So, here we go again. Another season beckons at Oakley Park. It is something of a landmark for me, as it signals a decade at the helm of this fine old club. It is quite fitting then, that we will be looking, quite helplessly, at various radar images of where the rain will be heaviest.
As a point of negligible interest, during my ten years as chairman, there have been two seasons where the First XI have completed all their fixtures without rain. These were in our title winning season of 2017, and last year. For the last one before that, we have to go all the way back to 1987. Climate change or better covers?
First XI v Sparsholt II
The First XI, on the back of a good pre-season, entertain Sparsholt II’s. New skipper, James Bayliss, celebrates his elevation into the role by not being available, so ‘chairman in waiting’, Dan Jones, will lead the team out.
Joking aside, James has spent the winter having a good look at his options and we appear, on paper at least, a balanced side. Obvious absentees are, honeymooning Will Cheyney, Matt Burrell, who has looked good in pre-season, and sabbatical taking, Neil Robinson. Matt is replaced by Nigel Bishop, whilst Neil’s absence creates big opportunities for Charlie Ead and youngster, Harry Tucknott.
On the first game of the season it is impossible to judge our opposition, so the team will be instructed to go out and look after their own game. There looks to be several bowling options and a deep looking batting line-up, so there is every reason to believe in a positive start to the campaign.
St Cross V v Second XI
The Second XI travel to St Cross full of hope for the new season. Taking a lead from the First team skipper, captain, Jack Brundle is going on holiday. Dave Bowers takes up the reins and has a decent looking line up to play with.
There are debuts for Tom Hartgill and Graeme Ridler and a first Two’s appearance for irrepressible spin king, James Middleton. There looks to be a good overall balance to the team with plenty of batting and bowling options available.
As with the First XI, there is no point guessing the strength of the opposition. We just need to go out, do our jobs on the field and see where it takes us. Hopefully an opening day victory, but more likely a Friday rain call.
Third XI v Ropley II
The Third XI also start the season with a new captain and he isn’t on holiday. Jeff Triner is charged with the responsibility of making sure senior players get regular games, whilst our next young crop have a genuine pathway into adult cricket.
His first team of the season is just that, with youngsters, Ryan Parry, Ollie Thakur, and Adam Triner all backed up by a wealth of cricketing knowledge from senior players such as Steve Savage and Kris Tucknott. Deano James and Billy Turner are also playing.
The Third XI are looking to be competitive this year but a successful season will be defined by young players coming through the system and the enjoyment it brings to those guiding them. It may be a Third XI on paper but it is a critical and integral part of our future and should be treated as such by all members.
Off we go Again
So, off we go again. After ten years of being the chair, I can look back on some great achievements by the committee and players. I am proud to have led that. The transformation of Oakley Park has been beyond what a cynic may have predicted in 2013. We continue to grow and attract good people to be part of what, essentially, is a co-operative where everyone chips in.
It is a testament to everyone that I am looking forward to my tenth season more than the first, when I didn’t really have a clue what I was doing. Without the guidance of elder statesmen such as Gordon Scott and Steve Savage, I might have caved in. Two top blokes with Oaks blood in their veins.
On we travel my merry men, on we travel…