Walton 1sts Vs Elford 1sts

Elford lost their final Burton League game by 70 runs away at Derbyshire outfit Walton. Another away outing with less than 11 players. Batting first, the homeside had eased to 266 - 8despite a late collapse. Ben Hughes was the leading wicket taker with 4 - 57 off 111 while Rob Drabble chipped away with 2 - 38 off 7. A bright start by Elford was short-lived as they slumped 108 - 2 to 166 - 6. Brothers Collett were the main scorers chipping in with 40 each, while Dillon showed glimpses of his bat swinging abilities, as plundered a quick 28. A late wag in the tail saw Elford onto 196 ao.

Elford 2nds Vs Wilnecote 2nds

The seconds also lost their final game of the season too local rivals Wilnecote. Like the firsts, Elford got off to a good start chasing Wilnecotes 174 - 4, but collapsed after the openers. John Ross top scored with 54 against his old club while Tim Whitehouse chipped in with 23. Earlier Tim had taken 2 - 21 off 12 in an impressive bowling spell. However only Geoff Topham managed to get into double figures after the openers had departed as Elford fell some 17 runs short.

Elford 1sts Vs Trentside 1sts

RAINED OFF

Elford 2nds

RAINED OFF

Uttoxeter 1sts Vs Elford 1sts

Elford 323 – 5 // Uttoxeter 121 ao
Despite travelling to Uttoxeter with only 9 players Elford 1 st XI recorded their highest ever batting total in the Burton League, to win by 201 runs. Batting first Elford made a solid start through Rich Collett and Dave Emery, as the pair ran well between the wickets picking up runs with ease. Rich Collett fell for 31 but younger brother Rob took over the reigns to hit another half century, with a well-earned 59. After Robs departure the scene was set for Dillon Weller, as he plundered 70 from just 30 deliveries hitting the ball to all corners of Uttoxeter racecourse. The star of the innings though went to Dave Emery who carried his bat with an unbeaten 115, his first ton on over 5 years.

Having set Uttoxeter 323 to win, Elford got off to the best possible start as Danny Haines dismissed the first 4 batsmen within 9 overs. Ant Wright kept the pressure on the other end as he took 3 – 45 while Haines finished with 5 – 56. The pair reduced the homeside to 100 – 8 before Ben Hughes claimed the final 2 wickets with some tight spin bowling.

Elford 2nds Vs Uttoxeter 2nds

Elford 112 ao // Uttoxeter 113 - 4

Despite having eleven players, the seconds couldn't math the 1 st heroics as they lost by 6 wickets in the reverse fixture. Batting first Elford were bowled out for just 112, with Dave Riley coming out of retirement to top score with 29 helped by skipper Malcolm McDonald 28. Unfortunately for Elford the total was too small for bowling attack to cope with as Uttoxeter eased past with 6 wickets to spare. Tony Allen picked up his customary two wickets for 21 runs.

Elford 1sts Vs Burton 1sts

A depleted Elford 1 st XI snatched defeat from the jaws of victory against highflying Burton. Batting first Elford posted a competitive 250 – 7, thanks mainly to Brothers Rich Collett (78) and Rob Collett (72) and an unlikely 32 from Danny Haines. More impressive was the fact that the innings contained two golden ducks! Unfortunately despite a good start from the Elford, they were unable to step a bruising 94 (9 sixes, 5 fours) from I Ahmed who rescued Burton from 170 – 7 too 251 – 7 to win the game, with an over to spare. Elfords wickets were shared among, Rob Collett 2 – 69, Ben Hughes 3 – 56 and Rob Drabble 1 – 50.

Elford 2nds Vs Draycott & Hanbury 2nds

Elford 2nds continued to climb division 2 as their good form continued with a 79 run victory at home to Draycott & Hanbury. Batting first, Elford posted an impressive 261 – 7 thanks mainly to maiden century from 15 year old Danny Hackett. The youngster scored his first senior 100 finishing unbeaten on 108*. Other notable performances came from Rob Collett with 43 (including 10 fours) and Ant Wright 36. In reply Draycott never really threatened Elfords total as they were dismissed for just 182. Tony Allen and youngsters Sam Spence and Jack Leech all took a couple of wickets a piece.

