Going gets tough for top-of-the-table 2nds

Outwood had to overcome a number of hurdles to defeat a strong Four Elms side which included several 1st XI players. The first was to maintain concentration as a Battle of Britain Spitfire 'dive-bombed' the church fete next to the ground. This was successfully achieved as Paul Howard, Keith Hall and Max Evans took us to 122 - 3 in the face of accurate bowling. As so often happens, one brings two and then three as Outwood slumped to 127 - 6; some accurate, ultra-slow bowling brought about our downfall as successive batsman failed to wait for the ball to arrive. John Hall and Jason Goulding staged a partial recovery, the latter hitting the ball cleanly in a fine, unbeaten 29 off only 18 deliveries. The final score of 178 - 8 was never a nailed-on winning total on a good wicket and fast outfield, but it gave us a chance if we performed at our best.

After a watchful start, the Four Elms openers went on the attack and reached 68 in 13 overs before the first wicket went down. The Hall brothers managed to slow things down and Keith removed the vital wickets of Ben Allatt and Kevin Allman - both caught and bowled. Rob Rigby removed a couple more and at 166 - 7 there was a faint scent of victory with 13 still needed. Outwood fought to the last but a couple of lusty blows and it was all over; Four Elms winners by 3 wickets.

This probably won't be the last time opponents bring out their big guns when taking on the league leaders, so we will have more tough battles ahead if we are to secure promotion. Can we field our strongest sides for key battles? That may be the deciding factor.