2nds stay in the winning habit

Outwood Common managed to avoid nearly all of Saturday's showers, both before and during the game, and this allowed the 2nd XI league campaign to get under way more or less unhindered. A brief shower at 1:15 delayed removal of the covers and the captains agreed a small reduction in overs to 35 to maximise the chances of completing the game before the onset of forecast early evening showers (which never materialised).

Outwood won the toss and elected to field. Although the wicket had been protected all week, the effect of a prolonged period of covering is hard to predict. In fact the wicket, although slow, played very well and it was the swing-friendly conditions and relentless accuracy of the Outwood bowlers that caused Four Elms problems. Marcus and Dru were a constant threat in their opening spell and although Marcus bowled marginally better it was Dru that took the early wickets - one with his first ball. The Hall brothers maintained the pressure, Keith nibbling the ball off the seam down the hill and John generating big outswing up the hill. Paul Howard and Jeremy C. helped complete our quota of overs and the Four Elms total of 133 for 6 from 35 overs represented a fine effort by the Outwood bowlers and fielders against a strong batting line-up.

Marcus Malley and Paul Howard started the Outwood innings off at a good pace and Keith Hall maintained the progress after Marcus fell. Nat Hiscocks looked good in his brief innings - his first of the season - before Renegades skipper Dru Tunstall joined Keith to bring Outwood home for the loss of only 3 wickets in 20.5 overs. A very satisfying, comprehensive victory against a decent Four Elms side.