The First XI headed off to Rotherwick yesterday where they were entertained by Hook’s 3rd XI. Quintessential is how the setting can only be described and Hook’s ground staff should be commended for rejuvenating a fine old English ground.
Hook Bat First
Hook batted first and the feeling amongst their ranks was a score of 250 was par with a billiard table of an outfield. They didn’t get a great start, with the typically metronomic Stef Kaltner making an early breakthrough.
Thereafter it became a game of rebuild, wicket, rebuild, wicket as both teams tried to wrest control from the other. Hook’s batsmen were getting decent starts then getting pegged back. However, it was clear Hook had no genuine batting bunnies, so the Oaks had to keep toiling in sultry conditions.
Hard Graft in the Heat
With a lot of hard work and good bowling, The Oaks appeared to have finally gained a strong upper hand as Hook found themselves flagging 125 for 6. The batsmen weren’t done though and the late middle order and tail put on an impressive 100 runs for the last 4 wickets in energy sapping conditions.
Credit to The Oaks bowlers for sticking at it, with wickets going to Stef Kaltner (2) Harry Tucknott (1) AB (3) Will Cheyney (2) and Charlie Ead (1). A special mention for Tuckers Jnr for bouncing back from a chastening couple of early overs to bowl real well. Also, what to say about AB? Take his 11 wides out of the equation and his excellent 3-33-8 would have been one of the best displays of 2023.
The Chase
So a chase of 225. Had The Oaks learnt lessons from the previous week?
Patience was the key and DJ and Paddy Saines (deputising for Matt Burrell) had to fight hard to see off the young and pacy Hook openers who were causing a host of problems. Charlie Bland in particular, was not offering much in the way of freebies.
Paddy and DJ gamely battled their way to 40 without loss until DJ was caught by one that looped behind him. This brought Michael Wood to the crease. Woody and Paddy built a vital 30 run partnership but when an obdurate Paddy (22) got done by the spin of Corbett and Woody (19) went shortly after, Hook were right back in it at 74-3.
The Old and the Young
Much depended on a partnership between the veteran Gerry Dique and the young talent Josh Carpenter. Gerry is a class act but hadn’t picked up a bat for two years and Josh had, in the last couple of weeks, found out that cricket can be a spiteful mistress.
Guided and calmed by Gerry’s influence and experience the pair dug deep against tight bowling and gradually began to flourish. It was tense at times but you could see Josh’s confidence returning and the rust coming off Gerry like a pushbike chain that’s just had a few squirts of WD40. Class is permanent.
Vital Partnerships
The partnership grew to a pivotal 90, but when Gerry went to a smart gully catch to a miscued drive, Hook were sensing one more chance. Coming to the crease, Will Cheyney would have been nervous after a stuttering start to the season. It was in his and Oakley’s interest, for Will to get his confidence back. Oakley need his runs for a good season.
It wasn’t always pretty but as his belief grew, Will played some lovely strokes. With Josh having no intention of getting out, The Oaks edged to victory. There was time for a flurry of late drama when Will was caught for 28 and Josh (somewhat comically) ran himself trying to complete a 50 but The Oaks were reasonably comfortable and Ian and Alex completed the job.
A Job Well Done
So a job well done by The Oaks. Much had been spoken about in the week about learning to chase with patience. Last week’s calamitous performance needed to be a lesson learnt. With the steady influence of Gerry, the lads would have picked up vital tips on how to build an innings and it is, of course, hoped Gerry will want some more action as the season goes on.
Credit to Hook. Their skipper, John, leads them well and they have some excellent young talent. With players still to return, they will be a good match for most teams in C3 and could well do us favours as the summer progresses. It was a pleasurable afternoon and a competitive game with plenty of twists and turns. Most importantly, The Oaks showed that they are a resilient bunch who can bounce back from disappointment.
A good day in a lovely setting. On we travel.