So, here we are again. Another dry and sunny Saturday is approaching, and the Oakley bus is ready to roll again. What will it bring, other than wall to wall sunshine and a pleasantly quintessential early summer temperature of around 22 centigrade. Having 38 players to fill 33 slots is a real bonus and a sign of how buoyant the club is right now.
First XI v Odiham II
Well, the ones are at home, where they will take on Odiham’s Second XI at the theatre of scenes. Skipper, James Bayliss, makes changes, some welcome, some enforced. He will of course, be delighted to have Mike Tiley, Michael Wood, and Stef Kaltner back in the side but disappointed Brad Compton-Bearne is back in the valleys.
Charlie Ead is on holiday (and injured), so Alex Brundle retains his place, whilst Ian Bennett and George Lethaby are back with the Two’s. Otherwise, it’s quite a settled side with plenty of options with bat and ball. However, having either Brad or Charlie to ‘go big’ will be a miss. Someone else’s turn, perhaps?
On paper, The Oaks look favourites, but Odiham will be a decent outfit who will, without question, provide a stern test. James will be on the case of every player ensuring no assumptions are made.
Hartley Wintney v Second XI
The Second XI get something of a treat on Saturday, playing Hartley Wintney’s Third string on the village ground. They will also be complimented by a full tea, the lucky buggers. It might be the only treat they get as Wintney are in great form, with three straight wins tucking them in just behind the leaders by just 0.44 points.
As with James in the First XI, Jack makes changes. He will be delighted to have Ian Bennet and George Lethaby back from one’s duty but not having his brother, Alex Brundle, back, is a blow. Still, Nigel Bishop and Nelly Warner are also back and if Steve Bown and Chris Morris can shake off some non-playing rust, the batting looks fine.
There are possible issues in the bowling department, with George and Big Mike, the only lads with a lot of overs under their belts, so others will need to step up. Tom Hartgill is growing in confidence as he gets to know his teammates and gets more overs on the board, and Noah Beckell, if he finds the rhythm he is capable of, is a genuine threat to most batsmen at this level. Jack can also turn to Nigel, Will Rabley and Bownie if required.
All in all, this looks a tough gig for the Two’s. However, they have the ability in the side to stand up to the task. They just need to believe in themselves and go for it. Win it and they put themselves right in the mix at the top of the pile. That’s the incentive. Whatever the case, they should enjoy playing on a fine old ground.
Third XI v Littleton
The Third XI entertain Littleton at Newfound with an equally tough task as the Two’s. However, a look at the team sheet is encouraging. It would easily have been a Second XI a couple of years back. Jeff even had to let 4 players down on the promise he would try to get them a game the following week, so all is looking well.
The defeat to Twyford last week was disappointing but at the same time, very positive. One more wicket would have changed the game but sometimes you just must give credit to a good batsman. There were some very good aspects to the performance and with Nick Green and Dan Beckell added to the team, it will be stronger still.
Looking at the line-up, I would say that Littleton will need to be as strong, even stronger than Twyford to roll us over. That’s not saying they won’t be, but even if they are, we have enough there to push them all the way. I have a feeling this could well be a cracking contest that goes to the wire.
So, there we are. Three fixtures and a sunny Saturday promised. When we are flicking through Netflix on cold winter (or even summer) days, we drift off and dream of days like these. With lotion at the ready, it will be neither too hot nor too cold for cricket. We are talking a rare day where quintessential English grounds look their best.
So, with that in mind, for God’s sake folks, go and enjoy it.
On we travel!
