Saturday 2nd July 2022. North Oxford rivals Oxford and the self proclaimed 'Friendly city club' faced off in a battle for the leafy north Oxford bragging rights.

An emotional warm up and toss complete, rain in the air, our noisy neighbours stuck us in. Smith & globetrotter Nawaz made a fluent start until Nawaz receives the trigger (without an appeal) from the away umpire much to the displeasure of the gentleman on the opposing pitch. Enter Steve Cootes. Pleasing on the eye, an easy 72, just what you would expect for a man with as little hair as Steve which belittled A Smiths swashbuckling 54.

After many a rain delay and a 50 from brute Jim Oates followed by Wolvercote's number 4 standing over the boundary with both feet in front of us and throwing the ball in and complaining we are cheating, the 4s declared on 234. Notable mention to Max Baldock with shot of the day through the covers.

After deliberation from the solitary self elected umpire when to take tea, we took tea.

Keeping to our youth policy, Wily Matt Todd opened the bowling letting out some very bizarre noise every time the opposing batter scored a run off him? Was very weird and slightly concerning. Young Pat Smith steaming in from the other end bowling some fine deliveries with the wet ball (we are playing in near torrential rain) bowled admirably and certainly will be a force to be reckoned with in the coming years (Watch out Musky). His dad meanwhile, was running around the outfield like a child on 4 bags of skittles.

Drinks came and it was at this point the treasurer thought he would really try and reassure us of his credibility and tell us how many balls were left instead of overs, very impressive. Over 21, M Todd triple wicket maiden with a drop catch, 25 points were in sight with captain fantastic steaming in with raw emotion beating the 14 year old opening batter (has a net in his garden) on many occasions and picking up a very harmonious 3 wickets. Notable mention to Jim Oates for the worst 3 overs of bowling that has ever been bowled, complete rubbish.

Special mention to Wolvercote's number 7 who had 4 cans of cider and a Carlsberg at tea, you're a legend mate.

Unfortunately, our neighbours underestimated our raw talent and ability and lacked intent all through their innings which led to a winning draw for the 4s with 19 points in the bag.

Bring on Watlington 2s.