Outlaws hold up the Hackers

Gloomy overhead light made for difficult fielding conditions as the Outlaws defended 146 in match four of the Surrey Slam.

Outwood opening bowlers Dru Tunstall and Matt Talbot conceded only 14 runs in the first four overs, putting pressure on the Horely batters as the run rate required increased to over 8 an over. Fielding was a challenge as the gloom of the day, became the gloom of the evening. There were several fumbles and missed chances from the normally sharp Outwood lads as picking out the ball became increasingly difficult for them.

Tight bowling throughout kept the run rate down, and although there was a flurry of runs in the last four overs, the Hackers were unable to make up the ground from the first 10 overs.

Earlier, openers Ashley Middleton and Harry Mawer put on 45 for the first wicket in five overs, Harry dismissed, run out for 24. Ashley and Louis Russell Watts kept the scoreboard ticking over at nine runs as over with Ashley out for 48 in the 10th over with the score on 95.

Thereafter the Hackers were able to tighten the screws, putting a brake on the runs and taking wickets regularly. The Outlaws innings closed on 146, which seemed below par despite the large Horley Row ground, given the rapid start from the Outwood openers.

So a comfortable 22 run win means that the Outlaws need on a point from their last two Slam League fixtures to reach the knockout stages of the cup for the third time in three years. The next match in the series is at home, against the South Nutfield Mavericks from 5.30pm on Wednesday 19 August