As the sun sets on the 2025 season, Tales from The Wood returns for one final time—this time in hybrid form. Not only do we celebrate the last echoes of summer cricket, but we also launch our new autumn and winter series: Legends of The Wood, a tribute to the great players and members who have shaped Outwood Cricket Club through the years.

2006 – Outwood vs. Newenden – October John Hall’s October Ton

There can’t be many Outwood players with a century in October—especially on UK soil—but one current club legend, and our first Legend of The Wood, achieved just that in 2006.

In a competitive season finale away at Newenden, Outwood batted first and lost wickets at regular intervals. But one man was on a mission: John Hall, completing his first season at the club, compiled a magnificent 110, including 22 fours and a six. A valuable 31 from Tom Matthews helped Outwood reach a par total of 202.

Newenden chased well and eventually ran out winners by 3 wickets, but not without resistance. John Hall added a wicket to his tally, and Dave Baldry picked up 3, in a match that concluded at 17:55, marking the end of a memorable day—and the beginning of a legendary journey.

UK Number 1 Single: “I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’” by Scissor Sisters

Sporting Highlight: England’s football team had just beaten Macedonia 1–0 in a Euro 2008 qualifier, with Peter Crouch scoring the winner.

UK News:The UK was in the midst of political transition, with Tony Blair announcing his intention to step down as Prime Minister within the year, sparking speculation about his successor.

Legend of The Wood: John Hall – A Legacy in Full Flight

John Hall made his Outwood debut on 29 April 2006 in a pre-season friendly against Dormansland at The Wood. He didn’t bat that day, but his bowling figures—8 overs, 7 maidens, 2 wickets for 1 run—set the tone for a career defined by control, consistency, and quiet brilliance.

Since then, John has played over 264 games for Outwood, scoring 3,294 runs, taking 246 wickets, and holding 65 catches—all in recorded matches. But these numbers only tell part of the story. Much of John’s early career, including a century that earned him a place on the club’s honours board, predates the comprehensive Play-Cricket records. His true impact is even greater than the stats suggest.

John was named Player of the Season in 2006, the same year Outwood were crowned KCVL champions. As well as that 2006 championship, in the 2010s he took over leadership of the Soops (2nd XI). Under his guidance, the team achieved back-to-back promotions in 2018 and 2019, finishing as champions of Divisions 7 and 6 respectively.

In July 2007, John added his name to the Outwood honours board with a remarkable century against Fordcombe in Division 1 of the KCVL. Batting at number 6, he came to the crease with the score at 48–4 in the 17th over. What followed was a masterclass in counter-attacking cricket: John struck 7 sixes and 9 fours in a blistering 68-ball innings, finishing unbeaten on 108. Outwood closed on 238–8. On that occasion, John wasn’t required to bowl, as Winfield (4 wickets), Matthews (4), and one apiece from Milton and Baldry secured a massive 195-run victory.

Beyond the numbers, John has been a mentor and coach to countless young players, helping them develop in Division 2 before many graduated to the First XI. He has served in multiple committee roles, always championing cricketing standards and club culture.

John’s cricketing journey spans 50 years of adult cricket in Surrey, including 30 years with Purley CC before joining Outwood. He has also represented Surrey and England, touring overseas and even lifting the World Cup in 2024.

As he completes his 20th season at Outwood, we honour John Hall not just for his achievements, but for his enduring spirit, leadership, and love of the game. He is, without question, our first Legend of The Wood.