Outwood 2nds brave the rain to go top

The sun may have shone on Outwood last week but this week our all-weather skills were severely tested. In truth the match probably shouldn't have started in light but steady rain. However, Cudham were desperate for revenge following their first leg defeat last week and with a bone dry pitch which had been covered, the temptation was too great and a reduced 35 over game was agreed to.

Outwood were put in to bat as Cudham pressed for quick bonus points but after losing opener James Malley in the first over, Nat Hiscocks (33) and Paul Howard (46) set about compiling a match-winning partnership of 67 in 10 overs. Cudham bowled well but anything short was brutally punished and the boundary count was high considering the long, wet outfield. After Nat was caught on the boundary inches short of a big six, Paul continued to hold the innings together as wickets fell quickly. Our young batsmen seemed still to be in Surrey Slam mode and despite some lusty blows, all departed quickly. Skipper Hall mustered the tail and added a valuable 16 runs in a last wicket partnership but although a total of 132 was creditable and competitive under the conditions, there were still nearly 8 unused overs remaining.

Wednesday's Surrey Slam heroes, Dru Tunstall and Lucas Evans, opened the bowling and did superbly in containing the Cudham openers with a very wet ball. Dru's 1 for 11 from his allotted 8 overs was especially remarkable given the conditions. Nat Hiscocks also bowled a tight spell when things were just beginning to get a little slippery under foot. Paul Howard and John Hall continued to be miserly and Cudham struggled to a final total of 93 for 7 in their 35 overs, never threatening our total.

A really good performance by the whole team in difficult conditions. Our good run continues but we must vow not to repeat the cardinal sin of having 8 unused overs in a limited overs innings!