Match Reports 2004

1ST XI CLAIM RUNNERS UP SPOT

Elford 1st  Vs Appleby Magna 1sts -  Burton Mail Division 1

 

Elford finished their 2003 campaign on a high as they took maximum points in day of high drama. With both Walton and Elford on exactly the same points and records, it was winner takes all in the race for second spot.

 Despite losing the toss Elford surprisingly found themselves asked to bat and took full advantage of Appleby's decision. Ben Hughes (8) departed in the first over, to bring to the crease Simon Carlin. Partnered with Captain Simon Smith the pair put themselves in the all time record books as they put on 227 for the second wicket. Simon Smith finished on an all time best of 132 off just 116 balls including 22 fours & 1 six, while Simon Carlin supported well and scored a well earned 69 (102 balls, 6 fours & 2 sixes). Both were eventually caught towards the end of the innings although the runs didn't dry up, as Rob Wright 25* and Rob Drabble 13* pushed the score on to 287 – 3 off 45 overs.

 Appleby got off to a good start but a committed Elford fielding and bowling performance turned the game around as the runs started to dry up. Gaz Starkey in only his second game for the club took 3 – 36 while Rob Drabble and Ant Wright bowled well to pick up a couple of wickets. Appleby needed 4 off the last ball to pick up a point, but could only manage 1 single to leave Elford with a 103 run victory and 12 precious points. With the news that Walton had dropped a point and only picked up 11 points it meant Elford had finished division runners up. 

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 Marstons 1sts Vs Elford 1sts  - Burton Mail Division 1

(Elford won by 13 runs)

Elfords promotion bid will go to the final game as they picked up the points against fellow promotion hopefuls Martsons. In a game that both sides needed to win to stand any chance of promotion, Elford came away with the spoils by just 13 runs. Batting first, Elford had got off to a disastrous start as both openers fell without scoring. However Gaz Allen 30, Ben Hughes 24 and Simon Smith 24 swung the game back in Elford favour. That was until a middle order collapse left Elford tittering on 80 for 6. Elford's savour came in the form of James Paulson who helped self to 52, putting the ball in every corner of the park. Partnered by Gaz Hughes the Pair saw Elford to 188 ao off 41 overs.

 With Marston chasing 189 to win with 4 extra overs to play with as Elford hadn't used their full quota, the finish was always going to be tight. Rob Drabble was economical as ever, going for just 15 runs off 10 overs. Gaz Allen bowled with spirit taking 3 - 37 off 11, while Ben Hughes and Danny Haines were also amongst the wickets. With the game swinging in the balance right to the end, it was Elford who held their nerve to take the points thanks mainly to Gaz Allen's run out to dismiss Marstons last man. Elford are now 3rd on exactly the same points as Walton, with the same games played, same bonus points and same amount of wins, both sides could overtake 2nd placed Wilnecote (who have completed their fixtures) to take the final promotion spot. Elfords final game is at home to Appleby Magna.

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 Elford 1sts Vs Tutbury 2nds  - Burton Mail Division 1

(Elford won by 8 wickets)

Elfords promotion chances were kept alive this weekend with a bowling and fielding demolition of mid tabled Tutbury. Having asked the visitors to bat Elford wrapped up the Tutbury inning inside 24 overs to bowl the opposition out for 75. Danny Haines recent good form continued as he picked up 4 – 14 while Rob Drabble 3 – 27 and Ben Hughes 2 - 28 also bowled tidily. More impressive though was Elfords fielding, as 3 of 4 catches taken were one handed! Despite this early loss of the Elford openers, Elford cruised home with 8 wickets to spare as Simon Smith 38* and Rob Wright 11* saw the victory through. Elford now are just 2 points behind second placed Wilnecote with a game in hand.

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Marchington Vs Elford 1sts   - Burton Mail Division 1

(Elford won by 4 wickets)

Elford finally returned to winning ways with a gritty team performance against basement club Marchington. Without usual club captain Simon Smith, Elford rallied around stand-in skipper Simon Carlin and got off to a good start as Rob Drabble and Gaz Allen bowled economically. Danny Haines returned to some old form and picked up 5 - 38 off 12 while Ben Hughes scooped 2 - 30 off 7. With tight fielding and good catching, Elford kept the home side down to 146 - 9 off 45 overs. Elford found chasing the runs a little more tricky than they had expected although most of the batsman got in but never got going. S Carlin hit a quickfire 29 off 29 while it was James Paulson he did the main damage as he bludgeoned his way to his first half century of the season, hitting 50 of 34 balls. It was left to Ben Hughes and Andy Deakin to hit the winning runs as Elford came away with their first victory in 5 games. 

