With summer truly broken out a glorious afternoon led to a tense and enjoyable 10-versus-10 game where The Wood finished second...just.

On a hot day the decision to bat first was welcomed by the Outwood team, though few of the players were able to find the rhythm to set a challenging total. The exception was Chairman Paul who, on his season debut, crafted an excellent 40 off 48 balls. With wickets tumbling, it looked like the wicketkeeper's helmet (5 off 1 ball!) would end up our second highest scorer! However Rizwan (15) and Dan (14) threatened to 'blast off' with 6 fours between them before falling shortly after the score reached three figures. 103 didn't feel like enough runs, but the silver lining was we could tuck in to a superb early tea provided by Paul.

As Outwood returned to the field it was clear that early wickets were paramount. Dan and Simon did not disappoint and the Strollers were soon rocking on 1-3! A careful rebuild ensued, before Haroon and Simon enforced a similar mini-collapse as Horley moved from 40-3 to 43-6. When Haroon picked up the seventh victim and with forty still needed, it felt like victory was well possible. However Nick Waddington and Evan Grimwood steadied the ship and moved slowly towards the finish line. With five required Rizwan struck Nick leg before to set up a grandstand finish. Fielders and bowlers stretched every sinew and with two slips and a gully Outwood pushed for the final wicket. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite to be and Grimwood's cut shot to the boundary saw the Strollers home.

A great, fierely-fought, low-scoring game of cricket with friends. A really strong bowling performance from everyone with some thoughts to seek improvements in the batting in coming weeks!

The Helles Belles Moment - A hatrick from the Chairman - A sumptuous tea, a great knock and an athletic slip-catch as Paul sent a "come-and-get-me-plea" to the Saturday skippers.

Next Up - A Friday night T20 versus Redhill Nomads, before we travel to Balcombe next Sunday.