Whittington 2nds Vs Elford Sun XI

Elford Sun XI continued their good form on a Sunday with a close victory away at local rivals Whittington. Batting first, Elford made steady progress on a slow damp track. Simon Smith top scored with 32 while Opener Tony Allen 25 and Malcolm MacDonald 24 chipped in with little cameos innings. Unfortunately a late collapse saw Elford stutter from 91 – 4 to 123 all out. Former Elford player Gaz Allen took 4 – 43 against his old club. Whittington made a flying start scoring 25 off the first 2 overs, until Ant Wight made the early breakthrough. He dismissed both Whittington openers, returning figures of 2 – 23 off 8. Tony Allen would come back to haunt older brother Gaz as he clean bowled him for just 5. It was then left to youngster Jack Leech to mop up the tale as he took career best bowling figures of 4 – 13 off 6, reducing Whittington to 104 all out, some 19 runs short.

Hilton 2 nd Vs Elford 2 nd XI

Having been unable to field a side the week before, Elford 2 nd s picked up 12 valuable points without bowling a ball as Hilton were unable to raise a side.

Elford 1 st XI Vs All Stars 1 st XI

A depleted Elford 1 st XI crashed to a 90 run defeat against 2 nd placed All Stars. The visitors batted first and were restricted to 237 – 9 off 45 overs. Simon Smith 4 – 49 and Gaz Starkey 2 – 37 were the leading wicket takers for the homeside. Once again Elford failed to chase down a total and were left some 90 runs short despite some good knocks from Simon Smith 36 and Malcolm MacDonald 30.

Lullington Park Sun XI Vs Elford Sun XI

Elford Sun XI returned to winning ways with a 127 run victory over local rivals Lullington Park. Having been asked to bat first, Elford were soon piled on the runs in the summer sun. Star of the Elford innings was Tim Whitehouse who scored his first century in 4 years, hitting 115 off 98 balls. Stand in skipper Ant Wright 34 and opener Rob Vickers 24 also helped chip in with runs, as well as a rather generous 48 extras.

An inspired fielding performance then proceeded to bowl Lullington out for 100. Tony Allen was the chief wicket taker returning 4 – 22, while Will James 2 – 21 and Tom Riley 2 – 11 also bowled tightly with good figures.

Elford 2nds Vs Lichfield 3rds

Elford 2 nd XI returned to winning ways at Lichfield, despite losing the toss and fielding first in the summer sun. The homeside posted 200 – 6 off 45 overs with youngster Jack Leech the pick of the bowlers with 3 wickets, while Tony Allen bowled well picking up just the one wicket. The star of the bat was Rob Collett who scored an unbeaten123, while supported by Danny Hackett who fell just of first senior half century on 46. The pair put on 150 together having rebuilt the inning from 19 – 2. Despite a late couple of wickets falling, Elford finished on 201 – 5 with a couple of overs to spare.

Elford Sun XI Vs Essington & Gt Wyrley 1sts

Elford Sun fell just 18 runs short of victory against top of the table Ess & Gt Wyrley. The Visitors won the toss and unsurprisingly elected to bat on another hot summers afternoon. Elford to their credit restricted the flow of runs to just 207 off 40 overs with Smith the pick of the bowlers with 3 wickets. Despite some early wickets falling Elford managed to keep the momentum flowing through their innings, thanks mainly to Rob Vickers who top scored with an impressive 79. Ant Wright chipped in with 20 while some late hefty blows from Rob Drabble brought Elford with in a few runs Of Essington's target. Unfortunately Elford fell just short of the target but managed to pick 4 bonus points.

Elford 1sts Vs Walton 1sts

No Match Report

Trentside 1 st XI Vs Elford 1sts XI

A Rejuvenated Elford side continued their recent good form with a close 3-wicket victory away at the Burton based side, Trentside.

Batting first, Trentside hit a respectable 226 – 8 off 45 overs. Leading wicket taker, Rob Collett was once again the danger man with the ball as he made the early breakthroughs taking 3 – 49 off 12. Simon Smith also bowled well picking up a useful 3 – 54 off 9, while captain Ant Wright finished with 2 wickets, bowling spin.