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Walton 1sts Vs Elford 1sts   - Burton Mail Division 1

(Elford lost by 3 wickets)

Elford miserable form continued despite a battling display in this highly anticipated promotion clash. The star of the show was undoubtedly Simon Carlin who carried his bat to score 100, his highest score for the club. Even more remarkable was the fact that despite Rob Drabbles best efforts to hog the strike at the end, Carlin score 2 runs off the last ball of the innings to bring up the ton. Gaz Allen looked in good form once again as he returned to the side and hit 25 of 25 deliveries. Ant Wright knuckled to bat and looked a lot better for as he earned a hard fought 23 off 58 balls. Elford finished on 214 - 6. Once again though Elford didn't get quite enough runs as Walton scraped to pick up the points as they reached Elfords total with 2 balls to spare. Gaz Allen 3 - 54 and Ant Wright 2 - 41 were the main wicket takers. 

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Essington & Gt Wyrley Sun XI Vs Elford Sun XI - Lichfield & District Div 2

Elford escaped the relegation zone in a enthralling victory at Essington & Gt Wyrley. With both teams knowing that defeat would mean relegation to Division Three, the stakes were high in the bottom of the table dogfight. Wyrley batted first and posted a reasonable 164 - 3 off 40 overs with T Allen, R Vickers and James Paulson all bowling well to contain the homeside. In reply Elford started badly and were starring relegation in the face before a spirited fightback was led by the inform Mark Spalton (46) and the hero of the moment Ian Price (60). The pair had almost done the job before a late flurry of wickets made the finish very tight. In a fitting end skipper Geoff Topham hit the winning runs as Elford scraped with a 2 wicket victory, to leapfrog Wyrley by a point and the send the homeside down.

Kings Bromley 1sts Vs Elford 2nds - Burton League Division 3

With the First without a fixture the seconds had plenty of players to pick from for change as they traveled to top of the table Kings Bromley. Batting first Elford were led by a very classy innings from First team regular Rob Vickers who scored a season best 90. Unfortunately for Elford despite some good knocks Elford simply didn't score enough runs on a small ground. Elford finished on 215 - 8 but released that was not going to be enough as Kings Bromley raced from the start. Elford to the credit did manage some good pieces of work in the field as Kings Bromley top order were dismissed but it as in vain as the homeside came through with 6 wkts to spare.

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Packington Vs Elford 1sts   - Burton Mail Division 1

(Elford lost by 69 runs (2-10)

Elford's miserable form with the bat continued as they wiltered in the sun against bottom of the table Packington. Despite missing key players and losing the toss, Elford battled hard in the field on the hottest day on the year to date. With the bowlers working as hard as the fielders to keep Packington's batsman in check, Elford did well to keep the homeside to under the 200 mark. Danny Haines 3 - 42 off 12 was the leading wicket taker while both  Rob Drabble and Simon Smith finished with 1 for 42 off 12. 

Chasing 193 to win Elford were dealt a cruel blow as they lost Rob Vickers with first ball of the innings as a ball popped off a length. On a track which was only half cut, Elford struggled more and more with the erratic bounce as Simon Carlin and Nick Rammell both taking blows to the head and shoulders. In fact it was Carlin who led the way as he held the innings together, top scoring on 60 on a difficult pitch. In the end though Elford didn't bat well enough on day and fell well short of the target, being bowled out for 123.  

Elford Sun XI Vs Alrewas Sun XI - Lichfield & District Div 2

Elfords relegation battle will go to the final game in dogfight between themselves, Essington & Gt Wyrley and Centre Set. Elford managed to pick 2 more points up against the in form Alrewas who themselves are looking for promotion. Tony Allen top score with an unbeaten 48 while Tim Whitehouse, Mark Spalton and Malcolm Prince all looked in good form helping Elford reach 178 off a reduced 38 overs. However it would prove to be not enough as Alrewas reached the target with 6 wickets to spare. Tim Whitehouse was the leading wicket taker. 

