Gibbon went down in disappointing fashion against Oxford Caribbean in sweltering conditions at Horspath Road.
Marsh won the toss and sensibly elected to bat given the hot conditions, which were bound to be draining on those fielding first. Much like the previous week the innings got off to the worst possible start, losing Joe third ball. Despite the firmness of the surface underneath, there was a little “spongeyness” on top, so it was hard going early doors, with the Caribbean attack giving Marsh little to hit. Jules went soon after and Marsh were in big trouble, so there was a need to steady the ship and fast!! Stu (34) and Carlos, managed to keep the bowlers at bay to nudge the score up slightly, but without much on offer to have a go at, it was a case of survival to keep the home side out there, to frustrate them and post a reasonable total. Stu and Sat put on a good partnership as Marsh’s version of the “little maestro” looked in sparkling form, showing his full array of shots.
The scored nudged up past 100 as Marsh gained in confidence, with Sat punishing anything loose. Stanley added a very useful 18 in another good partnership with Sat, but it was Sattys day to shine and that he certainly did! The stylish right-hander posted his highest score for Marsh (87 not out), showing the type of quality strokeplay we all know he’s capable of. Given the difficult situation faced when arriving at the crease, this made the knock even more special and something we hope will be the start of many big scores to come this season from the “middleton magician”! Tommy Leonard held very strong to support Sat to the end as Marsh managed to post a very respectable 178-9.
Marsh were in confident mood and things got even brighter when Stanley removed an opener for a first baller. However, this was one of the only shining lights for Marsh early on as the ball was smashed, smeered and edged around the park by the home sides attacking batsmen. Despite the ball seeming to narrowly missed Marsh’s clutches at time, our lack of control with the ball served up plenty to have a go at and that they certainly did! Coupled with some very average fielding, Caribbean raced to 100 off 16 overs as Marsh looked to remove the dangerous Matthews who inflicted the bulk of the scoring. Carlos showed the bowlers the way with a fine 4-31 and Sat capped off a good day personally with 2-13 with his wily spin. Despite managing to remove Caribbeans dangerman, it was too little too late as Marsh paid the price for their wayward bowling and fielding display, with the home side easing home by two wickets.
A very disappointing defeat given the way we salvaged what should have been a defendable target, but it’s onwards and upwards and we need to be back “on it” at the weekend for our double-header with Witney Swifts and Hook Norton! No excuses gentlemen, its time to produce some match winning performances from all of us as individuals and as a collective unit, to get back to the standard we produced in our first two games.
Saturdays game will start at 12.30pm due to the footie, which will be shown at the clubhouse on the big screen.
Heads on gents!!
Stu
