I am writing this post with all the enthusiasm of a swan that has just won a self-catering holiday in the Sahara Dessert. Let’s be honest, there is more chance of my dog learning Pythagoras’s Theorem than any games going ahead.
A deep low-pressure system is crossing southern England, followed by 40-50mph winds that forecasters (too gleefully for my liking) are describing as the type of weather we would expect in October. ‘Flaming June’ seems like a long time ago and we are now well into ‘Fu…Flooding July’.
Still, hope springs eternal, and without hope, who are we? Sad individuals with glasses half-empty and a perpetually bleak outlook, that’s who. And we don’t want to be that, do we? “NO BOB, WE DON’T!”, I hear none of you cry.
First XI v C&CF II
If the weather was set to be dry (which it isn’t) The First XI would be in a good position to cement their credentials as promotion outsiders. Mid-table Compton and Chandler’s Ford are supposed to be the opposition, so it would be a great fixture to get played, if possible. Win and The Oaks are still in the mix, lose, and any chance of overtaking the top two will be minuscule.
What The Oaks must do in the coming weeks is try to maintain form. That sounds obvious (or obvs if you a young and hip) but last season, when any chance of a return to County 2 drifted away, so did our form. This year we need to keep pushing hard and if that means being ‘the best of the rest’ it will set us up nicely for next season. There is no reason why that can’t be achieved.
Twos v Herriard
The Two’s probably won’t be traveling to the Herriard basin but if they do, they need to bounce back from last week’s chaotic and slightly embarrassing defeat to St Mary Bourne. Zak Newton and Sam Holbrook come in to fill the lack of bowlers roles and at least the Twos won’t have batsmen having to knock out 8 Overs. The Two’s have betted well all season, so we all know what needs sorting out. That’s right, we need more players to bowl at those three wooden poles.
Herriard are on a long winning run and will provide a stiff test for an Oaks side that is rarely settled. However, the lads have to put the last week behind them and learn to enjoy their cricket. If players put in a good shift, enjoy themselves, and lose, never mind. When cricketers are free from pressure and play for enjoyment, it’s amazing what happens. I should know, I was in a happy place last Sunday and I hit a four. I remained happy for several minutes after.
Threes v Basingstoke IV
The Threes had a little promotion dream up until last week but it was not something we took too seriously. If it happened great, but the reality is, the Third XI is there to ensure everyone gets a game and youngsters develop. On that basis, we are already overachieving and it’s great to see. Basingstoke 4s are the opposition.
They are riding high and chasing promotion, so this will be a tough gig for the 3s but I have little doubt they will compete well. However, the chances of Newfound being playable must be receding by the minute. Rain continues to cascade down my window like tears on the face of a child who just asked Deano about West Ham’s history.
Sorry to Brief
I am sorry this has been a brief preview but they take time and there must be a 95% chance of no play tomorrow as high winds rattle the downpours across the region. Earlier in the season I made a point of everyone enjoying playing during the settled sunny spell, as it was never likely to last. It already seems a long time ago but I take bucketloads of consolation for being right.
If miracles do happen, enjoy your afternoon out. If not, there is a new series of Black Mirror on Netflix. That’ll cheer you up.
“Here boy, here boy, come on Marley….I’m going to teach you the fundamental relation in Euclidean geometry between the three sides of a right triangle”.
