Oxford Downs - August 2022

After five overs of Downs' innings, it seemed like we would concede 350 and struggle to save the game. After fifteen overs, it seemed like we would bowl them out for 120 and win by tea time. In the end, neither came to pass - and the day was all the better for it.

Their openers started in blistering fashion, taking full advantage of a true wicket and a rapid outfield. But when Robbie, who'd already cunningly removed the other opener with a deflected run out, nicked off the main aggressor, Downs crumbled. From 80-1 off 10, they fell to 110-6 off 22 - victims of a glorious combined spell of bowling from Nick and Matthew, not so much rolling back the years as rejecting the concept of ageing altogether. A short chase beckoned. But lower-order resistance kicked in, helped along by a couple missed chances, and the runs began to flow once more. By the time Ellis, recalled alongside Robbie to dock proceedings, removed their number 11 with a snorter, the score was 242. More than we'd thought they'd get, but also less.

In reply, we set off steadily, peeling off the occasional boundary while rotating the strike. Archie, a friend of Ellis on debut, drove with impressive elan while the skipper did his thing, and progress was relatively serene. At the start of the final hour, we had 107 and needed 136: just under seven an over. Archie, hardly circumspect so far, went through the gears, crashing a succession of gorgeous fours before falling, caught behind, for a very well-made 78. Junaid came to the crease with the remark, "Just tell me when to hit out, and I'll do it." He was true to his word, taking particular liking to their left-arm spinner with a sequence of lofted drives that had even the opposition purring. The required run rate didn't drop below six, and yet the chase was always in hand. There was time for the skipper to bring up his hundred, and Junaid his first Gaiety fifty, before the winning run was hit - with 13 balls to spare. An excellent performance, and another memorable victory.