They say the league table never lies, and that's probably true once the season is over, but as it stands, OG 1s can justifiably feel aggrieved to be looking up the table after four rounds of the DCCL Div 1.
Three defeats from the first three games which, for different reasons, could easily have been three wins left OG heading into the game vs Hayfield chomping at the bit and ready to get their season started with that first win.
Happy to be back on home turf, OG were invited to bat first by the visiting Hayfield and, once again, the early season indifferent batting form was evident.
The posted total of 150 all out was probably 80 shy of par for the track and wasn't predicted after Adam and Mally took us to 40 without loss at the outset.
The mis-firing middle order will come good but left OG at 75 for 5 and with a re-building job ahead.
Adam had looked good from the off with his 25 coming in boundaries before he got a decent ball and was bowled.
James Lythgoe was comfortable before being run out and Ben (22) got another start before being trapped in front.
The lower order belied their places in the batting order by adding 60 odd runs and taking OG to what ultimately turned out to be a comfortable winning total of 150 ao.
Paul Littlewood (16) with his trademark strokes, Ellis Walsh (10) looking more and more elegant with each knock and Lenny Allsopp (36 no) with a calm and composed innings did the damage and set OG up for the win.
With runs on the board, OG were fired up for the win and they ripped into the Hayfield line up from the off.
Ellis struck first, then Rob, and both Hayfield openers were in the shed, 2 for 2.
Hayfield were then blown away in 14 overs with Ellis and Rob bowling unchanged and wickets fell regularly.
23 for 5 became 23 for 9 in emphatic style with both bowlers on fire but Rob proving unplayable.
31 ao in the end with Ellis claiming 4 for 25 but with fantastic figures of 6 for 6 from 7 overs, Rob took the plaudits and a deserved MOM.
That elusive and overdue first league win sets the 1s up nicely for a double header at the weekend with New Mills on Saturday at home in the league, followed by a much anticipated home tie on Sunday vs Newton in the Bissenden Cup.
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