The Oundle Rovers progressed to the 3rd Round of the Cricketer Cup with a commanding victory over Radley at Oundle on the day after Speech Day.
Greg Smith won the toss for Oundle and without hesitation elected to bat on what was expected to be a slowish wicket. Although Oundle lost Ben Graves (11) and Simon Fernandes (7) cheaply, a 146 run partnership between George Johansen (87) and Greg Smith (51) put Oundle in control. Johansen batted impeccably, made his highest Cricketer Cup score and was only dismissed as he tried to accelerate late in the innings. After the long partnership spectators were treated to a stunning nine ball cameo from Charlie Fernandes (30*), playing in only his second Cricketer Cup game. Charlie savaged Radley’s ex England international off spinner for 22 off the 49th over of the innings. With Patch Foster (13*) adding two sixes in the last over, Oundle closed on 225 for 6.
Radley started positively but the introduction of Ben Graves (3-22) saw him complete a fine return catch in his first over. Foster (1-18) bowled a mean spell and Hicks (1-16) and Street (1-21) helped push Radley behind the rate. Graves and Street grabbed the key top order wickets and then Mikey Outar joined the attack and produced the remarkable figures of 5 overs 4 wickets for 8 runs to hurry the Rovers into the bar. Radley were all out for 112 in the 34th over.
ORCC Team: Smith, Street, Graves, Fernandes S, Johansen, Bishop, Fernandes C, Foster, Lowe, Hicks, Outar.
The Rovers will now host Old Brightonians on 14th July in the 3rd round. Support is very welcome and the team would like to thank the large group of senior Rovers who turned up to support in the last round. The group included Sir Michael Pickard, John Appleyard, Adrian College, Peter Edwards, Peter Mills, Jeremy Firth, Tony Howorth and John Wake.
Tim Elliott (St A 77)
President ORCC
