On Saturday the 2nd XI, fielding 4 x U15s, travelled to play Sunningwell 2nds in a 40 over friendly match played to league rules. Losing the toss again, Stoney were asked to bat first on a wicket which looked very dry, flat and cracked, offering very little bounce. It was an exceptionally cold and windy day!

Skipper Stew Moss & James Grist-Perkins got the innings off to a solid start, the score reaching 54 before 'Gristy' played back and missed a straight one and was adjudged LBW for a stylish 32 (with 5 boundaries). Tim Davies was soon spectacularly caught in the deep for a quick 7, which brought Sam Townsend to the crease. They took the score to 103 before Stew was run out trying to accelerate the score, for a solid 36. In the ensuing overs Sam attacked the bowling and had hit 6 x fours before bringing up his first Stoney half-century with a terrific 6 over mid-on, resulting in a lost ball! He immediately retired and Pete Stringer and Rowan scored freely to take the score to an impressive 180 for 4 from 40 overs, on a tricky pitch.

After a lovely tea, and in reply Sunningwell were quickly in huge trouble as they found Mikey Franklin's pace and movement difficult to deal with. Bowling down the hill, the young swing bowler was moving the ball both ways, taking 3 for 9 from 5 overs. In partnership, but bowling up the hill young Rowan was also causing huge problems, taking 1 for 17 with a fine stumping by Townsend.

New signing Scott Thomas announced himself in some style by taking a wicket with his first delivery for Stonesfield, and then his 4th to start with a double wicket maiden! Scott took 3 for 2, and Josh Davies 2 for 21 as the hosts were reduced to 54/9. Tristan Stringer & George Worsley finished the job after fine spells, as Sunni were all out for 76 - a superb all round team performance by Stonesfield.

On Sunday, the 1st XI entertained Kidlington at Field Close in a 40 over warm-up. Choosing to bowl first, Steve Litten took an athletic catch at fine leg from Sam Hibberd's bowling as an early wicket fell. But Sahil Kalyan batted nicely (despite being dropped several times) to make 70 as the visitors innings progressed steadily. Although Dan Taylor & Tom Gubbins also took wickets a 1st innings score of 188 looked very competitive, sadly aided by several dropped catches by Stonesfield.

In response Stoney started brightly but lost George Redknap to a fine catch at gully. No3 Dan Farrant strode out, but was out 1st ball clean bowled. When no4 James Grist-Perkins followed LBW soon after Stoney were in trouble. Skipper Jamie Burns looked as comfortable as ever as he stroked his way to a characteristic half-centrury, but wickets continued to fall as Sam Townsend (LBW) and Rob Hicks (bowled) came and went quickly.
Steve Litten and Dan Taylor provided some lusty late blows, including a monster 6 over long on by Tayls, but the lads fell 8 runs short at 180/8.

On Monday (29th) the relaunched U15 team travel to Chipping Norton to play a friendly game, which starts at 6pm - do please try to support the lads!