Perfect June Days for Ovington
“Oh it’s such a perfect day” or so sang Lou Reed back in 1972. The jury is out as to whether or not he was singing about cricket but rumour has it that the New York art scene at the time did have a lively underground 7 aside tournament.*
Ovington Cricket Club senior teams had a few perfect days of their own in late June 2024 with games being won left right and centre.
On Saturday 25th June, the 1st Team welcomed Ripon to The Knavesmire it what turned out to be a very one sided game. Batting first, the away side only managed a total of 46 all out with fast bowler Matthew “The price Is” Wright blowing the opposition away for figures of 5 for 18. Spin bowler Thomas Cookson also took 4 wickets and the Ovo batsmen were able to complete their low chase with minimal fuss to win by 9 wickets.
Up at Millthorpe at the same time, visitors South Cave fared a little better against Ovington 2nd Team. Also batting first, the visitors managed a total of 80 all out. Wickets were shared around for Ovington with Dom Everard and Captain Benji Busby taking 3 each. Once again, the chase was accomplished with only 1 wicket loss with new boy Tom James starting his Ovington career with a unbeaten 35.
The following day saw the 1st Team welcome New Earswick to The Mire in the 20 overs a side Dave Conner Cup competition. In leg 2 of the York Chocolate Derby, Ovington were able to get revenge for their earlier league defeat against New Earswick and get a win to advance to the next round. of the cup Batting first, the home side made a commendable 143 for 7 with Cookson top scoring with 58 off 36 balls. Cookson continued his good day with the ball taking 3 wickets but crucially opening bowler Dom Kitching took also took 3 wickets including both of the away team’s most dangerous batsmen.
Not to be outdone, the 3rd Team won their game away at Pocklington on the same day. Batting first, Dave Warner’s Warriors racked up a total of 163 for 6 off their 40 overs. Young batsmen Ollie Dodson and Will Hempel both scored 30s whilst not so young batsman Graham Walton top scored with 57. Although Ovington only managed to take 5 wickets in reply (with Alex Howarth taking 2), they kept their hosts under control to limit them to 142 and win the match by 21 runs.
The following weekend went just as well for the mighty Ovo. The 1st team played away at Rufforth on 29th June and despite a wobbly start to their innings managed to notch up yet another win. It was up Doc Metcalf and Matthew “Universal Human” Wright to rescue the team with the bat. Coming together at 93 for 5 they attacked the home bowling and scored 40 and 52 valuable runs respectively. Captain Tom Armes was then able to accelerate the end of the innings (44 off 22 balls) to push the Ovo total to 236 for 7 off their 45 overs. From that point on, Ovington were in control of the game and with wickets shared around they bowled out their hosts for 108 to win by 126 runs.
On the same day, the 2nd Team won their game away at Ben Johnson. Bowling first, Ovington were frustrated to allow their hosts to reach an above par score of 190 for 6 on a spicy pitch. Fortunately, young opener Lucas “More More” Moore had no problem with the spice to give Ovington a fiery start to their innings. Hitting the first 4 legitimate balls of their innings for 4, Lucas powered his way to his first senior fifty for the club to finish on 58. Fellow opener Kareem Baqai also scored 50 at a more sedate rate and despite some late innings worries, Ovington were able to reach their required total with 3 wickets and 1 over to spare.
However, the reward for the most unlikely win of the weekend (given the half time score) goes to the 3rd Team who were home to Stamford Bridge on the same day. Ovington managed only 74 runs in their innings, more than half which came from the bat of Will Ellis, but still came away with victory. It was Ovington’s young bowlers who won the day with opener Harry Eckersley Wilson proving too good for the away team to take 4 for 11 with a further 2 wickets to Joe Naish and 3 to spinner Noah Goforth.
Roll on July and lets more for some more perfect days to come.
*Talking of 7 aside competitions. Preparations are well under way for Ovington’s annual Fun Day on Sunday 14th July on The Knavesmire starting at midday. All are welcome to come along, join in the soft ball games and enjoy the food and drink on offer. If you want to get involved, you can bring cakes and sides for the BBQ and anyone able to offer an hour or two of their time can help out by signing up here