Remarkably, the weather looks like being good for the second weekend on the trot, so it’s all systems go for two games this weekend. The chairman once again finds himself despairing at the 0% chances of rain. What can he moan about?
Unfortunately, there is no Third XI game, so a tough gig for the captains regarding selection. Well, not that tough, as most players from last week’s victories are available. Hopefully we will receive some support from those not playing tomorrow (one club etc etc).
First XI
The First XI are back at the ‘theatre of scenes’ where they have a tricky fixture against a rampant Wherwell side who smashed 320 v Odiham II’s last week. Skipper, James Bayliss, knows where the threat comes from however, and has fired up frontline bowlers ready to go. Talented talisman, Jonty Cook, and the occasionally loveable, Robbie Skeates, will be raring to have a go right back. However, Wherwell are missing big hitting Stuart ‘Trucker’ Taylor.
It may be early in the season but Stef Kaltner is already looking his metronomic and fiery self and 14 year Hampshire Pathway player, Harry Tucknott, is getting better by the week. In addition, Josh Carpenter is now a genuine ‘tres rapide’ pace bowler. These lads will be well backed by Charlie Ead, Mike Tiley, Dan Jones and new boy, Graeme Ridler, who has impressed in training.
Building on the Batting
With the bat in hand, Matt Burrell will be looking to carry on a great start to the season, whilst the other batsmen will be hoping to build on slow starts last week. Rather that, than relying on big hitting Charlie Ead for a momentum shift. The only change to the side is Graeme Ridler coming in for Will Cheyney.
Should be a good contest, this, and an early marker for both sides at a similar level. The Oaks will need to be on it from the start, as it might well be a ‘barest of margins’ type of game. A tough one to call.
Second XI
The Two’s travel to Bentworth looking to break the perpetual habit of losing there. I am not sure if there is such a thing as bogey teams in the HCL, but if there is, for Oakley, it’s Bentworth. They always seem to find a way.
However the boys take the trip in a buoyant mood after decent first outing, with the frontline bowlers looking particularly impressive last week. The Oaks don’t know what they will be facing, as Bentworth have suffered 2 cancellations but, led by the irrepressible and talented, Nick Gaye, they are always a threat.
Two Changes
Jack makes just two changes. Nick Green comes in for George Rutt, hoping to get the innings moving and Tom Hartgill, who has looked very handy in pre-season, comes in for Will Rabley who is studying, or something like that.
Otherwise it’s as you were with Dave ‘metronomic’ Bowers and a resurgent Mike Bryant, likely to open the bowling. They will be ably backed up by George Lethaby, Alex Brundle and self-taught spin king, James ‘The YouTube Warne’ Middleton. Tom Hartgill is another able option.
A Solid Order
The Oaks will be looking to avoid the minor top order wobble of last week, but in the event of ‘Dad’s Army’ style panic stations, it looks a capable middle and lower order. The Oaks banished their ‘good on paper, woeful on the pitch’ tag last week but one swallow doesn’t make a summer. They need to be ready and focussed to go again.
An interesting fixture this. It’s a a beautiful old ground with what one can only describe as rustic (or rusting?) shower facilities that require a course of cholera and typhoid injections before entering.
Enjoying the Day
Can we keep up the positive start to the season? Of course we can but whatever happens, enjoy it. Winters are long and wet summer days are plentiful. Go out, embrace the warmth and fight for every run.
Then have a beer, relax, and engage in some grossly exaggerated cricket bullshit.
Hey ho, let’s go!