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Elford 1sts  Vs Barton 1sts - Burton Mail Division 1

(Elford lost by 5 wickets (2-10)

Elford lost further ground to league leaders Barton in a low score affair at Brickhouse Lane. After being asked to bat first Elford's innings was led by opener Simon Carlin who was stumped just short of his half century on 43. Rob Vickers benefited once again from an attacking innings as he hit quick 24 off 22 balls. Unfortunately for Elford, some lack luster Batting performances left Elford struggling to 126 ao. In reply Elford had their chances as Barton's batsman rode their luck. Gaz Allen 2 - 34 Danny Haines 2 - 54 made early inroads reducing Barton to 92 - 4, but with only 126 to defend it was a bridge to far the homeside. Elford must now bounce back when they travel to bottom of the league Packington. 

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Draycott & Hanbury 2nds Vs Elford 1sts  - Burton Mail Division 1

(Elford lost by 5 wickets (2-10)

Elford slipped up in the rain as they lost further ground on division leaders Barton, in a rain soaked affair at Draycott. Batting first Elford were led by skipper Simon Smith who hit 86 (7 fours, 2 sixes 64 balls), supported by Rob Wright and Rob Vickers 14. Ben Hughes has also looked in good form before his day came to a premature end after fracturing his thumb while batting. To compound his misery he had early been hit in the face without a helmet on and was only 7 runs short of his half century! Elford finished on a respectable 208 - 6.

Down to 10 men Elford battled hard with a good team performance but in the end came unstuck in the wet conditions. After coming off the one rain interval earlier both teams made the best of conditions and played for maximum points. Unfortunately for Elford they had only picked up 5 wickets and despite almost winning in the last over, only came away with 2 points. Wickets were shared between Rob Drabble, Danny Haines, Ant Wright and James Paulson.  

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Elford 1sts Vs Wilnecote 1sts - Burton Mail Division 1

(Elford won by 34 runs (9-3)

Elford enjoyed derby day success over local rivals Wilnecote. Having batted first Elford recovered from a sticky start to post a reasonable 191 - 8. Opener Simon Carlin looked good once again as he grafted for a well earned 49. Rob Vickers benefited from an attacking approach to his innings as he hit an unbeaten 32 off just 35 balls. Simon Smith (24) and Rob Wright (18) also looked in good touch before bowled and making a big score. Some "fast bat movement" from Paulson, G Hughes and Drabble pushed the score on to  few runs shi of the 200 mark.

In reply Wilnecote made slow but steady progress as McKenna (56) and Davis (22)  looked in good form. However once the pair departed Elford always looked to have the upper hand. The spin of Ant Wright was the made wicket taker as he returned season best figures of 4 - 23 off 11. Helped by wickets from Haines, Drabble, Allen & Hughes, Elford wrapped Wilnecote's Innings of 157 all out off 41 overs. Elford remain second 2 points behind leaders Barton who a free week in the fixture card. 

Lichfield 3rds Vs Elford 2nds - Burton Mail Division 3

(Elford won by 8 wickets (11-1)

The seconds continued to climb the third division and now preside at the dizzy heights of 5th in the league after the demolishment of Lichfield 3rds. Having fielded first Elford were led by Steve Tudor as he took 6 wickets while D Fowler took 3 wkts. Elford made short work of reaching the target as they knocked off the runs for just the lose of 2 wickets. 

Wall Sun XI Vs Elford Sun XI - Lichfield & District League Div 2

(Elford lost by 3 wickets (3 - 9)

Elford fell just short of producing another upset as they lost to second place Wall by 3 wickets. After last weeks high against Hopwas, Elford traveled to Wall in good spirit. However a poor batting performance saw Elford struggle to 97 all out. Ben Hughes top score with 20, while useful knocks from Paulson, Wright and Drabble helped chip in. Despite defending a small total Elford almost swung the game round thanks mainly to Ant Wrights spell of 3 - 16 off 8 while Hughes, Drabble and Paulson took wickets again. Unfortunately for Elford,  Wall held their nerve a came through victors by 3 wickets. 

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Alrewas 2nds Vs Elford 1sts - Burton Mail Division 1

(Elford lost by 62 runs (2 - 10)

Elford slipped to their second defeat of the season at the hands of lowly Alrewas. After being asked to field first in the Sun, Elford began to struggle despite a lively start. South African Louis Burger helped post of the Alrewas total as hit 139. Unfortunately for Elford he was dropped 4 times, in a game were Elfords fielding was somewhat below their usual standard. All the bowlers bowled with spirit but wilted somewhat in the hot conditions. Gaz Allen 2 - 64 off 12 and Simon Smith 2 - 24 off 4 were the main wicket takers. Alrewas posted a reasonable but reachable target 247 - 5 considering the fast outfield and warm conditions. 