Elford were led once again by opener Simon Smith who scored his first century of the season with a classy 115 before being run out late on. Despite losing partners at regular stages, Smith led the Elford innings and managed to build some key partnerships, keeping Elfords run chase alive. Youngster Danny Hackett toiled hard for 15 off 60 balls while Rob Drabble added his usual array of stokes hitting 13, off just a few deliveries, including 2 huge sixes. It was left to the brothers Ant & Rob Wright to steer Elford home, with just 7 balls to spare. The pair held the nerve in the darkness to complete a memorable 3-wicket victory.

Hammerwich 2nds Vs Elford Sunday XI

Elford Sunday XI also continued their recent good form with a comprehensive victory away at Hammerwich. Elford bowled out the homeside for just 78, with wickets being shared amongst the bowlers. Openers Eddie Collett & newcomer Will James both bowled lively, picking up 2 wickets apiece while, Ant Wright 2 – 21 and Tony Allen 3 – 7 skittled out the tail in just a few overs. Elfords reply was led by the in form Jimmy Harvey. Harvey hit an unbeaten 44 partnered by Tim Whitehouse who scored 31 off 25 balls. Elford finally cruised home by 7 wickets and 20 overs to spare.

Elford 1sts Vs Uttoxeter 1sts

Elford won by 128 runs

Elford 1sts returned to winning ways with an emphatic 128 run win over Uttoxeter. A solid all round team performance allowed Elford to climb of the bottom off the table with 12 valuable points, overtaking their north Staffordshire opponents.

After winning the toss Elford took little time in deciding to bat first on a hot afternoon with a flat batting track. Openers Simon Smith (72) Rich Collett (66) batted well once again, putting on 167 for the first wicket stand, cementing the foundations of a big total. Rob Collett continued his recent good form with the bat hitting a useful 56. Despite wickets falling at regular intervals in the last 15 overs, Elford still had enough wickets in hand to push the total onto 284 – 9 off 45 overs.

With Uttoxeter's innings reduced to 42 overs due them bowling their overs slowly, the pressure was soon mounting on the visitors. Danny Haines (2 – 21 off 9) got the homeside off to a good start with some tight bowling, while the introduction of Rob Collett (3 – 47 off 8) to the attack saw the middle order disappear. Once Simon Smith (2 – 20 off 9) took the key wicket of A Gagie (54), the visitors momentum evaporated, leaving Skipper Ant Wright to finish off the tail with just a couple of deliveries.

Burton 1sts Vs Elford 1sts

Lost by 6 wkts

Elford first XI fell to a disappointing defeat away at the Meadows, Burton. Asked to bat first, Elford lost the early wicket of Smith having being caught behind for just 2. Gaz Starkey and Rich Collett saw off the opening bowlers before Starkey was caught on 14. As before this season Elfords middle order seemed to struggle to find their way as wickets began to tumble at regular intervals. Rich Collett was finally caught on 46 having been dropped 6 times previously. 15 year old Danny Hackett (on his promotion to the 1sts) battled excellently for his 23 not out. While captain Ant Wright remained unbeaten on 12, to steer Elford onto 144 – 8. Despite some sharp fielding and catching, Elfords bowlers couldn't manage to contain the Burton attack. Rob Collett 2 – 63 and Ant Wright 1 - 45 did their best, but Elfords modest total was easily passed in the 25 th over.

Elford 2nds Vs Burton 2nds

Won by 6 wkts

In the reverse fixture, Elford eased past mid-tabled Burton with a six-wicket victory. The visitors batted first and were soon in trouble as Elfords bowlers began to dominate proceedings. Dillon Wellar 2 – 17 and Ed Collett 2 – 25 made the early brake through while Tony Allen's good form with the ball continued as he too 3 – 15 off 4. Tom Riley also bowled well in his first game of the season with 2 – 8. Burton were skittled for just 83 off 18 overs. Despite a shaky start, Elford cruised home under the guidance of Tim Whitehouse on 22* and Jack Leech 10. Extras accounted for a sizeable 45 of Elford 84 – 4 in reply.

