Overall, it was a busy and fruitful weekend for Oakley, filled with highs and a few setbacks as the club’s activities reached a fever pitch.
Friday evening saw Ross Hunter and his crew bustling around the vibrant atmosphere at the theatre of scenes, guiding the All Stars and Under 9s through their paces, while their supportive parents boosted the bar takings by a substantial sum. Meanwhile, at Longparish, the U15s delivered a captivating all-around performance, clinching victory by five wickets. George Bird and Zak Poulter shone with the bat, earning praise from both parent and the visiting chairman who was sporting a really trendy hat.
Saturday ushered in league action for the men, bringing a mixed bag of results and performances. The First XI left Odiham scratching their heads, pondering how they managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory despite executing many aspects of the game well. It was a lesson learned that against strong opponents, any lapses in the basics will be ruthlessly exploited. However, the team’s undeniable talent ensures they’ll bounce back stronger.
The Second XI faced no such struggles, overpowering Odiham 3s with a dominant bowling and fielding display, leaving them no chance at the formidable 238-run target. Standout performances from Steve Bown (91) and Ian Bennett (66), coupled with impressive bowling figures of 3-21 from Ollie Rabley and a stellar debut by economical medium-pacer Sharan Kugar, stole the limelight.
The Third XI encountered a tougher day but returned home with a determination to improve. Despite early dismissals and a modest total of 122, with Jeff Triner’s standout 30 and Steve Savage’s commendable 23 (taking him past 19000 club runs) the team showed glimpses of resilience. While there was a glimmer of hope with Easton at 60-5, thanks to solid bowling from the exceptional Dave Bowers, skipper Dan Beckell conceded that defending 122 was always going to be an uphill battle.
Sunday witnessed the spirited 9s extending their winning start with a convincing 93-run triumph over St Mary Bourne, emphasising the importance of learning the game while enjoying victories. Meanwhile, the ladies’ team, in their inaugural match, fell short of victory against Twyford but relished the camaraderie and look forward to future triumphs.
In summary, it was a weekend filled with positivity. The unity and camaraderie of village clubs like Oakley distinguish them from those pursuing success through financial means. At Oakley, we operate as a purely amateur club, with every member contributing to its funding rather than being funded by it. This ethos fosters a sense of teamwork and solidarity, where celebrations are shared when successful and support offered in times of adversity.
As we continue our journey, our aim remains to become the premier village club in Hampshire, fueled by our passion for the game and the bonds that tie us together.
On we travel…