As we drift into the first week of June, we find ourselves, for the third time this season, obsessively refreshing weather apps and hoping for good news. Having already lost two fixtures in May, it’s starting to wear a bit thin. Strangely, the games we have managed to complete have been played in temperatures more fitting for mid-July than late spring.
Still, cricket folk are eternal optimists. Hope springs eternal, and at the moment, that’s carrying a fair bit of the load.
First XI
The First XI head to Old Basing this weekend looking to build on an impressive performance last time out. Availability, however, has thrown a few challenges their way. Top-order batsmen Nathan Scarff, Will Cheyney and Ian Bennett are all unavailable, meaning opportunities for Nigel Bishop, George Lethaby and Kunal Solanki to step up.
Thankfully, the bowling attack remains largely intact, although strike bowler Neil Robinson is still missing.
Old Basing may not have registered a win yet, but their season deserves a closer look. They tied with third-placed Alton and posted a hefty total against high-flying Whitchurch last week, so they are certainly not to be underestimated.
For The Oaks, much could depend on Michael Wood maintaining his excellent form, Paddy Saines rediscovering his best, and the incoming trio of Kunal, Nigel and George contributing valuable runs.
Second XI
The Second XI have suffered heavily from this week’s call-up list and will look very different for their home fixture against Old Basing 3s.
The good news is that The Oaks welcome back James Bayliss after a lengthy injury lay-off, while Mike Bryant and talented youngster Joby Beatty also return to strengthen the squad. Dan Beckell earns promotion from the Third XI.
The Seconds looked a strong unit against Hook last weekend and will be keen to build on that display. Will McCarthy and Alex Rogan both impressed with the ball, while Rogey also demonstrated his talents lower down the order with an excellent partnership alongside Will Rabley.
Like their First XI counterparts, Old Basing are still searching for their first victory of the season. Even so, complacency won’t help anyone. If The Oaks bring the same focus and intensity they showed last week, they will fancy their chances.
Third XI
The Third XI are finding life challenging at the moment but showed encouraging signs in last week’s defeat to Hartley Wintney.
With skipper Dan Beckell promoted to the Seconds, chairman Kris Tucknott takes charge this weekend. Kris will no doubt be hoping both his captaincy and batting form hit their stride simultaneously.
Veterans Steve Savage and Tom Harris will be tasked with laying a solid platform, allowing Kris and son Ed the chance to make an impact. Ed, in particular, remains capable of causing serious damage when those long levers get going.
Jack Cousens, Bob Lethaby and George Bird make up the middle order and will likely need to make meaningful contributions if The Oaks are to post a competitive total.
The bowling attack looks capable enough. George Bird, Ollie Rabley, Rav Kancharla and Alex Holman all possess the ability to make things happen.
As for opponents Odiham 4s, predicting what will turn up is never easy. They could be anything from very strong to desperately short of players. If they arrive at full strength, it will be a tough assignment. Either way, the Thirds could really do with a win to kick-start their season.
Eyes on the Sky
For all the team news, selection headaches and tactical discussions, everything ultimately comes down to the weather.
Showers can sometimes be dodged, but the current Met Office forecast isn’t exactly inspiring, with rain probabilities hovering around 90% in the morning and 70% through the afternoon.
Bad weather doesn’t just rob us of cricket. It also impacts valuable club income, making these washouts doubly frustrating.
So here’s hoping the forecast has got it wrong, the covers stay dry, and summer decides to make a more permanent return.
Good luck to all three sides and let’s hope for three games of cricket.
