First Innings: Outwood Blazes Batting
After being politely volunteered to bat first (thanks to Oxted winning the toss), Outwood sent in their trusty opening duo – the ever-dependable Bernie Thomson and the fearless Ness Burgess. The pair are usually known for fireworks, but this time it was more sparkler than bonfire.

Oxted’s bowlers came out with a plan: keep it tight, keep it tidy, and don’t let the openers get going. And it worked. Ness was bowled for 11, and after 8 overs, the scoreboard looked more like a phone number – 22-1 – than a cricket score.

Enter Maz Graham, who clearly had other ideas. She brought the heat with a flurry of boundaries, smacking seven 4s in a rapid-fire 38*. Bernie played the perfect supporting role, nudging her way to 18 before being caught at mid-wicket trying to up the tempo.

Despite the late push, the Blazes wrapped up their innings at 79-3 from 16 overs – not a mountain, but definitely a hill worth defending.

Second Innings: Oxted & Limpsfield Chasing
Outwood came out to bowl with fire in their boots and two of their brightest academy stars leading the charge. Grace Wylie, making her debut (yes, debut!), and Florence King opened the bowling and immediately put the squeeze on Oxted.

With some tight lines and clever changes of pace, and support from Rachel Walters and Maz, Oxted were held to just 26 runs after 8 overs. Game on!

Then things got spicy. Oxted’s skipper Ali mysteriously retired out (injury? tactical masterstroke? We may never know), and the chase suddenly looked a little wobbly. Despite the pressure, Oxted’s batters found their rhythm, and with a few big hits and a sprinkle of extras, they reached the target in the 14th over.

Positives for Outwood
While the scoreboard didn’t swing their way, Outwood can hold their heads high. The spirit of the game was alive and well, and the future looks blazing bright with the performances of Grace and Flo – both showing composure, skill, and a whole lot of promise. The academy pipeline is clearly pumping, and if this match is anything to go by, the next generation of Blazes are ready to light it up.

Final Thoughts
It wasn’t a win on paper, but it was a win in heart, hustle, and humour. Outwood played with grit, grace, and a grin – and that’s what cricket’s all about.