Season off to a flyer after delayed start

The 2024 cricket season finally got underway after more false starts than the 1993 Grand National and all three of Ovington’s horses have so far got off to flying starts. Early weeks of the season were blighted by wet pitches, swampy outfields and opposition concessions that left several members of the club wondering if they would ever take to the field again and others wondering if they had been cursed after upsetting the wrong witch. However, since then it has been nothing but good results for the club.

Before we get to the results themselves, an announcement that the next important date for your diaries is this year’s FUNDAY on Sunday 14th July. Prepare yourselves for refreshments, jollity and chargrilled BBQ food as well as the multi-generational 6 aside tournament that forms the basis of the day. As usual, there is work required so that the fun can take place and we’ll be asking for volunteers to ensure that there are a large number people doing a small amount of work each rather than a small number of people doing a large amount of work. More details to follow closer to the time.

Regarding the cricket that has been played so far, new first team captain Tom Armes has started his regime with three wins from three. In the first match of the season, a low scoring affair away at Malton and Old Malton, Ovington batted first and were bowled out for 141 in 41 overs with Alex Garner Steel top scoring with 36. Malton seemed to be making a good job in their reply reaching 75 for 1 before 4 wickets from Thomas Cookson spun the game in Ovington’s favour. More wickets were shared out amongst the bowlers and the home side finished their innings on 132/9 giving Ovington a 14 run win. An exciting finish in the next game at home to Pickering kept the crowds on the Knavesmire thoroughly entertained. Ovington batted first and posted a slightly below par score of 180/5 anchored by 61 from Cookson and a rapid 41 from Captain Armes. Early wickets pinned Pickering back in their chase but the away side’s middle order kept chipping away at the score and getting closer to their target. Wickets fell regularly but not without useful partnerships ticking the score along. Eventually, the 10th wicket fell with Pickering still 7 runs short causing celebrations amongst the Ovington players and fans. Oliver Garner Steel and Dom Kitching both ended the game with 3 wickets. The third game for the first team, away at Osbaldwick was more routine with the the home team managing 157/8 in their 45 overs and Dom Kitching taking 5/23 for Ovington. Armes’ Army made light work of the chase losing just 1 wicket in the process with unbeaten 50s from Cookson (84) and Alex Garner Steel (65).

Dave Waner’s ruthless, win at all costs mean machine of a 3rd team began their own season with a 9 wicket win away at Thorpe Willoughby. The home team batted first and were bowled out for just 89 as a strong Ovington bowling attack shared wickets between them, including wickets for juniors Spencer Fern and Wilf Metcalfe. Ovington knocked off their target in the 18th over for the loss of 1 wicket with Kush Sehgal (47 n.o.) top scoring. Warner’s Warriors also comfortably won their first home game of the season against Selby. Batting first, Ovington reached a total of 178/8 with Sharoon Shazad scoring an entertaining 55 as well as 25 a piece from youngsters Lucas Moore and Will Hampel. Selby could only manage 92 all out in reply with 3 wickets each for Benji Busby and Casper Fleming.

Busby also began his stint as 2nd team captain with a win away at Heworth. Batting first, Busby’s Battlers reached a good score total of 230/9. Taking a break from their GCSE studies, Alex Garner Steel (72) and Harry Eckersley Wilson (52) both scored 50s, the latter needing just 23 balls to reach the milestone in an explosive middle order knock. That target always looked imposing and accurate opening bowling from Ovington shackled the Heworth batters, in turn laying the foundations for the change bowlers to cash in with later wickets. Busby himself and Dom “Breadstick” Everard both took three wickets as Heworth could only manage 109 all out.

There is still plenty of cricket to come this season and all are welcome to come own to the Mire and elsewhere to support their team of champions.