The Oakley Thursday teams finished the season first and second after the Jokes demolished Attack of the Bumbles on the final night.
The Jokes’s innings was largely made up of a 36 for Alex Brundle and a crunching 65 not out for Steve ‘I’m not sure if I like cricket anymore’ Bown, which was the highest score of the season for any Oakley player.
This ensured maximum batting points for the Jokes and the potential to chase the 18 points available.
The Bumbles fell apart quickly and wickets for Sumner, Warner, Bown and Ian Bennet ensured maximum points.
After the Hook youngsters failed to pick up maximum points after a victory over Longparish, it meant the Jokes pipped them into second place by a single point.
All in all the indoor league has been a major success, with everyone paying up subs (it is expensive) and supporting the three teams that entered the league.
The Tuesday team finished third behind Hook, who were way ahead but they did run second placed Longparish close and perhaps should have beaten them on at least one occasion. With Clive guiding them along, they are a young team that will only get better.
There were loads of really good performances on the pitch from all teams, with Dan and George passing 400 indoor runs and several others like Clive, DJ and Alex passing 300.
Alex was my batsman of the year due to his mastery of the indoor game, almost completing runs before the ball was hit and always willing to sacrifice his wicket.
With the bowling, George was the most successful with 24 wickets, utilising a strategy of straight, slow, slower, and even slower bowling that works so well in the indoor arena.
I have named just a few but many others contributed a lot and if Jimmy Bright had been available a bit more he would have been right up there with the runs total and there were also some memorable performances from Gerry, DJ, Woody, Brad, Ruttman and Nellie…and of course that incredible finale from Bownie.
I am compiling the final averages over the next few days, so look out for them over the next few days.
There has been talk of not enough players getting a game indoors but we tried and we do need committed players because of the initial outlay of funds, which for three teams, is a thousand pounds.
However, we have made it clear that if someone wishes to step forward and enter a 4th team, taking on the responsibility of getting six players on the pitch who all pay their subs, we will support it…however, please remember it’s not the easy task as it should be; we had a financial disaster with it 2 years ago.
Well done to all those who contributed, whether it was the mainstays or those likes of Deano, Paddy, Bownie and Darrell, who came in as willing reserves.
On a personal note, and average of 26 surpassed expectations, especially as my highest score was 22…this is the advantage of batting at six!
A very successful season.
Cheers.
