As we move out of the heatwave and into the final six games of the season, it is great to see availability at fantastic levels. We are fielding three good teams this week, with more availability than places.
First XI
The in-form First XI entertain Compton & Chandlers Ford Two’s at Oakley Park, looking for a fifth win on the spin to keep up their fine run. They will miss the swashbuckling presence of Brad Compton-Bearne, who is back in Cardiff, but welcome back opener, Will Cheyney and paceman, Stef Kaltner. Otherwise, it’s as you were, with Nigel Bishop dropping down to open for the Two’s.
C&CF ended a recent poor run with victory last week and although the Oaks will be favourites, they will need to maintain the consistency of recent weeks to get a result. If they can do so, they will continue to put pressure on the five teams above them and maintain an increasing chance of being in a congested looking promotion shake up.
It sounds simple, but it is a case of continuing to enjoy playing and let the result take care of itself.
Second XI
The Two’s look in good shape again after picking up 48 points in two games during a rampant recent return to form. Jack has such a strong batting line up to choose from for the trip to Bentworth, he has had to release the returning Jeff Triner to the 3’s to ensure he gets a good bat.
Nigel Bishop comes down from the One’s to open with in-form Matt Burrell and with a strong and deep looking batting line up, The Oaks should be in the runs. Bowling looks a bit light without Kalum Sapumanage, however, with George, Harry, Charlie and Tiley in the line-up, there should be enough. Support will come from the steady, accurate and bamboozling right arm of the highly underrated chairman.
Bentworth have had a tough season, but with seasoned cricketers, Paul Buckingham, and Phil Mitchell (not the Eastenders bad boy) joining from Rotherwick, they will be no pushovers. Mitchell is a constant wicket taker at this level and Bucky can bat all day when he is in the mood.
I reckon it will be a good game this one, and closer than the league table might suggest. Think otherwise and we lose.
Third XI
The Third XI will be looking for a win as they take on struggling Ropley at Newfound. Unfortunately, they have been rocked by the late withdrawals of Steve Savage and skipper, Kris Tucknott. This has allowed Ryan Parry and Jeff Williams to come back into the team after being unlucky to miss out.
Despite this setback, it still looks a good side on paper, with several players who could play Two’s. This means stand in Skipper, Ollie Rabley, has a task that is not as daunting as it could be. If our batting line up performs to the level it is capable of, the Three’s should be right in this one.
So, we go into the weekend with a good chance of some wins and points, but safe in the knowledge they need to be worked for, and nothing comes for free.
Play hard and fair, enjoy, bring the points home.
Up the Oaks
