Here we are again, at the close of another season at Oakley Park. The weather gods are finally smiling on us after last week’s washout, and we’re all set for what promises to be a dramatic final Saturday. Can we finish with a hat-trick of wins, or will the Prosecco stay chilling in the fridge? (Let’s be honest, we’re more Lidl than Moët around here.)
First XI: Chasing the Runners-Up Spot
The First XI is gearing up to take on 9th place Hungerford, with the aim of securing the Runners-Up position and all the bragging rights that come with it. To do that, we’ll likely need maximum points, as Odiham 2s and Chawton have got what look like strolls in the park.
The team’s looking strong, with no weak links in a batting line-up that packs a punch, and a bowling attack that could probably take down a small fortress. Mike Bryant, Stef Kaltner, and Hazza Tucknott are leading the charge, with Alex ‘Josh’ Rogan’s raw pace and the spin twins Dan Jones and Will Cheyney adding to the arsenal.
Michael Wood is stepping up to open in Matt Burrell’s absence, with Paddy Saines sliding in for DJ, who drops down the order as he tries to rediscover his mojo. Josh Carpenter will be looking to shake off a few off-days, while Will Cheyney will be hoping to cap off a stellar season in style.
Hungerford, if at full strength, are no pushovers. With three batsmen boasting over 400 runs this season, they’ve had some big wins, though consistency hasn’t been their best mate recently. They’re more than capable of beating us, so we’ll need to be firing on all cylinders to walk away with the points.
The 2s: A Promotion Battle for the Ages
The 2s are smack dab in the middle of a nail-biting three-way race for two promotion spots. It couldn’t be closer if we tried, but The Oaks have the upper hand with the other two contenders going head-to-head in what promises to be a last-day thriller.
Still, we’ve got to focus on our own game as we face St Cross on the notoriously tricky, low-scoring pitch at Cheriton. Nobody’s managed more than 190 on that ground all season, so it’s the kind of match that could give even the most seasoned batsmen a few sleepless nights.
The Oaks also face the only team to have taken down Basingstoke this season, so it’s all hands on deck. The batting line-up looks solid, and if the top 3 can get us off to a decent start, there are plenty of quick-scoring options further down the order. Ian Bennett, Alex Brundle, George Lethaby, Kalum Sapumanage, and Nick Green are all capable of turning the game on its head, and with Ollie Rabley, Zak Newton, and Sharan Hugar able to hold their own with the bat, we’re in with a good shout.
The bowling attack isn’t too shabby either. Zak Newton, the ever-reliable Sharan Hugar, in-form Alex Brundle, and Ollie Rabley, who’s been having a blinder of a season, make up a formidable line-up. George Lethaby and Kalum Sapumanage will also be key players on what should be a bowler’s paradise.
St Cross is a consistent side without any standout stars, but their 5th place position shows they’re no walk in the park. However, if The Oaks put in a solid performance, there’s no reason we won’t be popping corks come Saturday evening.
The 3s: Playing for Pride (and a Pint)
The Third XI goes into their game against promotion-chasing Bentworth as the underdogs, especially with run-machine Dan Beckell and his partner-in-crime, the retiring Jeff Triner, off on holiday. But credit where it’s due—we’ve managed to field 33 players during the holiday season, and that’s no small feat.
The Oaks can approach this game with nothing to lose and just enjoy the day. There are still plenty of players who can rack up the runs, and skipper Dave Bowers will be thrilled to welcome back First XI captain James Bayliss, who’s been sidelined with injury all season. Great to have you back, James—try not to break anything else!
Dave’s going to have to get a bit creative with his bowling options, but we owe it to Twyford IIs to put on a performance. They’re sitting just 0.08 points behind Bentworth, who currently hold the third promotion spot. A maximum points win for Bentworth sees them promoted; anything less, and Twyford might just sneak through the back door.
The 3s should focus on having a good time, then head back to the club for what promises to be a cracking end-of-season celebration. They’ve had a solid season, with some young players stepping up to the plate and doing us proud.
A Season to Remember
And so, we come to the final preview of the season. Who knows what Saturday will bring? It could be joy, sorrow, or a bit of both. Whatever the outcome, I want to thank everyone who played this season, contributing to our continued growth both on and off the pitch.
No matter what happens on Saturday, we should celebrate what we’ve achieved together. The most exciting part is that there’s still room for improvement. Our players will keep getting better, and so will our facilities. When we look back at what we’ve accomplished over the last decade, it’s exciting to imagine what Oakley Park will look like in another ten years.
Our next big goal—double net lanes—might be our most ambitious yet in terms of cost. While I don’t expect players who already give so much to contribute unless they want to, any help, whether it’s from family, friends, or your friendly neighbourhood billionaire, will bring us one step closer to making this dream a reality.
So here’s to another season of great memories, I’m proud to be your chairman. Let’s hope Saturday is another special day, and whatever the results, let’s make sure we go out with a smile, a pint, and maybe even a bit of Prosecco. Cheers!