In reply Elford made good progress if not a little slow. Simon Carlin looked in good form once again as hit a 51 off 67 balls. Gaz Allen hit a breezy 34 of 34 balls while Rob Vickers (21) and Simon Smith 31 also hit runs. That though as as far as it went as Elford collapsed from 109 - 1 to 184 all out, including 3 dismissals in as many balls. Pete Gough was Elfords menace as he picked up 8 - 36 off 10. Elford picked up 2 points leaving them still second but now 11 points behind leaders Barton. 

Elford 2nds Vs Ashby Town 1sts – Inchcape Burton League Division 3

The seconds had a much better day as they swept a side promotion hopefuls Ashby Town. Batting first, Ashby Posted 199 - 5 off 45 overs as Darron Fowler took 3 - 41 and Malcolm Prince 2 - 61 took wickets for home side. In reply Elfords batsman were up to the Job as Malcolm Princes good form continue as hit an unbeaten 65, while Jamie Whitehouse chipped with a useful 27. Elford knocked off Ashby's total for 6 wickets and overs to spare. 

Elford Sun XI Vs Hopwas Sun XI - Lichfield & District Div 2

Elford Sun XI enjoyed derby day success over high flying rivals Hopwas. Elford made the most of winning the toss as they posted a reasonable 202 - 6 off 40 overs. Tony Allen finally made his long deserved first half century for the club as he hit 79. Mark Spalleon hit a season best 24 to support him. In reply Allen then proceeded to take 4 - 19 off 8 while James Paulson produced the unlikely bowling heroics of 4 - 36 off 8. Hopwas's inning petered out on 121 ao leaving Elford with 11 desperately needed points. 

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Appleby Magna 1sts Vs Elford 1sts - Burton Mail Division 1

(Elford won by 6 wickets (10 - 2)

Elford maintained their winning ways as they easily beat Leicestershire outfit Appleby Magna. For only the second time this season, Elford decided to field first and made early inroads as Rob Drabble and Danny Haines took early wickets. Rob Drabble finished with a very economical 2 for 16 0ff 12. Once again Ben Hughes looked in good form as he got the ball to move around taking a well earned 3 – 35 off 10. Gaz Allen wrapped up the lower order as picked up 2 more wickets, moving his seasons total to 26 at the half way point of the season.

Chasing 156 to win, Elford lost a couple of early wickets but were steadied by the impressive batting form, from skipper Simon Smith. He led the innings scoring 76 off just 66 ball including 7 fours & 4 sixs. However after his departure it was left to some sensible batting from Rob Wright (28*) and Ben Hughes (26* including a six to finish the game), to see the job throw. The pair remained unbeaten and led Elford to a 6 wicket victory and ten more points. Unfortunately Elford lost the top spot as Marchington couldn't raise a team against fellow title hopefuls Barton, who in turn picked up all 12 points to lead the division by 1 point.

Elford 2nds Vs Woodville 2nds – Inchcape Burton League Division 3

(Woodville conceded to Elford (12 - 0)

Elford 2nds were left frustrated as Woodville 2nds phoned up Saturday morning unable to raise a side. However Elford do receive the 12 points which moves them comfortably into mid-table.

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< Saturday 28th June 2003 >

 Elford 1st XI Vs Marstons 1sts    Inchcape Burton League Division One

(Elford won by 70 runs (10 - 2)

Elford maintained their lead at the top of the Division One with a comfortable 70 run victory over Marstons. Elford once again batted first and worked hard on a pitch that was quite damp before the sun came out. However despite the early departures of the openers, Skipper Simon Smith led the way with an excellent 59 (7 fours & 2 sixs 78 balls), while G Allen 16 and R Wright 11 supported him well. Ben Hughes scored his first half century on a Saturday in 4 years as he he hit a very useful 60 (6 fours 3 sixs 49 balls) before being caught on the boundary with the last ball of the game. Along with James Paulson 23 (13 balls) the pair put on almost 70 for the 7th wicket, leaving Elford on 205 - 7 off 45 overs.

