History made at The Wood! The Outwood Blazes didn't just win — they blazed their way to their highest ever team score, notching up a mighty 192/4 in 30 overs. That's right, folks. Club record. Frame it. Etch it in stone. Possibly tattoo it.

And what a way to get there — Bernie & Ness kicked things off with a glorious opening partnership that mirrored their last matchup with Thames Ditton, right down to the sparkling strokeplay. Bernie was in top gear, punishing anything short or wide, and looking every bit the half-centurion… until she tragically ran herself out for 48, just 2 short of her first ever 50! Cue collective groan and a slow clap. Still, a top knock.

Enter Captain Maz “Six-to-The-Bell” Graham, who made sure the momentum didn't falter. She unleashed a classy 60 not out*, including one monster six that had the locals at our sponsor pub, The Bell, ducking for cover. Her innings not only powered the Blazes to a record score but also lifted her to the top of the Division 3 batting charts. She came, she captained, she conquered.

Defending 192, the Blazes fielded with flair (and the occasional comedy sketch). Rachel Walters, cool as ever, continued her reign as Division 3’s top bowler, picking up a tidy wicket and giving very little away. Flo K, still in her debut adult season, bowled with zip and precision to grab yet another fantastic wicket – this girl’s got a highlight reel building faster than our scoreboard.

Jane pulled off a cheeky caught and bowled, froze in shock like she'd caught a flying pint, then broke into a celebration dance that was half victory, half "did that just happen"!

And then there was Amelia, whose stunned reaction after taking a brilliant catch could be bottled and sold as “Genuine Shocked Face Energy.” She nearly had another – but it slipped out last minute, to universal groans.

The fielding was electric – well, except for that run-out attempt which quickly turned into a Benny Hill tribute, complete with missed throws, overthrows, and a lot of running in circles. Not our finest hour, but at least it was entertaining.

Player of the Match Nominations
As is tradition when playing Thames Ditton, each team picks a player of the match.

Thames Ditton’s Pick (Outwood Player): Bernie Thomson – for her brilliant 48-run innings and solid work behind the stumps.

Outwood’s Pick (Thames Ditton Player): Captain Charlie Baker – for a fighting 61 not out and fantastic fielding.

An absolute belter of a game, played in brilliant spirits against a wonderful opposition — who, bonus points, brought an adorable puppy as their team mascot. ?

And finally, the golden takeaway from the FrogBox mic:
DO. NOT. WHISTLE. AT. TINA. You’ve been warned.

Final word?
History made, sixes launched, catches clung onto (just about), and a new club record to celebrate. Up the Blazes!