Standard 3rds Vs Elford 1sts
Warwickshire Div 6
Lost by 34 runs
Sta 229-6
Elf 195ao
A makeshift Elford slipped to a narrow defeat away at Standard. Having no sooner elected to field first, than the heavens opened and play was suspended. With the match reduced to 41 overs per side, Standard got off to a good start exploiting some poor Elford fielding. With small boundaries and a bumpy outfield, fours seemed to come at ease as Elford struggled to contain the runs. The bowling of Leech made the initial breakthrough at 97-1, as Standard laid the foundations for a big score. Danny Haines (4 - 48) came back on and promptly took 3 wickets in 4 balls to halt the runchase. However, with wickets in hand, Standard could push the score on, posting a competitive 229-6.
Despite the unlucky dismissal of Gaz Starkey for 4 with a ball than rolled along the ground, Elford made a good start through Rob Collett 56 and top scorer Neil Robinson 65 (including several huge sixes). After the pairs dismissal, the wheels came off Elfords innings despite a spirited 32 from Skipper Paul Baldwin. Missing several regular batsman, Elfords tail began to crumble away, falling 34 runs short with over 7 overs remaining.
Elford 1sts Vs Olton & West Warwick 3rds
Warwickshire Div 6
Lost by 8 wkts
Elf 160ao
OWW 170-2
Elford promotion bid looks all but over as they crashed to their heaviest defeat of the season, as a makeshift First team ran out of steam. Having been asked to bat first on a grassless wicket, Elford made a solid enough start with both openers (Sam Leech 20, Gaz Starkey 21) getting in before getting themselves out. It was a similar story throughout the inning as several players made good, but without going on to make a big score. Neil Robinson top scored with 36, while other contribution with bat came form Steve Pritchard 32 and skipper Paul Baldwin with an unbeaten 28*.
Having set a modest 170 to win, the Elford bowlers toiled without much luck. Several dropped catches as well as decisions that went against did little to help. With nearly 60 overs to knock off a small total on a placid track helped by a quick outfield was too much to contain. Danny Haines made it 40 wickets for the season, bowling the Olton’s opener while Sam Leech got the other wicket on a otherwise disappointing day for the team.
Coventry Star Alvis 2nds Vs Elford 2nds
Warwickshire Div 6
Lost by 23 runs
Elford 2nds were beaten by second placed Coventry Star Alvis by 23 runs. with only 9 men for the sixth game this season Elford were asked to field first and looked in trouble when Star Alvis reached 70 without loss. However, some skillful bowling by Stef Hollingsworth 4/35 and Roshan Barnes 3/49, backed up by some exceptional fielding and catching helped Elford bowl out Star Alvis for 183. Roshan Barnes got Elfords reply under way scoring 18, in an opening stand of 70 but with the middle order struggling on a waring pitch only Chris Griffiths with 69 held innings together. A late partnership between Rob Drabble 19 and Stu Edgar 11no got Elford within 23 but the lack of 2 players meant elford fell short once again.
Nether Whitacre 1sts Vs Elford Sun XI
Lichfield Div 3
Lost by 8 Wkts
Elf 190-6
NW 191-2
Elford suffered a heavy defeat in the final Sunday league match of the season, losing by 8 wickets to almost certainly relegate them back to Division 4. Having got off to a bad start, Elford recovered through Danny Hackett and Paul Baldwin. The pair put on 140 together as they recovered from 19-3. Hackett hit a classy and season best 94, while Paul ‘red inker’ Baldwin finished unbeaten yet again, with a club best 62*.
Having set 191 to win, Nether Whitacre made sure home advantage was taken care of as they exploited the very short boundaries. With more runs being scored behind the bat at ease, Elford took the pace of the ball, and were rewarded with a wicket from youngster Toby Cotteril, who dismissed Knight for 75. Tommy Griffiths picked up the only other wicket as Whitacre reached the target with wickets and overs to spare. A disappointing result for the club, but an encouraging day with several promising under 13s in the team.
Four Oaks Saints / POW 3rds vs Elford 1sts
Warwickshire Div 6
Won by 9 wkts
FOS 99ao
Elf 101-1
Elford maintained their bid for promotion with a emphatic 9 wicket victory away at Four Oak Saints. Despite the bowlers looking nervously on at the very small boundaries, it was the batsman that soon found themselves in trouble. Having been asked to bowl first, Danny Haines returned a career best 8 for 43 off 11 overs to rip apart the home team. Helped by tight fielding and good catching, Haines notched up his 5 wicket haul inside the 10th over in the game. Paul Baldwin picked up the only other wicket as the home side were dismissed for 99 in just 21 overs. With the players going straight back out, the Elford batsman once again made short work of a small total. Sam Leech was the only dismissal for 19, while Gaz Starkey (38*) and Rob Collett (39*) retuned to the side and were left unbeaten, guiding Elford home in the 17th over, to finish at 4.00pm!
Elford 2nds Vs Peugeot 2nds
Warwickshire Div6a
Losing Draw
Peu 298-7
Elf 193-4
Elford 2nds earned a creditable draw against top of the table Peugeot. The visitors batted first on an excellent pitch and took full advantage of a rapid outfield. Peugeot scored 298 for 7 with only Captain, Rob Drabble (3 for 43) making any impact with the ball. Elford started brightly and were 59 for 1 when a rain break meant a revised target of 240 from 40 overs. A partnership of 96 between the in form Jonny Goldsworthy 65 and Chris Griffiths (who carried his bat with 56no) kept Elford in the hunt. However with overs running out, Chris Griffiths and Tom Griffiths made sure Elford got a spoil of the points with a deserved draw.
