As we move into week nine of the season and indeed, the halfway point, the First XI still have not lost a game to weather. Word on the street (and the met office) is that a sustained dry spell is on the way in July, but not before the threat of a shower or two on Saturday. Will we survive week nine after last week’s miraculous rain avoidance at Oakley Park? If we did, wouldn’t it be like…absolutely amazeballs?
The First team entertain Hook, with just a gnat’s testicle separating the two teams in County Three. A win for either team would keep them in with an outside chance of promotion. A defeat all but ends any hope of a late assault on the top three.
The Oaks are weakened by the loss of Chris Morris, Matt Burrell, Brad Compton-Bearne and Neil Robinson, so are forced into several changes. However, regular first team batsmen, Michael Wood and Will Cheyney return, whilst Will Rabley and Kalum Sapumanage make the step up from the Second XI.
The big loss is Neil, who has been bowling wonderfully recently, so Josh Carpenter will be required to step up to the plate after being rested from the attack last week. A great opportunity for him. This still leaves the Oaks a bit light on bowling though, meaning the back up for Stef and Josh will need to go well. The obvious options being AB, Dave Bowers, Kalum, and DJ.
On paper, it looks like we have plenty of batting, with DJ, Nigel, Woody, Josh, Ian, Kalum and Will Rabley all posting 50’s this term. However, this will be a stiff test and much depends (as ever) on what sort of team Hook can get out. Should be a good match up, this one.
There is no Two’s game this week but the Third XI are back in action after last week’s late cancellation. It’s a huge day for chairman, Bob Lethaby, who leads The Oaks out in the absence of Kris Tucknott. It’s a massive event in Oakley history, with Bob saying it’s his proudest moment since remembering to put the bins out last week.
He doesn’t have a bad team to choose from either, although the visit of table topping Titchbourne Park who have been thrashing all and sundry, will be a big test. We are not underdogs; we are underpuppies and that’s what makes us dangerous (sort of). To aid our quest for heroics, stepping down from the Second XI will be all-rounder, Jeff Triner, batsmen Benjamin Robinson and Nick Green, and 14-year-old emerging pace bowler, Harry Tucknott.
If Steve Savage (who is just 57 years older than Harry) can make a good start with Jeff Triner, we may be lucky enough to have a platform for a competitive enough total. One to give our buoyant hosts something to think about and our bowlers to defend. If not, we can all head back to the club for a pint whilst comparing bruises and discussing our various inadequacies, of which there are many. That’s why we have a third team.
Whatever the case, let’s hope the pre-heatwave weather stays fair and we get the games on.
Go well merry men, go well.
