Six Ducks and a Collapse — But The Wood Still Win by 42 runs!
In one of the more remarkable matches (July 11th 1970) in Outwood’s history, a chaotic batting display somehow ended in a convincing 42-run victory over Turners Hill at The Wood.
Batting first, Outwood were in early trouble at 1 for 2 in the fifth over. A stabilising third-wicket partnership of 75, anchored by Marchant’s composed 58, gave the innings some shape. But after reaching 103 for 5, the innings imploded. Turners Hill’s Stripp produced a devastating spell, taking five wickets in just nine balls — including a quadruple wicket maiden — to bowl Outwood out for 108. Six Outwood batters recorded ducks.
Yet that total proved more than enough. Marchant followed up his half-century with three wickets, while Norris bowled unchanged to claim 6 for 30 from 14.3 overs. Turners Hill were dismissed well short, handing Outwood a win that defied the chaos of their own innings.
"In the Summertime" by Mungo Jerry was the UK Number 1 single.
On 9 July, the UK Parliament passed the Equal Pay Act, mandating equal pay for equal work.
Jack Nicklaus won The Open at St Andrews on 11 July, defeating Doug Sanders in a playoff.
Surridge Anchors as The Wood Hold On for Draw in the Heat
On a warm and sunny afternoon at The Wood on July 8th 1984, Outwood and Three Bridges played out a competitive draw that ebbed and flowed throughout the day.
Three Bridges batted first and took early control, with Stewart and Denman adding 110 for the second wicket. They fell soon after for 47 and 65 respectively, and wickets followed at steady intervals. After 47 overs, the visitors closed on 191 for 9.
Outwood’s reply began brightly. Openers Preece and Surridge put on 117 for the first wicket, with Preece contributing 47. But once he fell, wickets began to tumble more regularly. Surridge held firm with a well-made 76, but the chase began to stall. When Morrissey was dismissed as the ninth man with just 11 balls remaining, the result hung in the balance. However, Case-Green and Anderson held their nerve to see Outwood to safety, finishing on 177 for 9 at 8pm.
"Two Tribes" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood topped the UK charts.
On 10 July, violent clashes occurred at Orgreave during the miners’ strike.
John McEnroe defeated Jimmy Connors to win the Wimbledon Men’s Singles Final on 8 July.
Cricket Returns to The Wood as 1st XI Triumph in Intra-Club Opener
July 11th 2020 and, after months of lockdown, sanitiser stations, and social distancing, cricket finally returned to The Wood — and what a joy it was. Though there were no teas and plenty of elbow bumps, the spirit of the game was alive and well as Outwood’s 1st and 2nd XIs faced off in a celebratory friendly.
Batting first, the "1st XI" posted 209 from their 40 overs. Henry Van Der Walt anchored the innings with a patient 39, but it was Matt Norman who stole the show with a fluent 60* from 53 balls, including 6 fours and 3 sixes. The innings also featured a standout moment early on — just the second ball saw Ashley Middleton brilliantly stump James Malley off a wide from George Stoyle, a surreal but fitting reminder of how good it felt to be back.
Alex Wood led the bowling for the "2nd XI" with 4 for 17 in a sharp five-over spell, but the 1st XI’s total was always going to be a challenge.
In reply, the 2nd XI were rocked early by Dru Tunstall, who took 3 for 13 in his 7 overs. Simon Diacon and Harry Mawer each picked up two wickets. Despite a quickfire 48 from Alex and 43 from Ashley Middleton, the 2nd XI were bowled out for 144 in 30 overs.
A 65-run win for the 1st XI — but more importantly, a joyful and memorable return to cricket at The Wood.
"Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat)"* by Jawsh 685 & Jason Derulo was the UK Number 1.
England reopened pubs and restaurants on 4 July, dubbed “Super Saturday.”
On 11 July, Sheffield United beat Chelsea 3–0 in a behind-closed-doors Premier League match.
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