In reply Elford proceeded to back the bowlers up with tight fielding which included to sharp catches from S Carlin & A Wright, while D Haines produced a quick throw to run out the dangerous looking Nigel Hall. Gaz Allen then turned star of the show as he returned career best figures of 7 - 16 to destroy the Marstons attack. Allen's bowling figures were also a club best in the Burton League. Elford eventually bowled Marstons out for 135, picking up 10 points and marinating their lead at the top by a solitary point. 

 Centre Set Vs Elford 2nd XI     Inchcape Burton League Division Three

The seconds slipped up in a close game against third placed Centre Set. Although only chasing 120 to win, Elford crumbled from 36 - 1 to 97 all out. Skipper Simon Whitehouse blasted a quick fire 27 (3 sixs 2 fours) while Danny Hackett hit a well earned 19. Earlier Darren Fowler had bowled well to produce a career best 6 - 23 to stunt the Centre Set attack. Elford however did pick up 4 points to keep themselves clear of the relegation zone. 

Elford Sun XI Vs Essington & Gt Wyrley 1sts    Lichfield League Division Two

The Sunday XI moved out of the relegation zone with a 4 wkt victory over basement club Essington & Gt Wyrley. In a must win game Elford came out on top thanks mainly due to the return of James Found. Back from Uni, he took 5 - 26 off 7 overs and then top score with the bat hitting 29 Not Out. Backed up by Ben Hughes who bowled a very economical spell which included 7 overs 5 maidens, 6 runs for 3 wickets. Elford proceeded to knock off Wryleys total of 134 with 4 wickets to spare as Tony Allen hit a useful 29.  

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< Saturday 21st June 2003 >

Tutbury 2nd XI Vs Elford 1st XI      Inchcape Burton League Division One

Elford moved back to the top of Division One with a emphatic 102 run victory over mid tabled Tutbury. Elford got off to a good start by winning the toss and batting first on a beautiful summers afternoon, and were quickly piling on the runs. Simon Carlin returned to his best as he blazed 73 off just 77 balls (9 Fours, 1 six). Once again skipper Simon Smith looked in superb form as he raced to 89 off just 69 balls (12 Fours 3 sixs) before being run out. Ant Wright held the lower order together as he scored a useful 34 off 34 balls. Elford closed on a reasonable total of 245 - 9. 

In reply Elford got off to a flyer as Tutbury crumbled to 13 - 4. Danny Haines bent his back for a change and got some bounce as he returned figures of  5 - 49 off 12. Rob Drabble (1 - 32 off 10_bowled well again frustrating the Tutbury top order. Tutbury came close to reaching a point before Gaz Allen eventually wrapped up the innings taking 2 - 36 off 5 at the end of the innings. Elford picked up maximum points leapfrogging  Barton at the top, who dropped points despite winning at Wilnecote.

Elford 2nd XI Vs Trentside 3rd XI      Inchcape Burton League Division Three

The seconds moved out of the relegation zone as thy comfortably beat basement club Trentside by 5 wickets. Elford restricting Trentside to 153 - 9 off 45 overs, with Darren Fowler bowling well to pick up 4 - 31, while Tony Allen and Tim Whitehouse also picked up a couple of wickets a piece.  A useful 24 from opener John Ross led the way before the James Boden came in at 6 and scored his top score for the club with an unbeaten 61.  

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< Saturday 14th June 2003 >

Elford 1st XI Vs Marchington 1^st XI      Inchcape Burton League Division One

Elford maintained their promotion push with an 8-wicket victory over lowly Marchington. Having unfortunately lost the toss Elford rallied around the bowlers and looked sharp in the field despite the warm conditions. Rob Drabble and Danny Haines bowled tightly to contain the Marchington openers and keep the oppositions score to just 50 – 2 off 20 overs. Once again it was left to the "Gaz Allen & Ben Hughes show" as the pair then proceeded to rip through the rest of the batsman, as Marchington stuttered to 119ao. Allen finished with season best figures off 5 – 26 off 10 while Hughes took 3 – 26 off 8.

Elford made short work of reaching Marchington's lowly total as they cruised home with 8 wickets to spare. Rob Vickers who hadn't picked up a bat in 6 weeks opened and led the innings with a faultless 40*, while Gaz Allen blasted a quick fire 31 off just 19 balls.

