Match report from Oaks batsman, James Bayliss
Ramsdell has always been a nice place to play cricket and although fixtures in the last few years have often been somewhat fractious, this was a friendly and welcoming Rams side. The traditional stroll to the middle, as is customary upon arrival at a host ground, revealed the sort of flat track we don’t often get to play on. Add to that a parched and concrete like outfield and someone should score runs surely?
Warm up and Early Wickets
The regular warm up revealed an Oakley side seemingly bereft of any visible talent, which would surely buoy the confidence of the opposition. Perhaps because of this, Ian duly called time on proceedings while DJ, in his second outing as Captain, won the toss and decided to bat first.
Anyone who is involved in cricket for any length of time will tell you it can be an unpredictable affair, and this was to be no exception. Perhaps it was the unaccustomed bounce in the wicket, perhaps a lack of respect for the bowler three times his age, but DJ was gone first ball, so quick even Play-Cricket failed to notice.
Not to worry, plenty of batting to come. 4 runs later Will nicks off first ball of the 4th over, Ramsdell are rightly overjoyed. It’s okay, in comes previous century maker and all-round top bloke Nige. Oh, hang on, he’s just been bowled! It’s 8/3 off 5. Mozza, another fella you might* trust your daughter with, was due some runs surely? No, apparently not, out for 2, bugger!
The Rebuild
Right, this is getting a bit silly now, Ramsdell aren’t this good. I mean credit to the bowlers, they were bowling tight lines, the ball was swinging a little and there was some lateral movement but still? Ah I know, it’s the bounce, we’re just not used to it. As Josh walked to the crease far too early in the innings, I imparted this snippet of sage like wisdom – “get used to the bounce first, then play your shots…”, and do you know what? That’s exactly what he did.
It wasn’t until he’d been out there almost 10 overs that he hit his first boundary after which Josh took full advantage of the flat track and the ice-rink of an outfield. Josh was now playing some effortless looking shots to create a respectable looking scoreboard therein pacifying the previously vocal Ramsdell. A partnership of 92 developed filled with regular boundaries until I (Bayliss) fell for 58. I was happy to depart in the realisation that I had no more energy with which to push the run rate and that there were others far more capable of doing so.
Like a Well Constructed Pizza Oven
Josh now looked as immoveable as a well-constructed pizza oven and a big score looked certain as Bown and Bennett helped him into the 40s. As Ian came and went with Josh only 3 away from the first landmark, it was up to George to see Josh to 50. George’s form has been somewhat polar recently with many single figure scores punctured by bludgeoned 100 only a few weeks ago, so we all held our breath (kind of).
Josh was running out of partners and if he was going to make it to three figures as looked increasing likely, George was the only realistic option to help him there. George didn’t disappoint, he and Josh turned the metaphorical screw to create a stand of 120 allowing Josh to reach his maiden 100, as is custom the phones were out in force and the race was on to post the momentous event – Ian won. George went after a crushing 41 which left Dave to come in and inevitably end not out. Final score; a huge 315 with Josh 126 no.
Ton Up: Great knock for Josh
Rams off to a Flier
315 was an intimidating and somewhat surprising target given such an inauspicious start, but Ramsdell started well and looked undaunted. Dave, the human metronome, bowled the way we have all come to expect and was unlucky not to get any wickets. Harry, who seems to have been labelled ‘H’, bowled well using the bounce from his height well. Exciting rimes await for ‘H’in the next few years.
After 10 overs Ramsdell’s worm was above Oakley’s. Still a lot to do but they were doing it, wickets were required. The first Ramsdell wicket to fall came courtesy of some exceptional fielding at gully from Mr S. Bown and as the batsman started down the wicket for the assumed run Nigel retrieved the parry and returned sharply to Ian’s gloves – run out.
Oaks Take Control
Wickets then started to fall at fairly regular intervals. The most notable being the wicket Ramsdell’s big hitting big-man Luca Wade – bounced out by Josh (have I mentioned him?). Once Wade had gone cheaply Ramsdell never looked like chasing it down and despite a valiant 57 from their opener, were all out for 197.
Amazingly, there were no dropped catches, can you believe it? Incredible given our warm-up! Strangely my chest seems to ache a bit today for some reason, must have been all the fist bumping. Still, full points on the board and well done to DJ for some thoughtful and intelligent captaincy.
This unlike last week, was a game played in a tremendous spirit and we wish The Rams well in their bid to stay up, which on evidence appears very likely. They are a good bunch.
PS. Please note that this is my first and most definitely last match report.