Week three is upon us and, once again, the weather forecast is doing its annual audition for a disaster movie. Last week the rain threatened but never actually turned up, which was ideal behaviour frankly, so we ask the weather gods for more of the same. You are on notice. We are watching.
First XI vs The Rams
The First XI return to Oakley Park this Saturday after a successful raid on Bourne Valley last week. Two changes this time around. Ian Bennett returns in place of Steve Bown, while George Lethaby steps up to deputise for Will Cheyney. Promotions, recalls, intrigue… it is basically the IPL, just with slightly fewer fireworks and more dogs wandering near the boundary rope.
The batting once again looks strong, although a chunky score from Paddy to kickstart his season would be warmly welcomed by all concerned, particularly Paddy. Woody and Nathan ‘on drive Scarff were superb last week, stitching together a partnership that did most of the heavy lifting. The scorebook may suggest a dramatic middle-order collapse once they departed, but in reality it was more a case of “lads having a swing because we had wickets in hand.” Cricketing generosity, if you will.
No panic required if things don’t go according to plan straight away as Ian Bennett, George Lethaby, Dan Jones and Harry Tucknott all possess the ability to add valuable runs and varying levels of chaos in the middle order.
The bowling attack looks properly tasty again. Stef Kaltner, Neil Robinson, Harry Tucknott and Archie Taylor form a four-pronged seam attack capable of ruining anyone’s Saturday afternoon plans. Add the dependable Alex Brundle and the spin wizardry of Dan Jones and there is plenty to like. Can they reproduce last week’s 5 star show? What was encouraging was for once, it wasn’t the lad Kaltner doing most of the hard work. More of that would be just dandy.
The Rams should provide stern opposition after nearly pulling off a monster chase against Whitchurch last week. Jonny Bradley remains the key danger man, while new recruit Liam Shore also looks one to watch. Contain those two and Oakley should fancy their chances. Ignore them and there could be trouble at mill (or Oakley Park).
Should be a cracking game.
Second XI vs Ramsdell 2s
The Second XI welcome Ramsdell 2s to Oakley Park looking to bounce back after last week’s “character-building” performance. And by character-building, we mean not much went right at all on a horrible afternoon of cricket.
There are changes aplenty. With George Lethaby drafted into First XI duties, Kurnal Solanke returns to open alongside Nigel Bishop. Mike Tiley remains at three but hands over the gloves to Will Rabley so he can focus fully on captaincy, field placements and pretending not to be furious when people complete comical missfields.
Chris Morris returns to bolster a batting line-up that miserably underperformed under scoreboard pressure last week, with the notable exception of Mike Tiley and Will Rabley. More will be needed from Jack Brundle, Noah Beckell and Mike Bryant to protect a lower order made up primarily of bowlers who can bat “a bit” in the same way a shopping trolley can technically be used off-road.
The bowling, however, looks in good shape. Ben Weller-Evans was the standout performer last week and is proving a great addition, while Alex Rogan will be eager to rediscover the radar his dog ate leading to a difficult outing against Crown Tavs. Mike Bryant continues his comeback from injury and looks sharper with more overs under his belt, while Noah Beckell, Jack Brundle and wicket-taking pie specialist Bob Lethaby round things off nicely.A bowling unit lying somewhere between menace and buffet, with buffet often being the winner. No one knows why.
Overall, it is a decent-looking side. Week one started brilliantly before reality arrived wielding a large stick last week, so the response this weekend will be a fascinating insight into how our season is going to go. What we don’t want is to get dragged into a relegation tussle like we briefly did last year. We are miles better than that and his team can absolutely bat and bowl much better than it did seven days ago. Time for some vintage bouncebackability.
Third XI vs Overton 3s
The Third XI remains the traditional cocktail of youngsters, veterans, comeback stories and potential disciplinary hearings. Special mention must go to the returning Rav Kancharla, who after extensive surgery last summer is reportedly half the man he once was, quite literally. We thought we’d gained a new member when he rocked up to Oakley Park last week. Welcome back Rav, Ravi, Ravington, you have been missed. Everyone was delighted to see you.
Dan would probably be quite pleased with his side if he ever allowed himself such emotions. The team looks well equipped to continue Oakley’s impressive recent record against Overton 3s. Batting depth stretches nicely down to seven, boosted by the return of Dave Parry. Dan, Tuckers and Tom Harris are all capable of building a great platform for the rest.
Will McCarthy and Ben Robinson provide the all-round options, while Jack Cousens, Zak Newton and Rav Kancharla make up the ‘specialist’ bowling attack. Much may depend on Zak and Rav locating a consistent line and length to help out George Bird and Jack Cousens. If not, the skipper may once again be forced into action himself, a sentence that fills teammates and opposition alike with equal uncertainty about how things might pan out. He’s a hero, that man.
All in all though, this looks a nicely balanced side capable of having a very good day. Most importantly, after last week’s infuriating cancellation, Dan and the boys simply want to play some cricket at last. With one abandonment and one cancellation due to lack of opposition numbers, it’s not a start that would feature on a ‘plans for the season’ spreadsheet.
Final Word
So here we go again. A Saturday hat-trick is there for the taking but if Oakley are off their game, an unwanted hat-trick could easily appear instead.
Let’s hope the weather behaves itself and all three games get completed.
Hey ho, let’s go.
