The first XI under new leadership of club stalwart Nav Akhtar made their first foray into the unknown world of Division 2B. For a club of our age (points on offer if you know how old the club is), to get to this level for the first time in their history is a massive achievement.
But there is no time for sentiment when the league season begins, and with this in mind Mr Akhtar ensured the boys were well drilled and briefed ready for that first ball. Everyone knew the job would be tough, but were committed and determined to ensure they gave a good account of themselves in the beautiful, if not slightly cold and overcast surroundings of Welwyn Garden City.

After winning the toss, Mr Akhtar had no hesitation in batting on what is a notoriously good wicket at WGC.

A new opening combination for the season in Jimmy and Pricey strode to the crease with a determination and purpose. A solid start saw Jimmy pouncing on anything loose, putting the ball to the boundary 4 times in as many overs. However with the score on 25 he picked out the only man on the legside and was on his way. Pricey fell soon after, and a rebuilding process was in order.

Captain Akhtar and his able assistant (new team VC Charlie Scutt) set about some low risk cricket (in the main) and dragged the team back into a solid position. Scutt had done a lot of the hard work before gifting his wicket away with the thoughts of Claddagh in his head, and chased a wide one and nicked off for 25, 74-3.
In came the match turning performance from Pablo. He soon found his stride and with Mr Akhtar began to counter attack, being ever so punishing to the shorter boundary and quickly caught up with Nav’s score. It looked like race to 50 was on between the two of them before Mr Akhtar (44) lost his wicket with one overzealous shot. Kappa fell soon after, and then Holland, free from the strains of captaincy and in his new all rounders position came in and pushed the score along with Pabs.

Passing 50 with consummate ease, he and Holland (27) put on 62 in 6 overs to swing the game in favour of OE’s who were able to eventually post 239. Pablo’s incredible innings of 82 included 5 maximums (Yes….5 Gibson!).

After a decent tea and some reflection on our performance, we knew we were in for a tough day as the pitch would not get any worse, and so it showed with the WGC opener peppering the cover boundary early in the piece, before our non all rounder Dom Goring produced a spell of bowling which turned the game. 3 wickets in 4 overs for the big man saw the score fall to 58-3 and put OE’s on top despite a quick run rate.

Mr Club Captain, Saqi Ahmed was introduced to the attack and bowled a fantastic spell which included a good catch from Jimmy at slip and produced many chances. The highlight of his spell was breaking the bail of the number 3’s wicket after he had been brutal towards Holland’s military medium. Saqi’s figures of 4-21 in 9 overs were the pick of the game and put OE’s well on top.

WGC’s Patel added some lusty hitting, which added as a reminder that at this level there are more top batsman throughout the teams, but with just two balls to win the game, Doliver and then Holland saw the game off and ensured the team song rang around the changing rooms at WGC following a 68 run victory.

Onto the first home game of the season vs Eversholt next week, and we hope to keep the run going. #30points #oesonfire #2bornot2b

Notable performances: Paul Lissowski MOM 82, Nav Akhtar 44, Saqi Ahmed 4-21, Dom Goring 3-56