Elford Vs Whittington 2nds

Won by 197 runs

Elford Sun XI continued their recent good form with a resounding victory over local rivals Whittington 2nds. Batting first, Elford piled on 319 – 0 off 40 overs thanks to some fine individual performance from the Collett brothers. Rich scored 108* off 103 balls while Rob stole the show with an unbeaten 194* off 134 balls including 34 fours and 5 sixes. Elford then completed the victory with wickets shared amongst the bowlers. Ant Wright was the pick with 3 – 11 off 8 while Tim Whitehouse 3 – 35 and Tony Allen 2 – 28 also scooped a couple of wickets. Whittington were eventually bowled out for 122, some 197 runs short.

Draycott & Hanbury 2nds Vs Elford 2nds

Elford 305 – 7 Draycott 90 ao

Elford 2nds returned to winning ways with a emphatic 205 run victory at Draycott & Hanbury. Batting first, Elford were led by opener Rich Collett who returned to form in style with top scoring with 140 off 135 balls. Partnered by Jimmy Harvey 29 and Danny Hackett 33, Elford middle order piled on the runs, before a late blast from Ant Wright 47* steered Elford inning to over 300.

It was the turn of the youngest of the Collett brothers to star with the ball. Ed Collett produced match winning figures of 5 – 20 off 10 to put the game beyond the homeside. Tony Allen 3 – 20 proceeded to pick up the reminder of the wickets helped by tight bowling spells from Dillon Weller and Jack Leach. Elford finally bowled out Draycott for 90 to pick up 12 valuable points.

Elford Sun XI Vs Rushall Sun XI

Elford Sun XI were also in buoyant mood after beating 2 nd Placed Rushall to pick up their first win of the year. Batting first, Elford got off to a steady start through opener Jimmy Harvey 16 and skipper Rob Wright 16. Simon Smith continued his recent good form, top scoring with 65 before being trapped lbw. Ant Wright also continued his good form with the bat falling just 7 short of his half century on 43. A late cameo from Fergus Shaw 19 helped to push Elford onto 201 – 8 off 35 overs.

Elford then got off to a flyer as Ant Wright (3 – 11) and Ed Collett (2 – 31) destroyed the top order reducing Rushall to 7 – 4 at one stage. Although the visitors managed to get back into the game, wickets kept on falling thanks to some tight bowling and excellent fielding. Rushalls inning closed on 107 leaving Elford with 11 much needed points.

Winshill Vs Elford

Elford finally recorded their first victory of the season with a dramatic 1 wicket win at Winshill.

Opening Bowlers Rob Collett and Danny Haines had got Elford off to a flying start reducing the homeside to 29 – 3 early on. However Winshill slowly fought their way back into the game thanks mainly to an unbeaten 92 from D Taylor. Winshill's restricted start ended in a flurry of runs as they raced from 67 – 3 off 22 overs to 208 - 7 off 45 overs.

Simon Smith and Rich Collett got Elford off to a solid start until Rich Collett was caught on 13 with the score at 75 – 1. Brother Rob Collett added a further 14 until he was caught in very similar fashion. Elford then proceeded to slump from 113 – 1 to 116 – 4 due to some misfortune and tight bowling. Fearing another batting collapse, after Smith was caught on 89 (from 74 balls), it was left to some big hitting from Rob Drabble 19 and skipper Ant Wright 26* to steer the inning back on track. With 1 wicket and 2 overs remaining, the tension was clear on both sides. However it was left to Ant Wright to hit the winning boundary and collect some much needed points for Elford.

Elford 2nds Vs S& A Foods

A Spirited Second XI performance wasn't quite enough to beat highflying S&A Foods as they lost by 5 wickets at home. Batting first, Elford had posted 160 ao with Dillon Weller top scoring with 37, while other notable performances came from debutants Simon Chapman 30 and opener Mick Wright. Sam Leech also continued his good form with the bat with an unbeaten 29. Sam Spence also had a good debut for the club as he took 3 – 47, unfortunately for Elford it would prove to be in vain as the visitors won with 5 wkts to spare despite some tight bowling and fielding.

