2nds win by tea time

The large margin of victory - 9 wickets - reflected the current fortunes of the two clubs. Outwood had an abundance of riches and had to 'rest' several regulars. Speldhurst had two drop-outs on the morning of the match - a skippers nightmare.

Nevertheless, Speldhurst elected to bat and set off at a good pace against some slightly off-colour Outwood bowling. The openers put on 50 at more than 5 an over before Dru Tunstall struck the first blow. Max Evans claimed the dangerous Sidhu just 3 runs short of his 50, well caught at cover point by Nat Hiscocks. Although still not at their best, the Outwood bowlers then tightened their grip on Speldhurst, aided by some very fine ground fielding, notably by Lucas Evans on the boundary. Keith Hall playing his first game of the season mopped up the tail to dismiss Speldhurst for 95 in just 28 overs. Luckily, Lesley had just finished preparing one of her legendary teas which was greatly enjoyed by both sides.

Speldhurst's bowlers seemed to have over-indulged on the lemon drizzle cake which caused their radar to malfunction. Outwood's openers weren't complaining as they raced to 62 for the first wicket before Nat Hiscocks holed out in the deep. There was no let-up as Marcus Malley arrived at the crease and smashed 17 off 8 balls to win the match in just 13 overs. A fine win but a waste of a glorious evening as people rushed off to watch the England - Nigeria match leaving a fully-stocked bar and plenty of food on the table. The 2nds remain well poised in second place but there will be sterner tests ahead.