An unprecedented unbeaten start to the season continued this weekend, with all 4 teams not in action. We head into week three staring down the barrel of another hideous forecast, increasing the chances of going through the whole of May without a defeat, or indeed, a game. These really are great times where eternal sporting friendships are forged and happy memories are made.
First XI v Odiham
The First XI didn’t entertain promotion chasing Odiham at Oakley Park yesterday because it rained quite a lot in the morning. This left skipper, Alex Brundle, no choice to make the call at 11:00 AM. Alex said Odiham skipper, Pip Thomas, was surprised, which in itself was something of as surprise, as it was absolutely twatting it down.
It’s a shame, because it might have been a thrilling spectacle, this one. The truth is, we will never know what might have happened and we just have to deal with it. It’s sad and it’s tragic, but we must move on and take encouragement from the fact we remain joint top in County 2.
Second XI v Donnington
The Second XI didn’t travel to Donnington for what might have been a good game. That’s because it rained a lot, denying Mike Bryant what was all set to be an heroic, firecracker of a debut.
Jack Brundle, denied his first run in 4 outings, received the dramatic call from Donnington quite early. This allowed him time to inform his players they could go out for an afternoon on the lash. Some of them did so in fine style and full credit to goes to them for a fine effort.
Third XI v St Cross V
The 3rd XI were due to host St Cross V for what promised to be a classic early season nail biter at Newfound. However, it rained hard, forcing skip, Dan Beckell, to discard his early morning optimism in favour of a morose phone call to St Cross to inform them of the grave news.
It was a mature and responsible call from a great captain, but his heroics didn’t end there. Instead of playing, Dan then helped Chairman, Bob Lethaby, take some bottles to local bottle bank. Bob then had a cheeky pint with AB, DJ, BT and Dave Bowers, before he headed home and tried out his new vacuum cleaner that has headlights. He also did some washing but didn’t hang it outside because it was raining. He’s not that ruddy daft.
Great days, great times.
Its got headlights: The chairman’s new hoover
Sunday XI v Falkland
Literally ones of supporters were denied the homecoming of former skipper, Dan Sumner, today. This huge moment in Oakley’s history was halted by, you guessed it, the rain. It fell all last night, this morning and is still doing right now, as I type this post.
Otherwise the game would have gone ahead and a cracker of game it would have been too; especially if the sun was shining and we had a fridge full of cold beer and the BBQ fired up.
We move on to next week’s bitter disappointment with our traditionally delusional optimism and one eye on our various weather apps.
We are Oakley!