If ever there was a game that deserved popcorn, it was this one. A rollercoaster of wickets, whacks, and “wait, did she actually catch that?” moments, Outwood’s clash with Walton-on-Thames was cricketing theatre from start to finish.

Rachel "Two-on-the-Trot" Walters Does It Again

Let’s start with the now-traditional Rachel Walters First Over Fireworks™. For the third game running, Rachel walked in like a woman on a mission and left the top order in tatters. First ball? A cheeky tickle to leg stump—bye-bye Toni Gurr. Second? Sky ball, sun ball, Maz ball. Third? Smacked back to Maz who zipped it to Bernie for a delicious run out. Three wickets, one over. Not quite a hat-trick, but enough chaos to make a barista spill your oat milk latte.

Walton Batting Fightback: Leslie & Sheila’s Show

Just when it looked like Walton were packing up early, Leslie Lawrence decided she'd rather bat than panic. She and Sheila Hawkins brought the calm with a slick masterclass in measured batting. Leslie retired at 60 with the poise of a seasoned pro, while Sheila cruised to 58 before Maz finally knocked over her stumps just two short of retirement. Sorry, Sheila. Rules are rules.

Fielding Masterclass (and Hayley’s Almost-Glory)

Outwood’s fielding was a highlight reel in motion - fantastic stops, full-throttle chases and commitment levels through the roof. Hayley came this close to taking catch-of-the-day not once but twice, only for the ball to sneak past her outstretched fingers like it had a personal vendetta. Fiona, meanwhile, defied expectations (and gravity) by staying upright the entire match - a quiet triumph in itself.

Kate’s Over of Drama: “Hold My Drink”

But wait—enter Kate Kercher, stage left. Her one over was a mini-drama in itself:

First, a near run-out had the entire pavilion holding its breath.

Then she smacked a boundary like she’d been watching IPL replays on loop.

Then, just to round things off, she was bowled by a ball waiting for punishment.

Battle of the Boom: Maz vs. Emily

As Outwood’s innings drew to a close, it wasn’t just about damage control—it became a contest for the Furthest Hit of the Day. Maz stepped up with a pull shot that nearly landed in the national trust forest. Not to be outdone, Emily White answered back with a thwack that threatened low-flying aircraft. Jury’s out on who won, but the outfield definitely felt it.

The Final Score (But Not the Whole Story)

Outwood eventually folded for 102 chasing Walton’s 164, and yes, technically Walton took home the win. But with Rachel’s wicket-fest, Maz quickfire 32, Emily’s long-range launchers, Kate’s all-in-one over, and a fielding effort to write home about—it’s safe to say the scoreline doesn’t tell the whole story.

Final Result:
Walton-on-Thames CC won by 62 runs
But Outwood won hearts, bruised knees, and possibly the "Longest Hit" medal.