And just like that, the sun is out, the whites are washed (mostly), and we’re back for another season of glorious cricketing highs, crushing lows, mild sunburn, and questionable dismissals. Welcome back, everyone!
It’s shaping up to be one of Oakley’s most testing seasons in recent years — and that’s saying something. But with testing comes opportunity, and with opportunity comes dropped catches, heroic comebacks, and plenty in between. Strap in, that’s why we love it.
First XI: To Longparish and Beyond
The First XI kick off their campaign away at Longparish, looking to avenge a bit of a pre-season pasting that we’ll generously refer to as “character-building.” This time though, the Oaks are looking sharper, stronger, and hopefully, a bit better.
The bowling attack is stacked like a pub lunch: Dave Bowers, Harry Tucknott, Stef Kaltner, Alex Brundle, Dan Jones, and the ever-terrifying Alex Rogan. Backup comes in the wise (and possibly creaky) forms of George Lethaby and Mike Tiley, should they remember where the stumps are.
Batting, however, is a slightly different story. With Matt Burrell embracing fatherhood, Josh Carpenter off to the SPL, and Will Cheyney double-booking himself (solid start, Will), the top order has a fresh new look. There’s talent in spades — consistency, however, has so far been a bit like a classic British summer: promised but not delivered. Now’s the time to turn those pretty 20s into match-winning 80s.
A big early test, and one that will reveal just where we stand in this brave new league format.
Second XI: Home Advantage… We Think
The Second XI host the newly promoted and clearly dangerous St Mary Bourne — yes, the very same St Mary Bourne where the chairman now lives. So a kind of local derby for the chair. Skipper Ian Bennett is quietly (loudly) concerned about the bowling depth, but Zak Newton’s early season form has been promising, and newcomer Alex Gough looked sharp in the nets — which, as we know, guarantees absolutely nothing. Ian and Jack Brundle will be wheeled out for long spells, while Will Rabley and young Will McCarthy will be critical for backup and youthful energy.
The batting is a mix of dependable youth and seasoned experience — though how much of the latter is still mobile remains to be seen. Kris Tucknott, George Rutt, and Nellie Warner bring the know-how and plenty of rust, while the tail can all at least identify what a cricket bat is. That’s progress.
Expect fireworks. Or at least some light sparklers. The Bourne can be brutal, but if we keep them quiet early on, this one could go the distance.
Third XI: From Teens to Trebles
Third XI travel the delightfully over-named “Basingstoke Capital,” who sound like they should be sponsoring us rather than playing against us.
Dan’s squad, as always, is delightfully diverse, with an age range that could earn us both an Ofsted rating and care allowance. The captain’s batting form will be key, but the big news is the return (again) of Jeff Triner from retirement. He’s had more comebacks than Status Quo at this point and Dan is still furious about the money he spent on last year’s emotional farewell.
Steve Savage has runs and heartbeats in him (and possibly a dodgy hamstring), the Bird brothers can both swing a bat with encouraging success and Adam Triner could be the breakout star if he adds some fire to his stoical defence that would make Geoff Boycott feel erotic. Will Hodgetts is the new lad — raw but keen, and this is a great arena for growth (and generous fielding placements).
Bowling will be, shall we say, interesting: Mad Alan and Alex Holman will need to bowl well to back up Noah Beckell and the Bird Brothers, and anyone else who puts their hand up or gets thrown the ball will get a go. Dan and JT also need to be ready to turn arms and confuse the opposition into submission. This is a great chance for players to develop and shine. They should look forward to it.
With little known about the opposition, it’s very much a case watch this space.
All Set for Saturday
With the May heatwave calming down and wickets cracking like it’s July, all three games are good to go. A triple-win hat-trick would be a dream, but more important is the spirit — get out there, play hard, laugh harder, and if all else fails, have a pint.
Good luck to all the teams this weekend. Play well, enjoy it, and remember — cricket is the only sport where a draw can feel like a win, a win can feel like a loss, and everyone still ends up in the bar.
Up the Oaks!