With a sunny and warm outlook expected, The Oaks are back on the road again this week for a couple of pre-season strolls to Ashford Hill on Saturday and Aldershot (Badshot Lea) on Sunday.
It is all very civilised really. Cricket, sunshine hopefully, and a chance to see who has been doing their homework over winter.
Ashford Hill Away
First up is Ashford Hill on Saturday, where second and third XI skippers Mike Tiley and Dan Beckel get another look at how everyone is shaping up ahead of the new league season. Think of it as a friendly inspection, with skippers pretending to look on thoughtfully.
Noah Beckell, Alex Gough and Will McCarthy will be aiming to build on some encouraging showings last week. Meanwhile Dan Beckell gets his first proper knock of the pre-season alongside Mike, Ben Robinson and evergreen veteran Tom Harris, who presumably still has all his shots safely stored somewhere in muscle memory.
Zak and Alex Rogan both had good spells with the ball last time out and will be looking for a bit more consistency this week to really settle into rhythm. They will no doubt be supported by Goughy, Noah and Ben, forming what we can generously describe as a “work in progress bowling unit with promise”.
As ever at this stage, the scoreboard is slightly less important than the bigger picture. It is all about time in the middle, shaking off the winter rust, finding line and length again, and remembering what a good length actually looks like after a long break.
So no bold predictions here. The real win is getting game ready.
Badshot Lea – Village Cup
On Sunday, attention shifts to Aldershot where we take on Badshot Lea on neutral ground due to their home pitch still not being quite ready for action. Think of it as cricketing diplomacy.
Dan’s side looks strong, although there are a few enforced changes with Woody and last week’s half-century maker Will Cheyney, unavailable. Opportunity knocks though, as it always does in pre-season.
George Lethaby steps in for Woody and opens up alongside Paddy Saines, looking to build on his encouraging knock at Longparish last week. Nathan Scarff stays at three after looking composed and confident, while skipper DJ, promotes himself up the order following a typically gutsy effort in the same fixture.
Harry Tucknott and Ian Bennett both move up the batting order after some “lively” contributions last week. Jack Brundle slots in at seven and will be hoping to avoid any awkward run-out conversations with DJ. Always a bonus.
There is a bit of bad luck for Alex Brundle, who misses out with split webbing in his finger. That opens the door for George Bird, who impressed in his first spell at Longparish and earns another go. Young Archie Taylor keeps his place too and continues to look like one for now as well as the future, which is always exciting.
They will be supported by the returning Mike Bryant and the ever dependable Stef Kaltner, bringing experience, calm heads, and probably a few reminders about fielding positions.
We do not know too much about the opposition, but the plan is simple enough. If the openers can lay a solid platform, the middle order can play with freedom, and the tail can wag enthusiastically, there is every chance of posting something competitive.
Bowling Options
The bowling attack has plenty of options too, with Mike, Stef, Archie, Harr, George Bird and DJ all ready to roll the arm over. George Lethaby and Jack Brundle are also on standby should anything unexpected happen, which in cricket is basically guaranteed.
As with Saturday, the result is nice if it comes, but not the main story. What matters is players gaining confidence with bat and ball, building partnerships, and getting ourselves properly ready for the season ahead rather than just turning up and hoping for the best.
These games are the stepping stones to the real thing.
So go well everyone. Enjoy the sunshine, take something positive from the games, win or lose, and be ready for the serious business next week.
Oh, and do not forget to pay your membership. The cricket gods are watching…well, Ollie and Kris are.
