The first team looked to continue the winning start to the season back at home this week against Odiham’s second string. The day started differently to the three previous as Bayliss lost the toss and we were put in the field on a warmly and sunny afternoon.
Oaks Bowl First
Stefan and Harry opened with the new ball and an obligatory maiden over from Stef to start. Pressure was building but no wickets fell, despite some adventurous play and misses the batsmen claimed was playing inside the line. An interesting ‘leave’.
Stefan, now ably supported by Alex Brundle at the other end, broke through with a fine edge through to Paddy. This triggered a few wickets with a sharp run out from Josh as the batsmen looked to sneak a quick single to midwicket, quickly followed with another Stefan wicket luring the batsmen into a chip to cover.
Cheyney Steps Up
Odiham looking to rebuild at 37-3 snd did so, offering no chances but few shots either, despite the gaps offered from having four slips and a gully. Will and Josh toiled away bowling economically and continually building pressure. Eventually the pressure told as Will picked up his first of three wickets, the third of which courtesy of a sharp catch by Woody at gully, took him to most first team wickets this season.
Odiham eventually finished on 172-8 with a dash in the last over but the feeling was it all seemed a little too late and a fair few below par. This is the reward for tight bowling, with the pick of those Cheyney (3-31 off 9 overs) and Stefan (2-10 off 9 overs). Notable mention also for Josh (0-11 off 6 overs) bowling well and looking too quick for the batsmen at times. The bowlers were again well supported by a good fielding display that included three run outs this week, the hard work in training paying off.
Quick Start, Wickets Lost
Oakley started quickly in reply but were losing early wickets. Run machines Matt and Josh were knocked over early, leaving Oaks in a spot of bother at 49-3. As the skipper, Bayliss, strode out to join Woody a partnership was needed and that they delivered. Woody sent the ball to all parts of the ground, looking back into good touch. Woody and Bayliss continued to score quickly and put together a vital 101 run partnership.
The 5th wicket partnership took us to within reach of the target and, despite a couple of late wickets looking to achieve an extra batting point, the target was chased with six wickets down and plenty of overs to spare, a well-timed late cut by Will for 4 sealing the win. Another good win and a solid performance from the Oaks, who are firmly in the promotion hunt at this early stage of the season.
Next up, Overton, which likely to be our toughest test yet.