2nds edge closer to securing promotion

This was a hard-fought victory, played in the teeth of a hurricaine, which moved the 2nds within a few points of securing promotion. Outwood won the toss and a large damp patch on a length at one end provided all the persuading the skipper needed to bowl first. In fact the wicket played OK but some uncharacteristic loose bowling early again got Farningham off to a fast start. Two wickets in an over from George Stoyle put a brake on things but the big-hitting Scott powered his way to 62 off 46 balls including 6 fours and 4 sixes. Outwood held their nerve and Keith Hall in particular bowled brilliantly at him, eventually claiming his wicket in the 19th over thanks to a steepling catch held by Nat Hiscocks.

Farningham's lower order all made a contribution and their final score of 185 for 9 represented a fine battling effort by Outwood's bowlers and fielders in very testing conditions. Keith Hall and George Stoyle were the pick of the bowlers with 3 wickets apiece while Rob Rigby kept the Farningham tail in check with 2 for 5 from his 5 overs.

Farningham's bowlers came hard at Outwood after tea and although initially slow, the opening partnership of 40 between James Malley and Nat Hiscocks laid a solid foundation for the ultimately successful run chase. The 'heavy lifting' was carried out by Mike Cleaver's anchoring role and a brilliant attacking 63 from Chris Preen. The latter's despatching of anything pitched up broke the spirit of the Farningham bowlers. At 162 for 2, victory was almost within touch when Chris holed out on the mid-wicket boundary. Dru was stumped by about 3 yards (?!) next ball and Mike Cleaver fell two overs later to set Outwood hearts fluttering with about 20 still needed. We seem to have real difficulty in waiting for very slow bowling to arrive but luckily Rob Rigby and Jason Goulding brought some calmness to proceedings and knocked off the remaining runs without any further alarm.

An apparently comfortable, although somewhat tense victory in a difficult game played in testing conditions. We were under pressure at times in both innings and our resilience to this pressure may yet prove to be critical in defining our season. Promotion is not yet assured but with the top three teams pulling away from the pack, it is looking a real prospect. In fact promotion should be the very least of our aspirations as Outwood are without doubt the best team in the Division. However, with Locksbottom and St. Lawrence breathing down our necks there is still a lot of work to do to prove this beyond doubt by winning the title. As we play both teams in the next 3 weeks, it is in our own hands.