The Oaks head into week two of the season hoping to go one better than last week. By that, we mean actually finishing the games we start. The forecast has gone from looking a touch grim to cautiously hopeful, which in cricketing terms is basically tropical sunshine. Hope is what keeps village cricket alive, so let’s crack on with the preview.
First XI
The First XI make the trek that somehow feels twice as long as it really is down to St Mary Bourne for what promises to be an intriguing contest.
There were encouraging signs against Ashford Hill last week. The Oaks started brightly and looked set for a rain-defying victory before things slipped slightly with the ball and the opposition produced someone very much “having one of those days”.
Still, plenty to like. The bowling attack looks strong once again and is boosted by the return of the bustling Neil Robinson after a two-year sabbatical and a trip to China (Am I alone in not being able to say China without going full Donald Trump?). Stef Kaltner and youngsters Harry Tucknott and Archie Taylor complete the seam attack, backed up by the skiddy Alex Brundle and spinners Dan Jones and Will Cheney. On paper at least, there should be enough there to keep the scoreboard tight.
Batting remains something of a work in progress at Oakley, but one thing is certain, the Oaks bat deep, even if they are still working on batting individually long. Michael Wood and Paddy Saines were building nicely at the top before the rain intervened last week and will hope to lay another solid platform for the middle order and tail to build from. That would be more than ideal.
There is just one change with the bat, as Steve Bown emerges from hibernation (in his standard irrepressibly buoyant mood) to replace Ian Bennett who is doing something else, not sure what, I forgot to ask. Otherwise it is as you were, with plenty of players keen to prove they can turn flashes of batting promise into regular runs that will get them up the order. What we don’t really want is another stressful Stef Kaltner rescue mission as the world collapses around him.
St Mary Bourne head into the game boosted by stronger numbers this season and perhaps a handy get out of jail free card after a disjointed display at Whitchurch end with them desperately trying not to dance a jig of joy in a deluge. They will very likely be sharper this weekend and, this early in the season, it feels a tough one to call in a contest between two good sides.
Second XI
The Twos entertain Crown Taverners on Saturday with just one change. Mike Bryant comes in for Bob Lethaby, whose guile, spin, and all-round hopelessness apparently are not suited to the vast open spaces of Oakley Cow Corner. Bob did what every courageous cricketer does and pulled out to avoid being dropped.
The Oaks came very close to the perfect start last week. Some devastating bowling threatened a rapid victory before things tailed off slightly, with catches going down at a rate that suggested there might be fines for taking them. Tight games are often decided by moments like that, so improvement in the field could make all the difference. Field like that again and we will come crashing back down to earth.
Last week’s heroes Alex Rogan and Ben Weller-Evans will be looking to pull the strings once again. They are backed up by the experience of Mike Bryant and Alex Gough, alongside youngsters Joby Beatty and Noah Beckell. Plenty of options there, at least we think there is. Bob hopes that the Oaks will rue not having an experienced pie chucker in ranks. He ended up hating Tiley at training last night but doesn’t hold grudges.
As with the Ones, the batting line-up still has a slightly mysterious feel to it, but everyone down to nine can hold a bat properly, which already feels encouraging. Even Ben Weller-Evans and Rogey are both capable of an entertaining and occasionally agricultural cameo, especially if George Lethaby and Nige Bishop can provide a decent platform at the top for that all important middle order to build on.
Talking of the middle order, Joby Beatty, Jack Brundle, Noah Beckell and Goughy will hope to build on some promising early-season form with all of them showing signs that could have decent 2026. As for Crown Taverners, little is known about what they might bring or whether they have quietly parachuted in a few surprise new signings, so that part will simply have to unfold on the day. The chances are that it will be a good encounter but we must take them catching chances.
Third XI
The Thirds, typically, have a fair few changes this week as some players are rested while others finally emerge from off-season slumber and dust off the whites for their first appearance of the year.
The batting has a decent look to it, although there is a feeling that Kris Tucknott, Dan Beckell and George Rutt may need to build a platform to allow the likes of Will McCarthy to play with freedom. With a combined age nudging towards 150 no one can deny there is experience in the top 3.
Veteran Steve Savage offers some welcome stability and a reasonable amount of experience in his 75th year while those below him bring plenty of youthful promise (well, Bird and Poulter do) if not quite the same level of experience yet. Still, a few useful double-figure contributions all add up and can make the difference between a competitive score and a very long afternoon in the field. Will Hodgetts looks like a decent player in the making and I for one would be delighted for him if he wasn’t such a smart arse on WhatsApp.
The bowling attack is perhaps best described as “developing”, although George Bird certainly provides genuine fizz and is a real threat if he gets his radar right, which sometimes he doesn’t but thats allowed with young players. They are learning the game. He will need support though, which creates opportunities for Zak Poulter, Ben Robinson and Will Mac to make their mark. Someone told me the lad Hodgetts can bowl a bit too, which is nice for him.
There is plenty to look forward to in this game, although it will be no easy task against a Hook side that always seems to produce talented youngsters in the lower teams, backed up by someone about fifty who has dropped down a league or two to spank some arses.
Good luck everyone…On we must travel.
