Another glorious weekend is on the cards in Hampshire, meaning all three teams are set to take the field. Shall we have a look at what’s in store? Come along then.
First XI – Away at Andover 2s, Searching for That First Win
The First XI head to Andover to take on their second string, with both sides still looking to get off the mark this season. Two changes this week: Nigel Bishop earns a call-up for the enviable task of opening after his ton for the 2s last Saturday. Nige steps in for the unavailable Michael Wood. Greg Spiers also slots in at number 5 to strengthen the middle order, while Sharan Hugar returns to the Second XI to bolster a depleted bowling attack.
Week one saw a cracking fielding and batting display. Week two? Well, it wasn’t and some honest words were said after. A solid batting performance was let down by a less-than-stellar fielding effort, as a decent score of 229 was chased down with relative ease. If we’re not good enough, it’s just the way it is. If we are under our normal standards, it is annoying. The lads know they’ve got more in the tank—they just need to bring both disciplines together on the same day. They need to prove they can do that and everyone is confident that will come.
To be fair, The 1s have faced two of the stronger sides tipped for promotion to start the season and haven’t been outclassed. A little more consistency and this could be a tight one decided by small margins. Here’s hoping we’re on the right side of them and start climbing the table.
Second XI – Home vs Herriard 2s, Bowling Boost Incoming
The 2s return to Oakley Park, still chasing their first win. Last week’s match saw them concede a mammoth 288 on a road of a pitch, with a bowling unit that was one (possibly two) bowlers short. That’s been addressed this week. Or at least we hope it has.
Bob Lethaby, Ollie Rabley and Sharan Hugar all come in to add some much-needed firepower and variable pace with the ball. Will Rabley also comes in, bringing much needed athleticism, enthusiasm, and fingers crossed—his first runs of the campaign!
Skipper Ian has bravely promoted himself to open in the absence of Nigel Bishop, Nellie Warner, and George Rutt. That reshuffle offers chances for Jack Brundle, Alex Gough, and Dave Parry to step up the order and make a mark. There are runs in the team, with with even number 9, Zak Newton whacking 3 sixes last week.
Like the 1s, the 2s have faced stiff opposition in their first couple of games and were undone by a single dominant batsman each time. If a few of those half-chances had stuck, the results might’ve looked very different. Now is the time to grab those chances and start climbing the table. There is no reason why that can’t happen.
Third XI – Away at Hartley Wintney IV, A Mix of Experience and Youth
Captain Dan’s team are riding high after last week’s win… or at least, they were until they saw the team sheet. Losing Bob Lethaby, Ollie Rabley, and Will Rabley to the higher ranks and with Mad Alan and Alex Holman unavailable, the bowling unit looks somewhat—what’s the word? Ah yes, decimated.
Still, it’s not all doom and gloom. Making their adult cricket debuts are two exciting young talents: George Oliphant and Tom McCarthy. Ideally, Dan would’ve liked to wait another year before introducing them to the grown-up game but needs must—and he’s confident they’ll rise to the occasion under his steady guidance.
Another debutant, the slightly older Gibbons, joins the fray to continue his initiation into the chaotic, charming world of cricket.
With experience at the top in Dan, Jeff, and Noah, there’s a good chance of a solid platform. If they can get going, Will Hodgetts, Adam Triner and Steve Savage can provide further runs, giving the young guns some freedom to express themselves later in the innings and put a decent total together.
Bowling-wise, with the likes of Bob, Ollie, Mad Alan and co. missing, Noah and the tempestuous Avi Thakur will need to lead from the front. Dan will also be working on JT’s back muscles—and motivation—to get a few overs out of him to support the new boys. If needed, Dan may also have to give his arm some action to complete the allocated overs.
It’s a tough task, no doubt. But if Dan can unite the group like he did last week, there’s every reason to believe another win is within reach. If not? It’s all part of the learning curve for the next generation of Oaks who will be told to enjoy being out there.
The Weather Forecast – Enjoy It While It Lasts!
The Met Office reckons we’ve got 10 more days of dry, sunny weather before the heavens open once more. So, enjoy the sunshine, make the most of your cricket—and if the result doesn’t go your way, well, there’s always the bar.
Cricket’s a game to be played hard but enjoyed fully. Wins are sweet, but the real reward is a good game with mates and a cold pint in hand after.
On you go…