2nds lose top spot

A combination of poor availability and a strong Withyham side proved too much for Outwood 2s who slip to second place in Div. 7. Withyham started steadily as Outwood's young opening attack bowled a testing spell. Felix Teasdale, sometime wicketkeeper, bowled particularly well after a first over loosener and was unlucky not to get more than one wicket as he went past the bat on numerous occasions. A second-wicket partnership of 92 put Withyham in a strong position but Outwood battled hard and well to prevent the home side from getting away despite a hard hitting 78 from returning university student and 1st XI player, Freddie Knott. 204 for 5 represented a fine effort in the field to contain the Withyham batsmen. Felix was probably the pick of the bowlers with 1 for 27 from his 8 overs.

Mr. Knott was also in a different class with ball in hand, James Malley and Chris Yeldham not seeing too many of the balls they faced, especially as there were no sight screens to help distinguish the ball from the background in considerable gloom. Keith Hall however held firm with a fine 65 before being 9th out in the 39th over. His partnerships with brother John (14) and Nick Briggs (22) gave brief hope as the required run rate began to reduce but he could not do it alone and Outwood were eventually all out in the last over, 50 runs short.

A brave fight against a strong Withyham team. A stark reminder if one was needed that promotion, yet alone a league title, is very far from a formality as opponents are strengthened by returning students. Hopefully we will be too so there should be some epic battles ahead.