First XI
With the weather looking fair, we move into our next set of fixtures resembling something from a Carentan scene in ‘The Band of Brothers’. This has affected the First Team worse than anyone else. Chris Morris (shattered nose) Ian Bennett (bruised ankle) and Josh Carpenter (side strain) are all out of Saturday’s tough looking fixture at Steep.
To make matters worse, wicketkeeper, James Bayliss, is galivanting around the English countryside in his campervan. This has infuriated the chairman, who at least has the small consolation of still having James’s saucepan. He borrowed it a fortnight ago to use as a dog bowl and it remains in his car. The thought of James getting in a tizz when he can’t cook his baked beans, makes the loss feel worth it.
However, it has given Alex Brundle headaches aplenty as he shuffles the pack. The good news is that opener, Dan Jones, is back in, whilst Michael Wood steps up to replace Matt Burrell, who is on holiday. All Stars organiser, Ross Hunter, has the task of standing in for Bayliss as wickie/batsman.
Fawad Amin replaces Josh Carpenter and will probably open the bowling with Clive Welsman. Hugh Croft also makes his first start of the season and is likely to play a key role along with Gayan Liyanage. Gayan had an impressive game last week with both bat and ball. This leaves AB as the fifth bowler with George Lethaby, Will Cheyney and DJ as back up.
The Firsts have played well in patches so far, with plenty of encouraging stuff. However, they know they need to improve. With a bit more application and patience, there is no reason why they can’t.
Second XI
The Second XI will also be seeking their first win when they entertain Odiham II at Oakley Park. Jack should be delighted with his line-up considering the number of absentees we have right now.
The team has a good-looking balance to it, with Josh Carpenter and Mike Bryant coming down from the First XI. A solid looking opening trio of Steve ‘Sausage’ Savage, Tall Jeff, and Nelly ‘the elegant’ Warner, should be able to set a good platform for a long batting line-up.
With Josh unable to bowl, a quartet featuring Dave Bowers, Mike Bryant, Kalum Sapumanage and the bloodied, but not bowed, Jeff King, will need to go well. Bowling back up will come from Steve Bown, Nellie Warner, and Jeff Triner. Jeff King’s desire to carry on, sets him apart from the likes of Ian Bennett, who seems to think a bruised ankle is an excuse not to play. After playing rugby for years, Ian needs to get used to a playing proper man’s game.
Should be a good game this one and, hopefully, an opportunity for The Oaks to get some points on the board.
Third XI
There are no such worries for Dan Beckell, who’s unbeaten (albeit one game) 3rd XI travel to Basingstoke V in a buoyant mood (except Avi, who is never buoyant).
Dan is once again pinching himself in disbelief at the quality of the team he can put out. It is one that features a genuine balance of batting and bowling. Will Rabley is back in for George Rutt, and Noah Beckell comes back from a successful stint in the Two’s, with Dean James missing out this week.
The batting line up is mature and experienced looking whilst the bowling is littered with colts or recent former colts. They are not just making the numbers up either, with Herbie’s five wicket haul last week, leading the way. Noah Beckell and Harry Tucknott both offer genuine pace and will be ably backed up by eighties pop stars, Avi and Ravi. Ollie Rabley, who is yet to get a ball hit him square in the face this season, is another option.
A good game to look forward to, and an opportunity for more points on the board. it will also be interesting to see who Avi upsets this week. I feel disciplinary action is not far away.
Sunday XI
On Sunday, Waverly visit Oakley Park for a game where we will, as ever, field an eclectic 11. As proof of this, The Oaks will be captained by 73-year-old youngster, Gordon Scott. Gordon is just 60 years older than Harry Tucknott.
A blend of youth in this one and it is great to see six youngsters in the side, gaining more experience for their next steps into adult cricket. It is always good to win games but more important is the practice and game time for emerging players.
Team: G Scott, M Burrell, K Sapumanage, S Sapumanage, M Clift, R Kancharla, T McCewan, H Hamilton, A Triner, M Reddy, H Tucknott
So, on we must travel. It has been a bit of a shocker of a week with injuries, so to have so many members is paying dividends. Best wishes to those carrying nasty injuries. Fortunately they are of the type where players can all return soon. Also, a pat on the back to those who have been shuffled about this week. It can be a bit annoying being moved around the teams but be assured, the captains just want to make sure all teams are balanced. It has just been one of those weeks.
Three words to finish with, folks.
Lids on please.