The Mighty Oaks head into round two of the league campaign with blue skies above and hope in their hearts—still searching for that elusive first win of the season after last week’s trio of defeats. Yes, it was a hat-trick, but not the good kind. Still, we went toe-to-toe with some highly rated sides, and there’s no shame in that!
First XI – Shuffling the Deck
The First XI face another stern test as St Cross’s third string roll into town—though with their depth, that could mean anything from cagey colts to semi-retired county pros. Skipper Dan Jones has made only two changes but has cheekily shuffled the order, promoting himself to No. 3 (lead from the front Dan, lead from the front). Will Cheyney makes a welcome return at 4, adding class, calm, and ideally some runs.
In the bowling department, Sharan Hugar steps in for Dave Bowers, adding firepower to a line-up that impressed last week at Longparish. The batsmen, however, will need to channel their inner Mike Tiley—gritty, stubborn, and not afraid to score ugly. After all, a streaky four still counts the same in the book and the longer batsmen stay at the crease, the bigger the ball looks.
Second XI – Off to Benworth (Brace for Chaos)
The 2s hit the road to Bentworth, scene of many cricketing dramas—usually involving Nick Gaye doing something outrageous with the bat. Now there’s a new Gaye in the mix, so who knows what chaos awaits.
Last week’s opener was a tough one against a young and very enthusiastic St Mary Bourne side. One rogue batsman took it away from us, but plenty of signs suggest the 2s are ready to bounce back. Skipper Ian Bennett brings Dave Bowers back into the fold to strengthen the bowling and provide some all-round reliability (or at least someone who knows how to bowl straight and hold a bat correctly).
The batting order is full of familiar faces: Kris Tucknott, Rutty, Bennett, and Parry are all in form, and with Nigel Bishop, Nellie Warner, and Jack Brundle capable of fireworks, it could be a good afternoon at a beautiful setting in the depths of Hampshire.
Third XI – Returning to Fortress Newfound
After a sobering encounter with the Basingstoke big guns last week, the 3rd XI are back home at Newfound to face Cove. Spirits are high, not least because Dan likes the look of his hand this week—bolstered by the return of veterans Ollie Rabley and Bob Lethaby, who’ll bring control, guile, and varying ailments.
Unusually, the team is Colt-free this week, so it’s time for the older heads to step up—and possibly stretch first. The batting line-up runs deep (at least on paper) and there’s real hope if Jeff Triner and Steve Savage can build on last week’s efforts and Ben Robinson the Beckell’s put on the runs they are capable of. Plus, Deano isn’t umpiring, which always helps (kidding, Deano… mostly). If all else fails, varying members of the tail can give it a whack to push us onwards.
And So We March On
Three games. Three opportunities. The opposition will be strong, the contests will be tight, and victories—should they come—will be earned the hard way. But the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and we’ve got another glorious Saturday of cricket ahead.
Play hard, back each other, and above all—enjoy it. Because if there’s one thing you can never rely on in England, it’s wall-to-wall sunshine every cricket weekend. Or last season, any weekend.
Onward we travel!
