Report from Michael Wood
I didn’t really want to do this report as the club teases me about my spelling and grammar. However, since nobody else can be bothered, I’ve made time between feeding my 6-month-old and guiding West Ham to the league on Football Manager.
Batting First
The Oaks traveled to Longparish on Saturday afternoon for their last friendly before the season starts. Longparish did a brilliant job of arranging the game; however, I don’t think Matt was too happy about that. Oaks batted first, and Matt played a few shots but soon got out, caught behind for 2. With DJ also departing early, despite looking good until he was bowled for 14. So the score was 22-2 before Woody and Josh came in to rectify the mess the openers had left us.
Was that a problem, you ask? The answer was NO. With Josh making it look easy, smashing the ball all around the park, and Woody edging his way to the mid-20s. Just as he found the middle with a glorious cover drive, he was out for 26. The score was now 90-3. In came Nigel, who had a good little cameo before getting bowled for 13. William then entered the crease, looking in brilliant form, and he and Josh really started to open up. With some huge sixes and good running, Oakley made their way to 241, with the ever-reliable Josh making 80 and Will, who’s a farmer, not out on 59.
Defending 241
So, a good score, but with a few bowlers missing, we knew a few early wickets were needed. Stefan got an early one, and a few more went down, meaning that Longparish could really start to enjoy themselves. Zak couldn’t control the Parish batsmen, who are very good, and no matter what we did, the ball ended up at the boundary. Even Deano couldn’t stop some of the shots. However, Will did bowl well and ended with figures of 4/36. Stefan did well too, with figures of 2/24. These two were the pick of the bowlers. DJ did pick up a wicket too. But Longparish’s top order was strong and saw the game home.
It was a good day overall, and everyone (apart from Matt) seemed to enjoy themselves.
Oakley are massive.