Match report from Micky Wood.
The Oakley mob turned up to the ground expecting a bit of dampness, but it was bone dry — surprisingly good to go. Warm-up was underway, the lads were feeling good and ready to rumble.
Oaks Bat
No idea who won the toss, but Oakley were batting — and that only means one thing: the Hammers and Millwall go to war hand-in-hand to open the batting together. (Woody and Paddy, of course.)
They saw off the first few overs nicely, but Paddy got a good one and went for 9. Jack Brundle, making the step up to the 1s, looked like a fish out of water and had to go for 2. In came William, who looked a bit weary after staying up all night watching Clarkson’s Farm, and he too got a decent ball.
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Skipper got a duck, and suddenly Woody was just left there. Still searching for his best form, Woody actually looked a bit more like himself — playing some lovely shots on his way to 20 before giving his wicket away.
With Tiley falling for 5 and Alex getting a duck, it was left to Harry Tucknott and Stefan to rescue the innings — and what a job they did. They built a stunning partnership, hitting the bad balls, blocking the good ones, and showing us all how it’s done. After a brilliant 80+ run stand, Harry was eventually run out for a well-made 31. Stefan, cool as ever, finished with a classy 37.
Oakley ended on 173 — a total we felt we could work with.
Tea Time
Tea was taken. Sandwiches were eaten — which, thanks to modern times, we now have to make ourselves (utter woke nonsense, obviously).
The Bowling Effort
Oakley opened up with Rogan, who looked sharp and gave the openers a scare with his pace. A few loose shots flew just out of reach — one in particular narrowly evading the gully — but after that, their batters looked pretty settled.
Alex came the closest to getting us a breakthrough, but sadly Woody couldn’t hold on to the chance. From there, the opposition started whacking it around. At 108–1, Woody was crying quietly in the corner, and even the threat of rain couldn’t save us.
Stefan and Will managed to pick up a wicket each, but honestly, it just feels like everything is going against us at the moment — no shortage of effort from the lads, just not our day.
Post-Match
Beers were had after the game. Paddy lifted spirits with some classic gags, reminding everyone that it’s not just about winning — it’s also about the laughs, the team, and the love for the game.
Yes, it was a bad day at the office. And yes, the players are aware of the noise around the 1s. We’re hurting. But we’ll be back.
Back stronger.
Up the Oaks.
(Sent from my iPhone)