Shobrooke Park 13 August 2024

Captain Frankie Crouch

Won by 93 runs

SOA 284 for 4 (Shiraz Husian Retired Out 100, Ed Phillips 73*, Ethan Davie 31)

Shobrooke Park 155 all out (Ben Jefferis 4 for 49, Colin Allen 3 for 26)

In the opening match of the much-anticipated Western Tour, South Oxfordshire Amateurs faced off against Shobrooke Park Cricket Club. With President Ed Phillips rallying the troops, anticipation ran high, although the day began with a setback as the Amateurs lost the toss, and Shobrooke opted to field first despite starting the game with only eight players.

The Bank of England duo, Shiraz and Peter, opened the batting against some gentle medium pace. Peter began confidently with a delightful square cut for four but was soon bowled, bringing Dan Edwards to the crease. Sporting sunglasses under his helmet, Dan settled in, allowing Shiraz to find gaps in the field as Shobrooke’s players slowly trickled in throughout the afternoon. Dan contributed 14 runs before he too departed, making way for Ethan Davie.

Ethan quickly made his mark, launching into an impressive knock that included a brisk 31 runs and a 40-run partnership with Shiraz. With Ethan's dismissal, President Ed joined Shiraz, and the pair put together a remarkable century partnership. Shiraz eventually reached his century and retired, leaving Ed to finish the innings alongside a quick cameo from Alex Basford. The Amateurs posted a solid total of 248 for 4 off their 40 overs.

In response, Zac Wilson and Matt Todd opened the bowling, eager to defend the target. Shobrooke got off to a flying start, racing to 50 runs in just six overs, thanks largely to their UAE international batsman, who was playing as a pro for Sandford in the Devon Premier League. However, Matt Todd struck back, delivering a cleverly set-up loopy half-volley which the batsman top-edged into the hands of a diving Zac Wilson, igniting hopes of a comeback.

At 80 for 1, Ben Jefferis entered the attack. Despite admitting to feeling a bit stiff and out of practice, he quickly proved his worth alongside the pres-elect Colin Allen. In a stunning display, the duo combined to take the next seven wickets for just 32 runs. Jefferis finished with impressive figures of 4 for 49, while Allen took 3 for 26, turning the tide decisively in favour of the Amateurs.

Shobrooke was ultimately bowled out for a mere 155, handing South Oxfordshire Amateurs a comprehensive victory to kick off the tour. The team celebrated their success with a scenic drive to their base at Sidmouth, where they enjoyed a well-deserved curry at the Cinnamon Tree.

Special thanks to AJ for his excellent umpiring throughout the match.