With 28 available for Saturday and 15 Sunday, it was a tough evening for the captains on Wednesday. Adding to the complexity of the situation, we had to wait for Gerry to have a hospital assessment on his knee this morning, so sorry for the delay.
The First XI have been boosted by the news that Gerry is fit to go tomorrow, allowing them to field a near full strength side against Basingstoke IV at Oakley Park.
Despite missing the experience of Clive Welsman, the bowling attack is looking balanced and strong with four seamers and two spinners, whilst the batting line up is boosted by newcomer, James Bayliss, and genuine all round batting ability from from one through to 11.
If everyone outside the opening pair show their best ability, there is no reason why the Oaks can’t compile a demanding total. To be more succesful than last year, the openers Dan Sumner and Gerry Dique need other players to build on their opening partnerships.
The Second string, whilst slightly more eclectic looking than the firsts, also look decent on paper, with George Lethaby opening with Steve Savage after demonstrating good early season form, especially in a tough encounter with Liphook last week.
The top five looks strong enough to make runs but the tail needs to learn how to wag if it is to create big enough totals to create winning situations for the Oaks. The contributions of good hitters such as Ian Bennett and Tom Barnes will be vital for the Two’s to prosper, rather than survive, this season.
However, George will be more than happy with a bowling line up featuring four good seamers including in-form Tom Barnes, Raj, Steve Bown and himself backed up by the spin of Dan Jones. Bob Lethaby and Brett King also provide handy slow bowling options if the conditions suit.
A special call-out for Steve Savage, who is entering his 30th consecutive year as an Oak.
If you ask him nicely, he will tell you all his batting figures, including, runs, fours, sixes, minutes at the crease, weather conditions and the nature of his dismissals, none which should have been given out.
Big applause for Steve, a genuine and loyal member of the club through feast and famine.
So, without further ado:
First XI (In order)
Dique (C) Sumner, Bayliss (W) Wood, North, Warner, J Brundle, Compton-Bearne, Bright, Potter, A Brundle
Second XI (In order)
Savage (W) G Lethaby (C) Jones, Dimond, Bown, Bennett, King, B Lethaby, Barnes, Raj, James.
Sunday XI (No particular order)
Bennett, Sumner, J King, P King, Barnes N Rabley (WK) Compton-Bearne, Welsman, Mohit, Jones, A Brundle.
Up the Oaks
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