Birthday boy scores ton

Speldshurst were very weak when we played them earlier in the season. Not so this time. A very different bowling line up provided a significant threat to an Outwood side missing 3 or 4 regular batsmen. However, a fine knock by birthday boy Harry Mawer gave the home side the comfort of a 256 run lead at half time to set up the win.

Outwood were always scoring at a good rate with the 100 coming up in less than 20 overs but despite a few good cameo innings, only Marcus Malley (36 from 35 balls) and Harry (136 from 89 balls) scored more than 20. The wicket was slower than of late with the odd ball hitting the seam and stopping or jagging sideways. However, it benefitted greatly from the rolling it received before the game and generally played well - many thanks to our local groundstaff. Harry is a renowned big hitter and some of his 9 sixes were very big; more than 100 of his runs came in boundaries. However, it was a patient and well-disciplined innings as well and absolutely crucial to putting the home side in a such a strong position. There were tears in his eyes as the team sang Happy Birthday to him at tea and presented him with a cake and candles (thank you ladies). Not sure if it was emotion or the dreadful singing.

As usual, Outwood's opening attack gave nothing away as they started to build the pressure. Dru Tunstall was particularly mean (0 for 12 off 6 overs) and bowled with good rhythm. However, all the bowlers bowled accurately and Speldhurst fell steadily further behind the run rate. Outwood had to up their over rate towards the end as skies darkened and there were a few spots of rain but the winning margin of 66 runs represented a good performance against a dangerous side. Chris Preen and Ellis Peacock took two wickets each with the skipper picking up 3 for 20 from 6 overs.