It is around about this time of year when the weekend previews come back. Writing them takes a bit of time and can be futile if the rain clouds arrive. March and April has seen plenty of rain clouds and despite Ian’s best efforts, cricket has been a rarity.
Bit of a Farce
We did get some cricket last weekend but a friendly with St Mary’s was a bit of a farce. A few players got a bit of middle time but it was all a bit messy. What we did learn is that a full strength St Mary’s outfit will be very competitive in County 5. I would expect them to be challenging at the top end of the table come August.
We have already lost our traditional away fixture at an unplayable Ashford Hill today and the Village Cup tie with Amport tomorrow is in serious doubt. You may even be reading this after the game has been cancelled. Skipper, James Bayliss, and groundsman, Ian Bennett are reluctant to cause further pre-season damage and will decide today.
A Wee Bit Messy
So, it’s all a bit messy, and without warm up games, it may well be a rusty start to the season for the players. However, the rain doesn’t just fall at Oakley Park, so it is the same scenario for our opponents. This will inevitably lead to some comedic moments in the field of play, particularly in damp conditions. Cricket wouldn’t be cricket without a fizzing half-volley arrowing towards the fingers of a fielder who is wondering what he is doing playing cricket whilst engulfed in a Baltic airmass.
Yet, here’s a thing. The British weather has a great way of evening itself up over the year. March and April have been exceptionally wet, so who knows, we could be marching towards a marvellous May and a jollitastic June? Even as an eternal pessimist, I am optimistic of the positive outcome my arthritic knee is dreaming of.
Onwards we shall travel…