There are three things in life you can’t do much about. Death, taxes and wet weekends. Wet weekends have blighted the last few weeks with barely any games getting played right across the region. It is bloody annoying!
Surely we will get a break this week?
First XI v Basingstoke 3’s
Out of our three teams, it is the First XI who been damaged the most by not playing. We needed games and points to put pressure on those above us but 3 weeks after our last fixture, the table remains the same. Games are running out.
Still, try we must, and a home fixture with in-form Basingstoke 3’s awaits, along with some squally showers that may or may not visit Oakley. Considering it’s holiday season, it looks a decent side to me, with Brad Compton-Bearne, James Lancaster and Graeme Ridler in for regulars, Matt Burrell (holiday) Will Cheyney (harvesting) and Michael Wood (wedding duties).
Basingstoke haven’t had a great season but the threat of relegation appears to have galvanised them with 3 wins from 4, propelling them out of trouble. However, if The Oaks are to harbour any lingering ambition of an assault on those above them, it’s a must win game.
Hard to call this one, as we don’t know how affected by holidays and late summer apathy Basingstoke will be. There is of course the threat of showers that at the time of writing seems to be receding.
Old Basing IV v 2’s
The Two’s will be looking to find a victory at Old Basing tomorrow that can give a kick-start to an end of season run of good form.
They have what looks a decent side and its good to see ‘old boys’ Sammy Holbrook and Alfie Rowley in the line-up. Jack will wish he had them earlier in the season but there is no point dwelling on that now.
It’s hard to work out all the changes as there are always changes but other notable additions are Kris Tucknott and Tom Hartgill, with regulars, George Lethaby and Ian Bennett absent. There looks to be good bowling and batting options from where I am sat (in front of the TV watching an Australia fightback) so I’m quietly confident.
Who knows how Old Basing will do. It’s just good to see them getting a fourth eleven again after struggles earlier in the season. With that in mind, it’s impossible to call but a win of any kind would be great for confidence.
Third XI v Hurstbourne Priors
The Third XI have a tough test tomorrow, with unbeaten Hurstbourne Priors the visitors. However, Jeff has a tidy looking side out and certainly enough to give them a good game.
The team is basically made up of the same old stalwarts that have graced Newfound this season, along with new Oaks addition, the talented left-armer, Zak Newton, and returning legend, Brett King.
If Jeff Triner can keep up his recent run of form and the likes of Steve Savage and Dan Beckell can get amongst the runs, why not an upset? Recently re-established Hurstbourne are decent side though and will be looking to climb the leagues in the coming years, so it will be a tough gig. Kris Tuckers Tucknott will be missed.
All we can hope is that it is not another afternoon of paper towels, sawdust and Deano repeatedly telling everyone he’s played in worse.
And Finally…
So, all we can do is hope. As we know, showers can be hit and miss. They can wreck an afternoon or miss us completely. Last week, we knew the Monday before a write-off was incoming, this week we can at least carry a bit of hope. Sometimes it is that hope that kills us.
Finally, best wishes to Chris and Cat Morris who are getting married today. Have a great day! On that note I must get ready to grace them with my presence. Without me, their day would be in tatters.
Go well everyone, let’s hit the hat-trick button!
On we travel!