The summer of 1961 brought a sobering day for The Wood on July 1st, as they faced South Nutfield in a match that quickly turned into a one-sided affair. The scorebook doesn’t record whether the match was home or away, but the result was unforgettable for all the wrong reasons.

Outwood’s innings began with the early run-out of R Albery for 0 — and things only got worse from there. No batsman reached double figures, five players were dismissed without scoring, and the team was bundled out for just 26 runs. South Nutfield chased the target in a mere eight minutes, losing only one wicket in the process.

In the spirit of the game — and to give the visitors more time at the crease — Outwood remained in the field as South Nutfield continued batting, eventually finishing on a ‘ghost score’ of 124 for 4. Not The Wood’s finest hour, but as ever, part of cricket’s rich tapestry.

• UK Number 1 Single: "Temptation" by The Everly Brothers
• UK Sporting Fact: Wimbledon was in full swing — Angela Mortimer would go on to win the Ladies’ Singles title.
• News: The Betting and Gaming Act came into effect, legalising betting shops and bingo halls across the UK.

Findon CC vs. Outwood – July 2nd, 2002

Gifford Grinds Down Ten-Man Outwood in Village Cup Rout

The 2002 National Village Cup fixture against Findon CC turned into a chastening experience for The Wood. Originally scheduled to be played at Outwood the previous weekend, rain forced a reschedule — and with availability stretched, a weakened ten-man side made the journey to West Sussex.

On arrival, the team discovered that Findon had a surprise inclusion: none other than Norman Gifford (MBE), the former England spinner who played 15 Test Matches between 1964 and 1973. Gifford showed his class with the bat, compiling a composed 57 not out. He was supported by G Waller, who struck a commanding 101, as Findon piled on 282 — the highest score ever posted against Outwood in a Village Cup match.

At tea, a successful chase seemed unlikely — and so it proved. Despite a promising 55-run stand for the second wicket between Mills and Webber, the innings faltered. The remaining batters couldn’t build momentum, and Outwood’s 2002 cup run came to an end with a heavy 169-run defeat.

• UK Number 1 Single: "A Little Less Conversation" by Elvis vs JXL
• UK Sporting Fact: Brazil defeated Germany 2–0 in the World Cup Final on 30 June, while England had exited in the quarter-finals.
• News: The Queen’s Golden Jubilee celebrations continued across the UK.

Outwood vs. St Lawrence – July 4th, 2009

Milton’s Measured Knock Seals League Win

Outwood closed out the week with a confident 5-wicket victory over St Lawrence in a Kent County Village League fixture on July 4th, 2009. It was a strong all-round performance in the field, with wickets shared among the bowlers. The standout figures came from John Hall, who returned an impressive 3 for 28.

St Lawrence’s innings ended in the final over with the tenth wicket falling, setting a target of 208. In reply, Outwood’s top three laid a solid foundation. Openers Mark Lane and C Dahl both contributed 44, before Ian Milton anchored the chase with a composed 66 not out. The target was reached in 38 overs, taking two and a half hours, and securing a satisfying win for The Wood.

• UK Number 1 Single: "Evacuate the Dancefloor" by Cascada
• UK Sporting Fact: Andy Murray reached the Wimbledon semi-finals, losing to Andy Roddick in a five-set thriller on July 3rd.
• News: The UK Parliament was still reeling from the expenses scandal, with several MPs announcing they would not stand for re-election.