Outlaws Unseat Lancers

For the second game in a row, the Outlaws were taken to the last over before overcoming their rivals - this time by just four runs

Winning the toss, skipper Matthew Norman opted to bat and openers Ashley Middleton and William Blease set off at a furious pace scoring 20 runs from the first over and 27 before the first wicket fell, Middleton bowled for 15. Thereafter the normally reliable Outlaw engine room misfired. The big hitters all made starts, but failed to convert these into big scores and by the 11th over the Outlaws were 7 wickets down with only 91 on the board.

A late rally by the lower order, including a 25 ball 35 from Mark Lane (luckily delayed by Southern Rail - hooray) set the Outlaw bowlers 150 to defend. Under par considering recent outings, but a credit to the Lancer bowlers for containing the Outlaw batters.

In reply the Lancers set off at a steady pace. No fireworks, but few wickets lost as they steadily accumulated runs. By the 13th over Lancers were 93-3 and on course to overhaul the 150 posted by Outwood.

A bowling change by skipper Matt throttled back the run chase, Ben Cleaver (3 wickets for 18 runs in four overs) and Louis Russell-Watts (2 wickets for 16 runs in 4 overs) strangled the Lancers and the run rate required climbed to the twenties.

Game won? Not quite. In a final twist, needing 37 from two overs, the crowd felt the game won. Eleven runs from Louis' final over and 22 from the final over bowled by Matt left hearts in mouths and pulses racing - but a win by 4 runs.

So well played the Lancers from pushing the Outlaws all the way and congratulations to the Outwood lads for once again giving us a thrilling game to watch and making it to the Regional semi final which will be an away fixture to either Headley or Woodmansterne - date to be agreed.