My Story

Where my passion for cricket bat making comes from:

The roots of OX29 trace back to a simple Argos purchase around 2004 — a Size 6 GM Maxi Select, famously used by Marcus Trescothick. Like many young cricketers, I had no idea about linseed oil, knocking in, or preparation. I just started swinging, confused as to why the ball wouldn't travel.

Everything changed a year later when I met Gordon Clack of Hawthorn Sports Agencies in Ducklington. Gordon, a local expert in all things cricket, introduced me to proper bat fitting - setting me up with a Size 5 Hunts County. That first fitting sparked a friendship and mentorship that would shape everything to come. Gordon’s knowledge and generosity laid the foundation for my deep passion for cricket equipment.

As Gordon wound down his business, I began repairing my own bats. Eventually friends trusted me with theirs, and what started as a hobby quickly became something more - a job, and a craft.

By August 2024, OX29 had outgrown the garage in Eynsham. I moved into a dedicated workshop unit on a farm in Standlake, where the business truly came to life. Today, rows of machines line the walls, clefts of willow pass through each stage of shaping, and every bat is brought to life by hand at the bench.

What sets OX29 apart is my commitment to locality and quality. All willow is sourced and hand-selected from within Oxfordshire — giving you the rare satisfaction of using a bat that’s not only handcrafted, but truly local.

Whether you're sending in a beloved bat for repair or picking up your next new beauty, you’re part of a story that started with a young cricketer, a heavy bat, and a love for the game.