Round 3 of the DCCL Div 1 meant for a short trip for OG 1s to visit local rivals Tintwistle at the weekend and somehow the day ended up without the desired derby win in a low scoring and baffling encounter.
The sun was beating down all day and what followed should have been a run fest but, instead only 205 runs were shared between the two teams at the expense of all 20 wickets.
A neighbouring property bizarrely had a fire burning all day which created a stream of smoke across the ground, and not ideal conditions despite the glorious sunshine.
The tricky wicket added to the challenge too, but both teams had the same conditions and no complaints or excuses in that respect with regards to the result.
In the aftermath of defeat, OG looked back on the three lives they afforded to one of only two Tinsle batsmen to get double figures and also having had their hosts at 60 odd for 9 - maybe some complacency ultimately led to a target of 112 to win.
The stubborn last wicket partnership between Rose and McKeown dragged Tinsle to what was ultimately a winning total on the day, but 112 should be knocked off every day of the week in normal circumstances, and the OG lads knew that as they surveyed the wreckage of this result.
In truth, every batsman struggled on the day but it was only the Aussie, McKeown, who was seemingly prepared to graft his way to what was a well deserved 50 - riding his luck a little - but also displaying some impressive strokes.
Both teams were in perilous positions whilst batting - Tinsle being 41 for 5 at one stage with Ellis Walsh the chief tormentor with early wickets, skipper Rob with 1 wicket and a smart run out by Jacob Donnelly.
This turned into 61 for 9 with Paul Littlewood and Mark Allen picking up 2 wickets each, and OG just needing 1 further wicket for an early tea and seemingly a procession to the victory.
Rose and McKeown dug in though, kept OG in the field and their partnership effectively secured the derby bragging rights, when they posted a nelson 111 total before Littlewood finally took the last wicket (3 for 29).
Frustrated at the interval, OG regrouped, slapped on the suncream and looked to knock off the lowly total, but their own batting disaster was to follow with only Ben Whitehouse (24) and Mark Allen (12) hitting double figures.
The pair came together with OG at 15 for 4 and staring down the barrel having seen both openers, Adam and Josh, failing to trouble the scorers and Jehrome and Rob both come and go quickly.
Robinson and Brown sharing the early wickets for Tinsle.
The home team were buoyant at this point as they sensed an unlikely win.
Ben and Mally built a partnership, whilst never being set, and took OG to 50 before Mally was trapped LBW, another wicket to Robinson.
A brief 20 partnership between Ben and AK followed but when both fell and first team debutant Joe Wild not long after, OG were 78 for 8 and still short of the Tinsle total.
A further 16 runs were added but, amidst the smoky haze, the wickets ultimately ran out and OG were 94 all out in a crazy game, Tinsle claiming the unlikeliest of victories.
Desperately disappointing batting from OG and a failure to capitalise when Tinsle were 60 odd for 9, meant for just 5 points and a third league defeat from their first three outings.
In truth, for regular readers of these match reports, all three defeats could easily have turned out differently and OG could be sitting towards the top of the league table but costly dropped catches once again and a collective failure to kick-start their batting performances leaves OG winless but with a massive opportunity to improve.
Derby defeats are tough to take but do need to be taken on the chin, and the OG boys are doing just that, whilst being keen to notch that first league win.
Hayfield at home next time out, another old adversary and the chance to bounce straight back on home turf.
MOM?
In what was a poor day for OG, Ellis Walsh was a shining light with his 3 for 24 off 12 overs.
