Question:        What is worth watching on the television on a Wednesday evening?

Answer:           Nothing much

Question:        What is worth watching at Middleton Park on a Wednesday evening?

Answer:           Twenty Twenty cricket

That’s right. From next Wednesday 7^th June Middleton Stoney will be playing regular matches on Wednesdays and Sundays. Wednesday matches start at 6.00pm and as ever the bar will be open and weather permitting, the BBQ will be fired up at the end of forty overs. It breaks up the week quite nicely for those still in regular employment and for those who are not, it stops you snoozing in front of the television for at least one evening a week.

The first Twenty over opponents are from Nuffield Orthopaedic Hospital and it is worth getting to know their players as you might need to call on their skills in the future to keep you mobile.

The season so far has been a bit stop start. Teas have been made and not consumed so in addition to the fridges in the clubhouse being packed to capacity with beer and wine, freezers in some houses are full of sandwiches and cake. What has been served has been devoured by the teams with enough left over for member snacking. The teas have been varied (onion bhaji, fruit meringues, samosas and chocolate cake) and judging by the names on the tea rota you can expect more delicious treats to be served and consumed. There are still spaces on the rota so if you want to volunteer, please contact Mark Ford-Langstaff.

Of the 4 matches played so far two wins and two draws would be enough to win the Ashes.

Conversations outside of the rope have covered many topics. Should England be playing Ireland in a test match? When will it ever get warm? Rhubarb (yes really) House prices (has been a topic of conversation for years) The men’s showers (only a couple of people discuss this but repeatedly) Do we have enough white wine (a concern for many, no scrub that a serious concern for many). Phil & Holly and how Succession will end seem not to be of interest.

The ground is looking lovely and Marc Swan has done a wonderful job with the planted pots outside the clubhouse. They will look a picture in the weeks to come so another good reason to top up your tan and enjoy the surroundings.

Sundays will be fun while the Ashes matches are being played as TV watchers and those lucky enough to attend games will critique the players and tactics. Not forgetting the Australian touring side who will play Middleton Stoney on Friday 28^th July.  We know touring sides are often offered BBQ food so by way of a change a fish and chip van will provide the sustenance on the evening.

Don’t forget to look at your fixture card as there are 3 away games this season. Happy watching.

Are You Ready?

Spectators are vitally important to the atmosphere of MS cricket and the players have been working feverishly to create a welcoming environment for the first Sunday game this week. The grass has been mown and the outfield smells delicious. The rain has been banished over OX25 4JF until after the 17^th of September so even if you dislike cricket, you can top up your intake of vitamin D. The benches have been painted and cushions plumped. The BBQ cleaned and sausages ordered. The fridges are groaning with beer, cider and chilled white wine and the finest cricket tea makers in the whole of Oxfordshire have been booked.  (although the tea is primarily for players and umpires the club ethos of wasting nothing might mean that you are required to hoover up any lonely sandwiches and/or cake).

So what can we expect this season?

The return to the playing field of our Chairman Peter VdK

More Bazball than Boycott

Our own Ashes match on Friday 28^th July

Team and individual triumphs in bowling, batting and fielding

More wins than losses

A chance to catch up with neighbours and friends. Since we last gathered, the country has gone to the dogs so plenty of time to sort it out between overs.

No burnt sausages (except for the one for George Lamb)

How have pre-season preparations gone?

The players are fit (ish) and raring to go. They wintered well and began their strict training regime in the dark cold months by watching the televised tests against Pakistan and New Zealand. This involved late nights and early mornings so stamina shouldn’t be a problem. Using a bat and ball started in earnest last week but unfortunately nets were cancelled due to inclement weather. No problem for some who are natural athletes or who play at school or university. For others visualisation and crossed fingers is the next best. This should make for an interesting season.

Just a reminder.

The first game is Sunday 16^th April against Bampton in the Bush.

Start time 1.30pm with tea taken at 4.00pm.

The weather cloudy 15 degrees.

April 2023