The men's 2nd XI won their opening fixture on Saturday by 70 runs, on a weekend which sadly saw the men's 1st XI fixture cancelled and the ladies cup game abandoned after the first innings.
Following a pre-season which was entirely rained off, anticipation was high for Saturday across the club, but particularly amongst a 1st team squad that was both back in WEPL action and full of club debutants. Unfortunately however another wet week in the build up left one of the bowlers run ups at Fortress Failand unplayable and the game was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
Thankfully the men's 2nd XI faired much better away at Chilcompton in B&D Division Four. Losing the toss and being put in to bat didn't faze a side aiming for promotion this season and debutant Josh Kleu (sponsored by GS Flooring) batting at number one, went on to make a fantastic 73 off 110 balls, before being caught off the bowling of Jack Ford.
Declaring himself fit despite only recently dislocating a shoulder, wicketkeeper batter Ben Harris (sponsored by The Angel in Long Ashton) made 13 before being run out, while Charlie Hiram (sponsored by Ercle Architects) batting at 3, made a strong 43 featuring three 4's and three 6's before being caught off James Purchase.
Charlie Collar made a notable 20* batting at five, with OBW's finishing the innings 200/6 off their 40 overs.
Following a tea break sadly not featuring any supplied food as is increasingly the norm in club cricket, the game was finished inside 34 of Chilcompton's overs with the home side rolled over for 130.
Former captain Simon Pratt was pick of the OBWs bowlers with 8-2-3-27, while Will Penny picked up two wickets off his eight overs, also for 27 runs.
Current captain Tom Harvey (sponsored by Flux Digital) grabbed three himself off 4.1 overs, while Ollie Harris and debutant Kleu each picked up one ,off six and four overs respectively.
Also away from home were the men's 3rd XI in B&D Division Seven West, facing Bedminster's 4th XI.
Winning the toss and putting Bedminster in, the hosts made 242/5 off their 40 overs, with five OBW's bowlers getting one wicket each. Included on that list was debutant Matthew Spence who was the stand out bowler, finishing with figures of 8-1-1-28.
Sadly it proved too much to chase, with club Chairman Mike Dodson and resident Aussie Mark 'Bedders' Bedson joint top scoring for OBWs with 29 each. The boys reached 142/9 off their 40 overs.
Elsewhere in the first week of the season, OBWs ladies managed to start their T20 cup game versus Huntley CC on Sunday, making 108-4 off their 20 overs. Sadly at that point the rain hit and the game was abandoned an over into Huntley's effort.
Meanwhile earlier in the week on Monday 29th April OBW's Under 11 performance squad beat Stoke Bishop by nine wickets in the GYCL knockout cup.
OBW's restricted the opponents to 49-7 off their 20 overs with Isaac Boss taking three wickets in the first over of the match. Amy Court also took 2-3.
On the batting side the runs were knocked off with OBW's one wicket down, Mille Baker 23* and Kanish Moka 15*.
All in all a mixed first week for the club featuring some fantastic performances. With thanks to club sponsors Regency Purchasing Group, New Heat Plumbing & Heating and RCA Electrical for their support.
Here's to more wins next week.
We will do our best to get back to you as soon as possible.
