Season curtain-raiser

The 2nds kicked the 2019 season off in near perfect conditions on a gloriously sunny April afternoon at Outwood. The hosts batted first in the first of two back-to-back 20-over games, designed to make sure everyone benefitted from some valuable match practice and the chance of a bat and/or a bowl. Both Malleys fell early followed quickly by Simon Williams but Alex Wood (on Outwood debut) fought back strongly with a hard-hitting 37 including 8 fours before retiring to give others a go. Paul Griffiths, Lucas Evans, Jon Stockley and Dru Tunstall all reached double figures in helping Outwood to a competitive total of 140 - 8.

Despite tight bowling from Lucas Evans, Graveney started briskly and had 50 on the board within 7 overs. This was thanks largely to an unbeaten 35 from skipper Dave Borley before he too retired. The Outwood bowlers then tightened their grip and Graveney slipped steadily behind the required run rate despite a brief middle-order flurry from Bowyer and a classy innings from the young Bali Aduaith; a 27-run Outwood victory and a good early win under the belt. Both Marcus Malley and Lucas Evans showed some good early season pace on an excellent wicket and Ollie Howell (2 for 30) caught the eye on his 2nd XI debut, his leg breaks and googlies delivered with increasing accuracy as his spell progressed.