One win from three doesn’t look like the greatest Saturday on paper, but cricket rarely tells the full story.
The First XI weren’t quite at their best at Odiham, but the eight points they picked up proved valuable. Fellow promotion rivals Whitchurch also lost, meaning Oakley remain right in the hunt with 4 points gained on their rivals meaning we are now joint second with four to go.
At Oakley Park, the Second XI served up an absolute thriller against Hook 3s. Chasing 227, it looked as though we’d fallen just short before Will Rabley decided enough was enough. Needing 17 from the final over, he went full Will Rabley, launching three sixes in four balls to drag us over the line in extraordinary fashion. A brilliant finish. A special mention too for Joby Beatty, who brought up his first senior half-century. Congratulations Joby, hopefully the first of many.
Meanwhile at Newfound, the Third XI couldn’t quite defend 211 against Hartley Wintney, but they pushed a decent side all the way in another excellent contest. Dan Beckell was the standout performer, producing a magnificent, and desperately unlucky, 93. If running yourself out is unlucky.
So, while the scorecard says one win from three, the bigger picture is far more encouraging. Valuable league points, a last-over classic, another young player reaching a milestone, and three sides competing hard.
Plenty to take into next weekend.