The Oaks travelled more in hope than expectation a mile or so up the B3400 to take on our friends at Overton CC.
Various weather apps had been checked throughout the week, and early anticipation of a full game soon gave way to the realisation that this unseasonable May weather would likely play a decisive part in proceedings.
A few spots of rain on the windscreen on the drive across presented a sign of things to come, but the game started on time and under light cloud. Predictions were made on exactly when the rain would arrive, ranging from the pessimistic (“probably around 1” – skipper), to the sensible (“says here, around 4.30” – Tom), to the ludicrous (“not until 6.30, we’ll be fine” – Ben). The only agreement being that the rain would arrive.
Win toss, bowl first
The most likely way to force a result in these circumstances is to win the toss, bowl first, and hope to wrap up the innings swiftly. George and Will opened the bowling, George coming down the hill with pace and Will up the hill with accuracy. Good balls were met with good leaves and good defence. Will thought he’d made the breakthrough with a tight LBW call which went the way of the batsmen. Steve and the slips weren’t entirely convinced by the appeal, so met the call with the shrug of a seasoned amateur. Will, meanwhile, met the decision with the reaction of someone who’s had the jam taken out of his doughnut and stomped off to fine leg raging at the injustices of it all. Funny stuff.
George then made the required breakthrough, bowling the opener with one which caught the inside of his pad and went onto the stumps. Any thoughts of swift wickets were soon dispelled though, with Dave, the Overton skipper, playing very nicely and striking the ball very cleanly, and the number 3, Brunt, proving obdurate. Jack came on to offer some leggies, but the good balls were mixed with some hittable stuff and, despite energetic fielding, chances were few and far between. Whilst the run rate was ticking along at just around 2.5 an over, drinks arrived with still just the one wicket down and the all-important time creeping on.
Welcome back, Ravi
We changed things up with the bowling after drinks, deciding to try taking the pace off the ball. Ravi took the first over after drinks and, second ball, induced some hesitation from Dave and he was on his way, bowled for a very decent 39. Next ball, same again, with the Overton number 4 going for a first-baller. Fresh from his heroics bowling right-arm chod a fortnight ago, skipper Dan brought himself on from the other end and soon found a nice rhythm and good accuracy. The wickets began to tumble, with Ravi taking a superb 6 wickets (7-1-19-6) and Dan taking his wickets tally to 7 for the season with 3 more to his name (4.1-3-1-3).
Nine wickets fell for just 20 runs in 13 overs after drinks, a superb effort.
Special mention must go to Ravi who, having missed all of last season following illness and recuperation, came back to produce outstanding figures. Welcome back Ravi, it’s great to have you around again.
It’s hope that kills ya’
With skies darkening, the Oakley reply got underway, chasing 111 to win. Caught between moving the scoreboard along quickly to try and beat the weather, and not giving your wicket away, Kris displayed all the signs of a season interrupted, splicing a short ball to mid-wicket where he would normally dispatch it. Will was promoted up the order to bring some carnage and hit his first ball for 4, followed by some swishes outside off. Dan ticked things over nicely with a good back-foot cut for 4 and a clip through mid-wicket. Will soon smashed a glorious 6 but, with the rain coming, it proved to be the last action of the day, Oakley ending up at 34-1 from 6 overs.
So, 3 games in: 2 abandonments and one cancellation. Marvellous stuff.
However, with the weather warming up and sunshine in the offing, we can look forward to next Saturday with the expectation of a full game. There were plenty of positives to take, however: the continuing development of our young players; Zak bowling 8 overs through with good pace, carry, and improving accuracy; the return of Ravi; and continued team spirit.
We thank Overton for the game which, as always, was played in excellent spirit.