Match Overview
The promotion-chasing Second XI entertained B3400 rivals Hurstbourne Priors at a cloudy and humid Oakley Park yesterday. With the threat of rain on the horizon, the toss was tricky. Alex suggested the best way forward was to ask Jack what he would do and do the opposite. Jack said bat, so we bowled.
Priors’ Innings
Priors raced away to a great start, going at six an over, with Ralph and Ashok tucking into anything loose or good. Ashok, in particular, looked a class act who could, on his day, take a game away from the opposition. Ralph also looked useful, and it was a relief when a great ball from Harry Tucknott saw him nick off to Ian Bennett—a fine bit of cricket.
However, Ashok kept going hard with an obdurate (and occasionally lucky) Mat Johnson, and the scoreboard rattled along to 75. Alex Brundle cleaned up Johnson, and then Lady Luck paid the Oaks a visit. A full toss from George Lethaby meandered its way to the gleeful bat of Ashok, and everyone prepared to search through the farmer’s crop. However, Ashok miscued and was easily caught by Tom Hartgill at mid-on. A big moment and further proof that having a crap ball in your armoury is a must at this level.
From there on, it was more or less one-way traffic, with The Oaks, aided by three run-outs, rattling through Priors’ middle and lower order. Kalum Sappumanage picked up three wickets, with George Lethaby getting his second of the day. Priors were all out for 132, and it appeared a game that had gone from 75-1 to such a low score had been turned on its head.
The Oaks’ Chase
“Bat reasonably and job done before the rain arrives” was the talk of the balcony. However, life is never that easy, especially if you are a cricketer. Oakley had two things to contend with if they were to win the game: a very good bowling attack and the increasing threat of rain.
The Oaks opened with Kris Tucknott to hold the innings together, while big hitter Nick Green was ready to get us ahead of the run rate and take control of both the game and the increasing potential of Duckworth and Lewis getting involved. Nick got a duck, so that ended that cunning plan. Nellie Warner made 5, as did Ian, and at 25-3 off 12 overs, The Oaks were struggling.
Alex Brundle joined the stoical and battling Kris as The Oaks looked to get control of proceedings. They did so for a time and looked in control of things. The problem was that Kris was tiring, and Alex was running like he had a firework up his arse. The inevitable happened when Kris and Alex found themselves standing together, resulting in a ‘that’s so village’ run-out.
George Lethaby came in and looked in good touch, slapping a 4 and a 6 before miscuing to square and departing in a state of despair. At 52-5, The Oaks were losing wickets and well behind the DL run rate as the drizzle threatened to turn to rain. This created tension, drama, and indeed, a buzz on the balcony. At this stage, Priors were clear favourites.
Turning the Tide
Tom Hartgill came in and looked in good touch, increasing hopes that we could take back control of proceedings. Then Kris departed for a battling 33. Is there ever a good time to get out? Possibly not, but this was as good as any. Kris was knackered, and with boundaries hard to come by on a slowing outfield, pinch hitting and running misfields was critical.
Jack Brundle joined Tom, and the pendulum swung. The rain slowed back to drizzle as the pair ran everything available, forcing fielding errors. An excellent partnership ensued, with Tom hitting a few fours to ease the pressure and get the run rate back under 5. Priors began to lose belief in the field at the same time Tom and Jack grew in stature as the scoreboard ticked along.
Conclusion
In the end, an excellent 50 partnership from Tom (40) and Jack (19) saw The Oaks home with room to spare. However, that is taking credit from Priors, who dominated for long periods and looked likely winners at 50-5 and 76-6. What set The Oaks apart in the end was our long batting line-up, something Priors were lacking. If they can put on 150-plus in games, I’d say they’d match up well against most teams in CN5.
So, a good day. Predictably, the two teams above us won, but they still have to play each other and have some testing games ahead. The Oaks have to keep pushing and keep winning as the season approaches its final six weeks. We are in a great position to be in the promotion hunt right until the end.
Exciting times.
MOTM: Tom Hartgill who scooped a sausage roll for his 40 not out.
