26 June 2005 - Outwood Cricket Club Challenge Match

On a glorious afternoon in the Surrey village of Outwood near Godstone, Carshalton FC emerged victorious in their friendly with Outwood CC, thanks largely to a surprisingly all-round competent fielding display and the batting prowess of young Sam Knowles and old Simon Clare. 

Set in a typically picturesque English village setting, the hooligans from Carshaton FC behaved themselves throughout, though starting on the beers before the opposition had arrived did not bode well.  Having assessed the level of incompetence of his bowlers, skipper Andy Cook engineered the toss to ensure that Outwood batted first, the plan being for the home side to post a sizable total to chase.  The small ground meant that there were generally only singles and boundaries scored.  Opening bowlers Andy Cook and Kevin MacLeod kept things in check and after 20 overs the score was 64 for 0.  

Carshalton FC made the breakthrough when the off spin of Simon Clare tied up both openers and a desperate slog was caught spectacularly by Andy Cook on the boundary at deep mid on.  Wickets then tumbled with alarming regularity for the home side as Carshalton FC put on a hugely impressive fielding display - especially in the catching department.  Andy Cook took another on the boundary (then spilled our only catch, running across from long off and almost colliding with the sightscreen - jug avoidance).  Simon Clare produced a great diving catch at cover, Dave Paterson caught a skier, as did keeper Richard Bennett, who also took a catch behind off the glove and the innings was finished off with Elliot Stevens pouching one at extra cover.  Of the wicket takers, Simon Clare deserved the 3 wickets he took, Dave Paterson's slow left arm picked up best figures of 4 for 18 including bowling their main scorer for 58.  Jake's vicious pace picked up a couple and Wol's erratic over accounted for a wicket on debut. 

For a bit of a laugh we implemented a pre determined plan to crowd the bat as soon as Roger Cook came in to bat.  Unfortunately Andy's joke backfired somewhat when he missed a straight one first ball from Dave Paterson and he was plumb for a golden duck.  Andy's offer to come back for another chance was not taken up - "sorry dad". 

In reply Carshalton FC lost both openers early but a superb innings off 62 (retired) including a massive 6 over the clubhouse, and an assured and equally spectacular 34 not out from Simon Clare saw Carshalton FC home with plenty of over to spare. And so to the serious matter of drinking the bar dry and tackling the BBQ.  A thoroughly pleasant time had by all - players, spectators and families alike. On behalf of Carshalton FC, can I thank Outwood Cricket Club for their hospitality and sportsmanship throughout the day, and special mention to Roger and Andy Cook for arranging the whole event, which we hope to repeat next year. 

Outwood CC  117 all out 

Carshalton FC   120 for 4 

Heard on the boundary....
Mel (6 months pregnant admittedly) - "what makes the numbers in the scorebox go round" 
Matt - "it's just the wind"  
Mel - "Oh right"

 Buzz