 

Rolleston 3rd XI Elford 2nd XI       Inchcape Burton League Division Three

The seconds didn't fare so well as they were disappointingly  defeated by 10 wickets against Rolleston. After scoring a reasonable 150 -9 . Only Malcolm Prince (30) and stand-in skipper Bob Aubury (25) were the leading runs scorers. However the opening Rolleston Batsman proved them selves a cut above the visitors bowling attack as they knocked the required runs with ease, leaving Elford with no points from the game.

 Elford Sun XI Vs Acton Trussell    Lichfield League Division Two

The Sunday side also fell to a disappointing 12-0 defeat as they went down to a 102 run defeat at home to ATCC. Although only chasing Acton's 214 - 7 (Danny Hackett 3 - 25), Elford were in big trouble after just 2 overs as they slipped to 1 - 3. A well played 25 from Tom Riley and a quick fire knock from Andy Deakin rescued some pride as they climbed to 112 ao but not enough to claim a point. 

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< Saturday 7th June 2003 >

 Elford 1sts Vs Walton 1sts    Inchcape Burton League Division One

Elford maintained their promotion bid with a well earned victory over Derbyshire outfit Walton. In a close affair Elford ran out winners by just 11 runs as Walton fell just short of Elfords total of 249- 7. Helped by a good batting track and a lighting quick outfield, it was day for the batsman to enjoy. Skipper Simon Smith top score once again with a fine 67 while Ben Hughes fell just short of his half century when he was stumped on 48. Gaz Allen knocked a quick 30 while Rob Wright posted a useful 28.

Despite a quick chase by Walton, Elfords spirit never dropped throughout the whole innings and was one of the major factors in their good performance. With sharp fielding and well held catches, Elfords bowlers were able to make progress. Danny Haines, Rob Drabble and Ben Hughes all took wickets while the others bowlers all bowled well in vain. Despite that Walton never gave up and almost clinched as it went down to the wire, but Elford held their nerve and collected the 8 points.

 

Hilton 2nds Vs Elford 2nds   Inchcape Burton League Division Three

The Second's moved out of the bottom of the league with 91 run victory over fellow strugglers Hilton. It was in form due of Malcolm Prince (73) and Bob Aubrey (46) who scored the runs as Elford scored a reasonable 179ao. In reply, tidy bowling spells from both Steve Tudor 3 – 17 off 12 and Tom Riley 3 – 27 off 12 were enough to knock out any challenge from Hilton.

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< Saturday 24th May 2003 >

 Elford 1sts Vs Packington 1sts    Inchcape Burton League Division One

Elford moved 7 points clear at the top of Division one with a suburb comeback performance against bottom club Packington. Elford were in all sorts of trouble as they're top order fell one after another. By the 10th over Elford had only managed 20 runs for 5 wickets! However when all seemed lost, the man of the moment stepped in to rescue the innings. Skipper Simon Smith blasted a very tidy 120 not out off just 115 balls, including 13 fours and 4 sixes.  He was supported well by Ant Wright (14) and the unlikely Gaz Hughes who scored his highest score for the club with an unbeaten 41. Despite an innings that included 4 ducks, Elford raced to 203 for 7 and in the process scored the highest ever 8th wicket partnership as Smith and Hughes put on 125 runs.  

Elford then proceeded to finish the rescue job as D Haines, R Drabble, G Allen and B Hughes swept through the Packington Innings. Drabble picked up the most wickets as his "cross seamers" took 4 - 20. Helped by sharp fielding and catching especially from Rob Wright, Packington's innings finally petered out at 80 all out. 

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< Saturday 17th May 2003 >

Barton 1sts Vs Elford 1sts    Inchcape Burton League Division One

Elford succumbed to their first defeat of the season in a rain soaked affair at Barton. After electing to bowl first, Elford were soon left to rue the decision as Barton stacked up a sizeable lead. Despite an early breakthrough from Rob Drabble, Barton went on to score 237 – 2 off 41 overs, I Graves (120) and I Mitchell (59*). Bartons innings was helped by the fact that Elford dropped no fewer than 6 catches, although the wet conditions did little to help the fielders plight.

In reply Elford started brightly as they raced to 55 – 0 off 11 overs, before yet more rain came down. With dark clouds all around, Both captains were ready to call it a day before a change of heart from Elfords stand in skipper, decided to wait for good weather. A decision Elford sorely regretted as Elford proceeded to crumble to 146 ao. Only Gaz Allen made any impact hitting a useful 58 off 65 balls, while the rest of the lower order couldn't reach double figures. Elford must tighten their game if they are to maintain their lead at the top of the table, when they host bottom of the league outfit Packington next weekend.