Elford 1sts Vs Hilton 1sts

Elford's poor start to the 2005 season continued as they snatched defeat from the jaws of victory against Hilton. Having asked Hilton to bat first, the visitors took a liking to the quick outfield a loose bowling, scoring quickly and easily early on. Rob Drabble and Ant Wright tied down the batsman for a number over of overs, with bowlers picking up a wicket a piece. Unfortunately for Elford the Hilton batsman seemed to drag the game back on steered Hilton to an impressive 240 – 3 off 42 overs before the rain set in.

In reply Simon Smith showed the Elford batsman the way with his first half century of the season before being given out LBW on 51. Rob Collett and Dave Emery took the initiative after Smith as both batsman looked in good form, scoring above the required run rate. However not for the first time this season, Elford suffered a batting collapse of gigantic proportions. Following the quick dismissal of Rob Collett 25 and Dave Emery 34, Elford slumped from 137 – 3 off 26 overs to 159 ao off 34 overs, to claim a solitary bonus point.

Medina 1sts Vs Elford 1sts

Elfords poor start to the season continued as they slumped to their second consecutive 12-0 points defeat. On a blustery afternoon in Burton, Elford struggled to contain Medina's somewhat creative and unorthodox batsman. After some heavy hitting, Rob Collett made the early breakthrough with some hostile bowling. Rob Drabble picked up a second wicket quickly afterwards, before Medina began to push the score on to the frustration of the bowlers and fielders.

Chasing 298 to win, Elford were soon in trouble as Rob Collett was given LBW for 6. Rich Collett (16) and John Ross (16) both looked settled at the crease, but found scoring difficult against a tight bowling attack. Once again though an Elford batting collapse ensued, as they slumped from 51 – 1 to 96 all out, with Extras top scoring on 24.

Elford 2nds Vs Hilton 2nds

The Seconds also lost in a good sprinted game against Hilton. Despite losing by 6 Wkts, the seconds could take some heart from some promising performances. Sam Leech hit his first ever half century while new skipper Malcolm MacDonald was also in good form with the bat, as he too hit his first 50 for the club. The pair helped steer the Innings to 234 – 9. Hilton managed to reach the total for loss of 4 wkts in the final overs of the game.

Essington & Gt Wyrley Vs Elford Sun XI

The Sunday side had miserable day as they crashed to a 139 run defeat against Ess & Gt Wyrley. Elford had restricted the homeside to 208 – 5 with some good bowling & fielding performance's all round, notable from Tony Allen 2 – 28 and Matt Topham 3 – 53. Unfortunately for Elford it was batting which let them down again as they could only muster 69ao in reply. The Inning's included 4 ducks with only Tony Allen spending any time at the crease as he top scored with 30*.

Elford 1sts Vs Alrewas 1sts

Elford crashed to a nine-wicket defeat at the hands of local rivals Alrewas. Having lost the toss, Elford were asked to bat first and quickly found themselves in trouble as the top order crumbled. Elford were left tittering on 25 – 4 , before top scorer Rob Collett (28) began to stoke the ball round the park. Helped by Rob Wright (17) the pair began to steer Elford away from Trouble until both batsman fell in quick succession. Skipper Ant Wright (25*) and Tommy “the Huss” Haines (24) created some dogged resistance in the tail leaving Elford on 132 – 9 off 45 overs. Unfortunately for the Elford Bowlers, the track began to behave after Tea, as the Alrewas batsman took full advantage of some loose bowling. Unable to exert any real Pressure, Elford struggled to contain the batsman who cantered to victory with 9 wickets to spare. Ant Wright took the solitary wicket for the homeside.

Medina 2nds Vs Elford 2nds

It was a similar story for the seconds who also struggled with the bat on a blustery afternoon at Medina. Dillon Weller was the stare bowler as he took 4 – 40 in his first game back after 2 years. However the Medina batsman were also in good form as they piled on 238 in their 45 overs. Unfortunately Elford could only muster 75 in reply.

Nether Whitacre Vs Elford

Missing several players, the Sunday XI fell well short at Nether Whitacre. Nether Whitacre posted an impressive 251 – 5, with Tim Whitehouse returning 2 – 56 in his first game of the year. Once again it was the batting which let Elford down as they could only muster 177 ao in reply. Tony Allen 34 and Ant Wright 29 top scored for Elford.