Another dry Saturday beckons as we look to complete a whole season without cancellations. Can we do it? Can we complete a 100% season of First XI fixtures?
First XI
One thing the First XI can no longer complete (barring a mathematical miracle) is a quick return to the full county set up after last week’s defeat ended a late blitz towards the top six (could be a poem that). It was a hard one to take in the circumstances that caused it, but we must move on.
Unfortunately, moving on means doing so without captain, Alex Brundle, as well as strike bowlers Stef Kaltner and Neil Robinson in a depleted looking side. Time then, for the likes of Steve Bown and George Lethaby to step up and show what they are worth when The Oaks travel to Ramsdell.
Emerging and rapidly improving 14-year-old youngster, Harry Tucknott, also steps up. Harry has done so already this season and never let the team down. Still learning his trade, Harry will be bowling alongside fellow youngster and key all-rounder, Josh Carpenter. A good opportunity for these boys to play a starring role with Dave Bowers as their mentors.
Batting looks decent enough despite the loss of Woody, with The Oaks looking to prove once again they can bat right through the order. This will be a tough game against an improving Ramsdell side who are still battling to stay in the league. A tough one to call and it may come down to the backup bowlers performing well.
Second XI
Jack Brundle’s second string have been raided to fill first eleven roles but also have the fortune that there is no third eleven game. This has left Jack doing a lot of head scratching as he merges the 2’s and 3’s in a bid to be balanced and bounce back after last week’s disaster at Bentworth.
The good news is that we have the return of Paddy Saines and Mike Bryant to boost the team. Two experienced campaigners like this pair are ideal as is the return of Dan Beckell. Matt Burrell and Ben Robinson provided a platform for last week’s collapse and are opening again, hoping the rest of the batsmen can do a better job this time.
The bowling is either a bit rusty or out of nick, so Jack really needs someone to step up and take responsibility in this department by bowling straight and full. Too often we have been let down by only bowling 2-3 good ball an over rather than 4, 5 or even 6. The capability is there, it just needs a bit more concentration to go with it.
The Two’s need a good performance after last week. They are a good side, and this will be a great time to show it.
Finally
It’s been a tough week for the skippers. They have had to get over unexpected defeats and pick balanced teams from restricted resources. Let’s go out and put on performances that we can look back on and say, “Well, I couldn’t have done any better than that”.
If we are going to lose, let’s do it to good teams who deserve to beat us, not because we let ourselves down.
Come on Boys!
Up the Oaks