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< Saturday 10th May 2003 >

 Elford 1st  Vs Draycott & Hanbury 2nds   Inchcape Burton League Division One

Elford claimed to the top of the Burton League Division one with a solid all round performance against Draycott & Hanbury 2nds. Elford made the most of winning the toss and decided to bat first on a good early season batting track. Gaz Allen scored his first half-century of the season hitting 52 before being caught behind. However the undoubted star of the innings was Rob Wright who hit 88 of just 86 balls including 3 six's and 11 fours. His knock was made even more impressive in the fact that he hasn't picked up a bat since the middle of last season. Ben Hughes also managed to avoid a third straight duck as he hit a useful 29. Elford innings closed on 231 – 7 setting the visitors a sizeable total.

Elford got off to a good start as Danny Haines and Rob Drabble tied up the ends pegging Draycott to just 50 off 20 overs although the pair didn't manage a wicket. However a change in bowling also met a change in fortunes for both sides. Gaz Allen (4 – 36) and Ben Hughes (5 – 55) picked up a flurry of wickets as Draycott pressed home to try and reach the Elford Total. In the end though Draycott fell some 43 runs short leaving Elford with 9 more points. Elford now travel to 5^th placed Barton.

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Appleby Magna 2nds vs Elfords 2nds    (Friendly)

The seconds enjoyed a comfortable victory over Appleby Magna 2nds in friendly fixture. Batting first Elford notched up 223 – 4 off 35 overs before confidently declaring. C Fewtell top score with an impressive 91 while Roger Randell returned to the side to hit 65. The innings also saw Tommy Hayes hit a huge six straight through a car windscreen! In reply Appleby could only manage 150 – 4.

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< Saturday 3rd May 2003 >

Wilnecote 1st XI Vs Elford 1st XI    Burton League Division One

Elford maintained their 100 percent unbeaten start to the season with a 29 run victory over close rivals Wilnecote. In a tight affair Elford came out on top in a game were both sides had to work hard in the damp conditions. Batting first Elford scrabbled to a reasonable 151 - 6 off 44 overs, with 1st team debutant Ian Price leading the way scoring 36*. Supported by Any Wright 35 and Gaz Allen 29, Elford recovered well, from 78 - 5 off 29 overs. In reply Elford were backed up by tight fielding and even tighter bowling. Gaz Allen cleaned up with 3 - 25 while Ben Hughes and Danny Haines also took a couple of a wickets a piece. Elford eventually ran out winners in a game that was hampered by the rain and difficult playing conditions. 

Elford 2nds Vs Lichfield 3rd XI  Burton League Division Three

The seconds were also effected by the rain but didn't fare so well, as their game was washed out at tea with the game interesting poised.  Lichfield had notched up 178 - 7 off 40 overs, before the rain came down heavily and both teams decided to head for the bar. 

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< Saturday 26th April 2003 >

Elford 1st XI Vs Alrewas 2nd XI   Burton League Division One

The 1st XI get off to flying start in their bid to gain promotion to the Premier Division, by clinching all 12 points in a 132 run victory over local rivals Alrewas 2nds. New skipper Simon Smith elected to bat fist on a damp looking pitch and soon started to look anxious as Elford made a very slow start. However gritty knocks from Simon Carlin (44) and Rob Vickers (35 (off 101 balls) steadied the innings before the captain himself blazed a very useful 63 not out of just 47 balls. the home side finished on 187 - 5 off their 45 overs. In reply Alrewas were quickly in trouble as Danny Haines ( 5 - 15 off 9) swept through the top order. Backed up by tight bowling from Rob Drabble, Gaz Allen and Ben Hughes, Alrewas were skittled for just 55 in 25 overs. 

Ashby Town 1sts Vs Elford 2nds   Burton League Division Three

The seconds didn't fare so well as they went down to a 10 - 2 defeat away at Leicestershire outfit Ashby Town. Batting first the home side chalked up 205 off their 45 overs. In reply Elford made a reasonable attempt but fell some 68 runs short on 137 ao. Malcolm Page 30 and Dave Riley 24 top scored for the seconds.