OG 1's indifferent early season league form continued in Round 5 of the DCCL Div 1 against New Mills.
The lads know they need to improve their batting form as the bowling and fielding has been spot on but, once again, not enough runs was the too familiar story against New Mills, who were probably there for the taking in all honesty.
Invited to bat first, once again on a decent looking track, a total of 130 ao was at least 70 shy of a par score.
Only two OG batsmen recorded double figures on the day, James Lythgoe with 30 and skipper Rob Adderley with an aggressive 58, but more contributions are needed to compliment the impressive bowling and fielding displays.
In fairness, New Mills bowled well, especially their openers, but defending 130 was always going to be a big ask.
Early breakthroughs gave OG hope and with New Mills at 15 for 3 at one point, the home crowd sat up and took notice, but a solid partnership between Coverley and Holmes for the visitors meant the points and victory was out of the reach of a frustrated OG.
Two wickets for Ellis and one each for Flicker and Rob was the only reward as New Mills secured the victory with overs to spare.
Another disappointing league defeat with OG knowing exactly where they need to improve.
MOM goes to Rob Adderley for raising his bat with 58.
Double weekends offer the chance to immediately bounce back and this was the case as Newton were the Sunday visitors in the Bissenden Cup quarter final.
After falling at the last hurdle in the 2021 Final, OG were keen to progress in the cup again this season and a run chase was the order of the day as Newton won the toss, chose to bat first and went on to set OG a total of 139 to claim a semi final place.
The visitors looked solid in defence and selectively aggressive against anything short or too full and at 80 for 2 at the halfway point, were looking well set for 200+ with the Newton skipper Weston looking particularly dangerous.
Ex OG opener, Chris Joy, was an early victim of Ellis for a duck with a smart stumping by Ben.
Good ground fielding all round meant the game was in the balance.
After Ellis, Flicker and Rob had bowled half spells with a degree of success, Lenny Allsopp (3 for 14) and James Lythgoe (2 for 24) bowled in tandem to put the brakes on the visitor's innings.
Tight lines, backed up in the field, meant Newton were then looking for 150 and not the 200+ they were at one point on target for.
Rob then returned to pick up a wicket and Flicker with 3 for 37 putting paid to the visitors final wicket - 138 ao and a tremendous effort from OG.
After the break, Newton were always going to be fired up with the ball and OG knew that any early setbacks would need to be ridden knowing that 139 was more than achievable.
In the end, two partnerships led OG to the victory.
James Lythgoe (35) and Ben Whitehouse (23) batted sensibly after the loss of early wickets to take OG from 20 odd for 4 to 70 ish for 6, both being solid and sensible and taking any scoring opportunities with aplomb, especially against the Newton spinners.
Both then fell in quick succession meaning Rob Adderley and Andy King were at the crease.
From ball one of their partnership they set the tone with great running between the wickets and some aggressive hitting to upset the Newton bowler's rhythm.
The momentum swung towards OG as each over passed and with a flurry of boundaries, the victory was in sight, much to the delight of the home balcony.
With no let up in the batting intensity, OG progressed to the semi final with 10 balls to spare - Rob 26 not out and AK 34 not out.
A great run chase against a strong Newton team and OG now eagerly await the semi final draw.
MOM in the cup goes to James Lythgoe for his two wickets and 35 runs.
Hazel Grove away next up in Round 6 of the DCCL.
