be survival or a promotion challenge.
George Lethaby opens after a steady if not explosive start in friendlies, joined by Nigel Bishop. Nige may claim to be “a bit rusty,” which usually means he’ll either get 0 or 100. No middle ground. New skipper Mike Tiley takes number three, with the ever-improving youngster, Joby Beatty at four. Jack Brundle comes in after a good knock last week, while Noah Beckell will look to continue his quietly promising start to the season.
Will Rabley at seven guarantees entertainment, whether planned or otherwise. Alex Gough at eight feels slightly harsh given his form, but could end up being perfectly placed if the top order does its job and see off the dangerous Capital attack. The tail features Alex Rogan and Ben Weller-Evans, both bringing pace an adventurous approach with the bat. And then there’s Bob Lethaby at eleven, celebrating 20 years at the club. His batting remains… unique. Think octopus falling out of a tree whilst trying to kill a wasp with a stick of rhubarb.
Bowling-wise, Rogan and Ben could be a handful on a lively pitch. Expect pace, bounce, and the occasional delivery that keeps everyone honest. Goughy offers reliability, Joby brings youthful energy, and Noah always chips in, sometimes with pace, occasionally with spin, often with a combination of both. Bob and Jack provide the kind of chaotic anti-Christ wicket-taking that defies logic but somehow keeps happening. George may also be persuaded to have a trundle if required.
Can we win? Of course. Just need to stick to our strengths and not get too distracted if the opposition start swinging from ball one.
Third XI vs AWE Tadley (Home)
The 3s host AWE Tadley, with Dan Beckell leading a beautifully chaotic mix of youth, experience, and players with something to prove. Exactly what you want from a Third XI. Come on Dan, you know you love it. The rewards of someone coming up with the goods when you least expect, is one of the joys of cricket.
Dan opens with club chair Kris Tucknott, alongside Tom Harris. Between them, they’ll be looking to build a platform and avoid any early “well, that escalated quickly” moments. Steve Savage, now in his 40th year as an Oak, provides the calm head and probably knows exactly how this will all unfold. He’s seen it enough to write a book.
The middle order has plenty going for it. Adam Triner is improving nicely, Will McCarthy has been in full flow pre-season (and will remind you of that), and Prasanth Dev is more than capable. The Zak double act and George can all chip in, while Deano brings a level of unpredictability that keeps things interesting for everyone involved. Think of another octopus falling out of tree trying to kill a wasp with a stick of rhubarb, this time blindfolded.
Bowling depends a lot on consistency. Zak Newton and George Bird both have the ability and will be keen to show it after feeling hard done by in selection. Dan will want them to show it, as his options are limited. Will McCarthy can be lively, especially if he remembers that pitching it up is allowed. Zak Poulter and Prash offer control, and Dan is quietly hoping he won’t need to bowl… which usually guarantees that he will have to put his head above the parapet at some point.
Hard to call, but there’s plenty to like.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, we play cricket because we enjoy it. Some days you’re the hero, some days you’re explaining how you got out to a full toss or bowled six successive wides. It happens. All the captains ask is simple: back your teammates, put in your maximum effort, and enjoy the game. If we do that, the result will take care of itself… or at least we’ll have a good story for the bar afterwards.
Up the Oaks!
