With DJ crowned as captain during the week after Bayliss’ resignation on medical grounds, Oakley looked to build on a comfortable win against Hook last week as they faced new opposition, Whiteparish. Both teams were next to each other in the Division 3 table, so an even match was expected.
Whiteparish Bat
Whiteparish won the toss and opted to bat, making a steady start. Stefan, as always, spearheaded the attack and was the pick of the bowlers despite a couple of rare wides, returning 3 wickets for 29 runs off his 9 overs. Big Mike supported well, picking up the valuable wicket of the Whiteparish opener who had looked well set. Useful overs came from the change bowling, with DJ switching his bowlers around well. Tucknott, Brundle, Will, and DJ himself bowled some good, tight lines, although Whiteparish seemed poised to cut loose at times. After 30 overs, Whiteparish looked well set to post a big score approaching 250; however, this was tempered well in the last 15, and a final score of 218 for 6 looked to be a very gettable target for Oakley.
The Response
In response, Oakley had a comfortable start, making 29 before losing captain DJ. Nigel hit a slow 13 before bringing team talisman Josh to the crease. Matt Burrell looked to be building in confidence, posting an assured 37 before being caught at gully. Paddy joined Josh, and some control returned to the innings for a while until Paddy hit an uppish cut into the hands of gully just as he looked ready to cut loose. With Will repeating the shot (and result) the very next ball, leaving us 122-5 with 10 overs to go, we were up against it. Josh continued to anchor the innings as usual, but when he was bowled for 48, the game was pretty much up. Some useful contributions followed from Nelly, Brundle, and future star Harry “Hazza” Tucknott, but we finished all out on 200 and fell short.
This was a game Oakley could have won, but credit goes to Whiteparish, who bowled and fielded well, backing each other and picking up wickets at key moments, ultimately winning them the game. In contrast, all members of the Oakley team were a little guilty of letting the mood fall flat at times. Remembering to enjoy our cricket is something that would serve us well going forward.