Report from Tom Hartgill
The mighty Oaks 3s made the long trek down to Froxfield feeling positive about our chances, and frankly grateful to have a game as the only team in league action this weekend.
We arrived before the opposition so treated ourselves to a quick pitch inspection. Thankfully they’d painted the lines so we could work out which strip we’d be using, and noted the short boundary on one side which was likely to be a factor.
Captain Dan won the toss and decided to bat first. The Froxfield opening bowlers were offering up a liquorice all sorts style display with regular scoring opportunities, but with enough good stuff to keep Dan and Jeff on their toes. The “best opening batting pair in the league” (as declared by proud sons Noah and Adam) proceeded to score freely without too many scares.
The only slight alarm was the home umpire giving Jeff out caught behind/LBW (no one was sure) but thankfully the home team captain overruled this and we moved on. Jeff departed for a well made 33 with Tom joining Dan at the crease. Dan cruised to another excellent 50 and the steady progress continued until the home umpire got a bit bored and gave Tom out LBW off a healthy inside edge. Eventually the bowler withdrew the appeal and home captain called Tom back in, not before Noah had reached the middle and Tom was midway through throwing his pads around the dressing room. Anyway, Tom came back in only for the home umpire to decide he’d had enough and he walked off. Much drama and the home side then spent the next 30 mins arguing amongst themselves about it with more walk offs threatening.
At 109/1 off 21 overs, with the home side falling apart, the Oaks looked well set for a big score and victory. However a couple of quick wickets saw Dan and Tom back in the hutch and a rebuild needed. Unfortunately this wasn’t forthcoming with a run of 4 ducks changing the direction of the game. Noah battled through the carnage at the other end for a well made 29 and a few late runs from the tail scraped us up to 169. Below par but something to bowl at.
Tea was well needed and much enjoyed with Froxfield providing an unexpected and gratefully received spread. We headed out to field feeling that a few early wickets would be needed, and confident that we had the bowlers to deliver.
A steady opening spell from Bowers and a Joby kept the run rate down and was unlucky to only bring one wicket (caught by Zak off Bowers bowling). The change bowlers were Zak and Dan with Dan picking up a wicket. Unfortunately the Froxfield opener was looking increasingly set and we didn’t manage to convert a few half chances to remove him. We rotated the bowlers to try and bring a breakthrough with Jeff, Noah, Will, Zak and Joby all having a go and doing ok – Will was particularly impressive in his 3 overs. Will and Joby picked up late wickets but by then the game was more or less done. The Froxfield opener made 96 to go with his 4-18, he had a good day.
Overall we were well on top for the first 20 overs but thereafter were out bowled, out batted and out fielded so got the result we deserved. We know we’re a better side than that and will bounce back.
Onwards and upwards.
MOTM: Dan Beckell with a well made 50.
