Cricket is the winner

Cricket was the winner in this closely-contested Division 6 encounter, not least because the 10 pt. win bonus was not available to either side in this bonus-points-only match between teams from opposite halves of the split Div. 6. However, the moral, and scorebook victory was most definitely Outwood's.

This is Hartley's first season in the KCVL having previously been one of the top sides in the Kent Premier League. They have lost a number of good players since then (including England's Sam Billings) - hence their fall in status. However, they are still a good side and very strong for Division 6. This was clearly demonstrated by their opening attack, including one former Kent player, as Outwood were reduced to 19 for 6. Did they take their foot off the gas or were their best bowlers bowled-out? Either way Outwood staged a remarkable recovery which ultimately turned out to be match-winning.

Guy Bignell (20) and Adeen Gill (40) began the repair work with some very powerful blows included in Adeen's 9 fours. Guy was then joined by George Hess and the patient repair work continued. However, wickets continued to fall and when John Hall was 9th out on 103 there was still 17 needed to secure our first batting point with 6 overs to go. Could we manage it? Step up George Hess. 10 off the 37th over took us past 120; next bonus point 150 - surely not? Only 1 off the 38th but then a remarkable 28 off the next 8 balls (including three huge 6s) to take us to 150 with ease and 3 balls unused. As the skipper said at half time, "the lower order has given us a chance".

Opener Barry Pearce showed great timing as he pounced on anything short but Imran Gill (4 for 24) was bowling brilliantly and wickets fell steadily. The breakthrough came when keeper Alex pounced on a leg bye and threw the stumps down with a direct hit to remove the dangerous Pearce on 55. The door was ajar but each incoming batsman clearly showed they knew how to bat. George and the Hall brothers kept the pressure on with tight bowling and wickets continued to fall thanks to some safe catching in the outfield. The 9th wicket fell on 120 but still only 38 needed of the last 10 overs and these guys were clearly no rabbits. 18 needed off the last 4 overs when Lucas returned to the attack and cleaned up no. 11 with a peach of a delivery

A hard-fought victory against a very strong side which really deserved the 10-point win bonus. Nevertheless, 7 bonus points in the bag and hopefully lots of confidence to take us into upcoming matches. The home crowd were well-entertained and hopefully went home happy.