Report from Noah Beckell
Oakley travelled to Donnington on another hot Saturday afternoon where people struggled to find where we were actually playing (one of many problems). The big talking point before the game was the pitch which seemed to have changed from the flat road it was last year. It was that much of a road Dan and Matt chased 170 odd down all by themselves. I’m sure they will tell you all about it. However it seemed to be a bit different this year with a bit of green bit of moss (can’t describe the colour) and this was causing a few issues for Jack when it came to the toss. He planned to lose it but he managed to win it. Now the batting line-up we had plus the weather said bat. The pitch however said bowl. Jack decided to bat and Dan and Bowny opened.
Catching Masterclass from Donnington
After Dan hit the first ball for 4 and then a 3 then a 2 the Oaks smelt blood early. We had dreams of not only scoring runs but breaking our best 17 run opening partnership for the season. Then another short ball from the Donnington opener and Bowny played a back foot punch through the covers and was caught. I say caught, more dropped 3 times, but then the cover fielder somehow had the ball in his hand despite facing the other way and Bowny had to go.
Then Oakley had a very Oakley collapse with Jack getting caught at cover for 0. Rutty was out caught in the slips after chasing a wide one. I didn’t see the wicket but he told me (and himself) that he chased a wide one so I will assume it was. This also was the angriest I have ever seen Rutty, but he still has a long way to go to match others abilities. To add to this pain, Nelly followed after the second screamer was taken by Donnington. I have no words for this one as he simply stuck out a hand, which was brave considering how hard Nelly struck this ball, and it just stuck. George then got out LBW which was the only dismissal in our innings which wasn’t caught so we will credit George for that.
Mike and Ben Show Their class but Donnington Keep Catching
This bought Mike and Ben to the crease who both batted beautifully for their respective 44 and 37. Mike hitting some monster sixes and Ben was caressing the ball all round the ground. Mike was also dropped (we couldn’t believe it either) which turned out to be the easiest chance of the innings. Mike then was out caught at long off despite clearing the longer boundary several times. Then Charlie came to the crease hit a 4 then was out you guessed it, caught. This then bought Dave to the crease.
He hasn’t played in a decade but hit his first ball for 4 which was great. Then he fell to another screamer. The wicket keeper turned now bowler delivered a full ball that dave hit straight but aerially. The bowler then sprung up like a salmon out of water and managed to clasp it. It was more ridiculous than skilful as the bowler wasn’t exactly a small lad but produced a brilliant moment of athleticism. The beer that he had at 12 must of done him well. Noah was then caught at cover which he thought was a bump ball. But I have no right to complain about umpiring so that’s that. Oakley finished on 122 all out. Not good enough.
Oaks fight Hard with Ball in Hand!
Opening the bowling was Charlie and Mike 2 big powerhouses who were both up for taking some early wickets. They both did with 1 each in the first 3 overs to leave Donnington 1-2 and Oakley were in the game. Lots of times Mike beat the bat with pace and bounce but didn’t have any more luck unfortunately. He was once again the pick of the bowlers finishing with ridiculous figures. The Oaks toiled away chasing another wicket but Donnington held firm. One batsmen producing a brilliant 50 and the other, well, staying there.
The only thing I can say without venting my frustration (I did enough of it) was to say he did his job. I will say if people think cricket is boring, and you want them to change their minds, I would not advise them to watch that innings. Anyway after a 90 run partnership, Jack got the batsmen out who scored runs. Jack is turning into a handy little spinner. Noah then picked up 1 in his 7th over on the bounce. Mike can’t call him some choice words now as he didn’t fake an injury to stop bowling due to tiredness. This left Donnington 4 down and Oakley believed once again. This soon evaporated, as Donnington’s number 6 hit the winning runs in a relatively quick fashion to end the game.
Summary
There can be many points to take from the game, but we need to start picking up wins in games we should really be winning with the side we have. The batting obviously needs working on. Scoring 122 with that batting lineup isn’t enough. Despite the pitch being shocking at times we should be scoring more than that. Maybe we should have bowled but the toss doesn’t win you games. Also on another day they don’t take half those chances but credit to them. We will keep fighting and look to go again next week against Old Basing.
Up the Oaks!