The second Saturday of the league season arrives with less certainty than last week. The weather forecast on various apps changes every hour, but we still look at them in the hope that the shower clouds will disappear and be replaced by ‘full sun’. There must be a market for an app called CrickWeather that shows which games are most likely to be called off. That said, if it got invented, it wouldn’t be long before someone piped up and said, “YOU STILL USE CRICKWEATHER? Mate, get WeatherCrick, it’s soooooo much better.”
Anyway, such is the nature of the ol’ David Gowers (showers) that we probably won’t know how things will pan out until Saturday morning. In fact, it looks like one of those days where a fine-looking morning might be overwhelmed by towering cumulonimbus clouds that threaten to explode at any given moment.
First XI v South Wilts III’s
Still, if we fail to prepare, we prepare to fail, so we must be ready. This applies especially to the First XI, who suffered a damaging setback at Odiham last week. They go into the game against South Wiltshire 3s with much to prove and the need for a good win.
Are there changes? Of course there are, you fools—this is village cricket. However, there are only two, caused chiefly by the absent Michael Wood. Joe Marlow comes in at three, but because of transport issues, Nick Green comes as part of the package, offering the Second XI a more peaceful afternoon.
Otherwise, it’s as you were, with the focus at Wednesday’s team meeting revolving around bowling at the stumps and showing grit when chasing a moderate total. What needs to be remembered is that Odiham were a good outfit and bowled very well, making our giving away 41 extras more damaging.
The good thing is that everyone knows a subtle improvement is required. Through large periods in last week’s game, we matched our opponents, so it is a story of finding more consistency, not ability. There are plenty of batting and bowling options throughout the side, so it’s a great chance to bounce back quickly.
Second XI Game gets Pulled
After spending too much time previewing the 2s, I am informed by the president of Hartley Wintney that there has been a mix-up with the council, and they have had to pull this fixture. These things happen, but it’s disappointing nonetheless. That’s so village, as the saying goes.
Third XI v Petersfield III’s
There are changes in the Third XI, with Dan having to create a side after the upward movement of club squad players. There are first knocks of the season for Jack Brundle at 4, and George Rowley is in at 6. Joby Beatty makes his senior debut at just 14, with Bob Lethaby and Alex Holman completing the changes—some rotational, some for balance. STOP PRESS: Jack has withdrawn, so Noah Beckell steps up to 4.
The batting will rely on runs from the senior players such as Dan, Jeff, and Steve (and now Noah), with the hope they can help create a platform where the youngsters, Will McCarthy and Joby Beatty, can prosper. It’s a big day for the Threes, as they really want to get their season up and running.
So, it is disappointing losing a fixture this early in the season, but hopefully those missing out will come and support the other teams looking to kick-start their campaigns. As I write this, the weather apps are showing the potential for improving conditions, so we might, just might, get the two games on.
Good luck, everyone. On we travel…