President's XI v AJ Smith's XI - 15 September 2024

Manager Ed Phillips

Won by 26 runs

President's XI 214 for 6 (Richard West 66, Jimmy Phillips 49, Pat Knightly 3-35 , Nick Bishop 1-24)

AJ Smith's XI  188 all out (David Eaton 42, Paddy Daniel 38, Lee Marland 3-16, Richard West 2-11, )

On a grey day, White Post Road in the North of the county, played host to the 2024 Presidents match. The president had assembled a side that would rival any to take an amateur cricket pitch in the country … in 1999! BUT in the words of Ronald Reagan. We wouldn’t let age be an issue of this game, and would not exploit, for sporting purposes, our oppositions youth and inexperience. 

After smoked salmon sandwiches, the president and president elect contested the toss, and to everyone’s amazement, the president won the toss and chose to bat. 

Some ring rust was evident at times, but the odd glimpse of class shone through. Ian Hawtin flashed a cover drive to the boundary, before being caught behind, eventually remembering to walk, against his better nature. 

Craig Haupt and 2023’s president, Nick Bishop enjoyed a battle that ebbed and flowed. Bishop came out on top when he held one back and got the better of the lefthander. Lee Marland came and went quickly, but the president was having the time of his life batting with all his old friends, before he too was bowled. 

Richard West was joined at the crease by one of the Home Counties Premier Leagues great number elevens, Jimmy Phillips. More well known for their spin partnerships in the past, the pair put on 93 for the 5th wicket. Phillips was eyeing up a career high score of 63, before being cruelly run out for 49 at the bowlers end by his younger brother Chris (Cakes). Who’s knees creaked enough to allow him to get a touch on a firm straight drive from West. 

West surpassed 50, before falling for 66. Allowing Charlie Hill and Ash Blanchard to finish the innings with two cameos. Seeing the Presidents XI amas 214-6 Dec. 

It was great to see Nick Bishop’s 10 overs, 3 maidens, 1 for 24 was the most economic of the attack, allowing his opening partner Knightly, to pick up wickets at the other end. Taking 3-35 off his 10 overs. 

Following tea, AJ’s merry men reply started well. With 6 of the top 7 making starts. With Pat Knightly falling first ball the outlier. 

Keith Arnold steamed in with pace and his usual high action, extracting more bounce than his counter parts… read the Oxfordshire handbook of 1993, reporting on a fiercely contested game between Oxfordshire and Wales at Abergavenny. A few years on and a few more falls from his beloved horse Sugar Lump, saw Arnold used in shorter spells this time around. 

Oliver’s Murrey and Wright bustled in similarly, looking to hit the seam and had a wicket a piece. Blanchard, swapping Seam for Spin. A choice he should have made years ago, looked in control, but remained wicketless.

West and Phillips J reunited their bowling partnership. West looking like he hadn’t been away, picking up 2-11 off 4 overs and Phillips looking like he had only bowled to his daughters Nancy and Poppy in the back garden for the past 5 years, and not giving them a tough examination in the process.

Lee Marland and the President himself sensed the rain was coming and the game needed shaking up. They went about ripping through the lower order of the AJ Smith  XI. Marland finishing with 3-16 off 6 and the president picking up the final wicket with the final ball of his tenure to claim victory by 26 runs. Ian Hawtin’s faultless performance with the gloves was more than worth of mention, Lloyd Sabins, leg spin was not. 

Rare steak and steamed muscles were shared by all, with tails of the season and years gone by.  A huge thank you for all who came and shared the day with me. Particularly, Sue and Russell Hayes for scoring,  Peter Andrews and Mike Knox for umpiring and of course AJ for gathering his side. I’ve had a great year and this day was a fantastic way to round it off.