Where our 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, Sam had no idea about linseed oil, knocking in, or preparation. He just started swinging, confused as to why the ball wouldn't travel.
Everything changed a year later when he met Gordon Clack of Hawthorn Sports Agencies in Ducklington. Gordon, a local expert in all things cricket, introduced Sam to proper bat fitting — setting him 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 Sam’s deep passion for cricket equipment.
As Gordon wound down his business, Sam began repairing his own bats. Soon, friends trusted him with theirs. What started as a hobby quickly became something more — a craft.
By August 2024, OX29 had outgrown the garage in Eynsham. Sam 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 its 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 match-winner, you’re part of a story that started with a young cricketer, a heavy bat, and a love for the game.