Elford Sun XI vs Rushall Sun XI
Lichfield Div 3
Lost by 6 wkts
Elf 162-9
Rus 163-4
Elford Sun XI were all but mathematically relegated after losing at home to Ruhall in much affected game by the weather. Having batted first, Elford had made a solid start at 40-0 off 10, before the heavens opened and the players came off. No sooner than the players got back out than more rain came eventually reducing the game to 33 over aside. Conscious that they were now short of runs, Elford began to swing the willow, to increase the run rate. Skipper, Sam Leech was bowled after hitting a blustery 45, while Danny Hackett back of holiday top scored with 67. Tommy Griffiths hit a couple of late blows to help post a modest 162-9 off 33.
Rushall got off to a quick start before Danny Haines bowled Ian Clayton early on. With wickets in hand and time to build an innings Rushall slowly put away the bad ball, while riding their luck with several close decisions. Angus Collett bowled well on debut, while Lenny Allsopp deserved more with a tight spell of bowling. Eventually, Rushall knocked off the wining runs before another thunderstorm hit as the players left the field.
Warwick 3rds Vs Elford 1sts
Warwickshire Div 6
Won by 183 runs
Elf 250-6d
War 67ao
Elford completed a comprehensive double over Warwick as they notched up a 187 run victory to keep alive their promotion hopes. Having surprisingly been asked to bat first on warm afternoon, Skipper Paul Baldwin (35) and Sam Leech notched up the highest opening partnership of the season with 161. Leech hit a career best 109 off 83 deliveries, taking him just shy of 400 runs on a Saturday. Malc MacDonald chipped in with some big hitting to post a quick fire 19, while they were also some useful cameos from Steve Prichard 27*, Paul Jones (13) and Alan Giles (13). A confident Elford then proceeded to declare on 250-6 off 43 overs.
Elford got of to a flying start once again, as Haines (4-35 off 12) ripped out the top order, taking three quick wickets to reduce the home side to 21-3 off 9. Paul Baldwin bowled economically with 1 for 9 off 9, while Lenny Allsopp’s miserly slow bowling returned figures of 2 for 6 off 6. It was left to the unlikely arm of Paul Jones to wrap up proceedings as he took the final two Warwick wickets, as they were bowled out for just 67.
Elford 2nds Vs Warwick 4th
Warwickshire Div 6a
Winning Draw
The seconds claimed a winning draw against a determined Warwick side on a warm afternoon. Elford were asked to bat first, and made a good start thanks to Chris Griffiths 34 and Chris Brown 38, as the pair added over 50 for the second wicket. A breezy 20 from Sam Griffiths meant a platform was laid for the lower order to shine. Jon Goldsworthy 50 and a club best 65 not out from Tom Griffiths helped Elford put on 93 in just 10 overs. Having set 276 to win, Warwick started cautiously and were led by T Haroon who carried his bat to score 89, frustrating the Elford bowlers. Stu Edgar was the only notable wicket taker with 2 for 45 as Warwick closed on 218 for 6.
Elford 1sts Vs Nuneaton 3rds
Warwickshire Div 6
Won by 7 wkts
Nun 151ao
Elf 153 -3
Elford returned to winning ways with a 7 wicket victory over high flying Nuneaton. With the disappointment and late drama of last week behind them, the victory over Nuneaton now lifts Elford up to second in the table. Having been asked to bowl first by the opposition, the decision was well received by Elford, who looked to exploit an damp top to the surface. Danny Haines 2-49 and Paul Baldwin 1-27 were once again amongst the wickets early on, helping reduce Nuneaton from 46-0 to 46-3. The visitors middle order rebuilt, but were undone by the slow spin bowling due of Lenny Allsopp and Rob Collett. Helped by some great fielding and catching, most notably from Ian Redgate, Elford got a hold of the game. Allsopp rolled back the years to take a match winning 5-33 while Rob Collett bowled tightly to pick up 2 wickets, wrapping up the Nuneaton innings for 151.
Elfords openers got off to a quick start posting 50 before the first fall of wicket (Leech 21) in the 9th over. Openers Gaz Starkey looked in good form once again hitting 38 before being bowled trying to cut the ball. Rob Collett returned to action and showed his class hitting 61 off 64 deliveries, leading Elford to the brink of victory. He was caught out with scored level, leaving it to leading run scorer Paul Jones to hit the winning runs.
Nuneaton 4ths Vs Elford 2nds
Warwickshire Div 6a
Lost by 14 runs
Nun 156
Elf 143
Elfords 2nds snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, as not for the first time this season, they stumbled with the bat just short of the target. Having travelled to Nuneaton, the home side batted first and made a steady start at 100-3. However some excellent spells of bowling from Sam Griffiths 3-41, Rahat 3/24 and Stef Hollingsworth 4-40 saw them bowled out for 156.
Elford’s batsmen started solidly reaching 47-2, before a 59 run partnership between Sam Griffiths 31 and Simon Godsmark 24 put Elford in pole position. Unfortunately, Elford’s tail didn’t wag and they collapsed to 121-9.A spirited late 17no by Tommy Griffiths almost saw Elford home, but was to prove too little too late, having being bowled out for 143.
Bedworth 3rds Vs Elford 1sts
Warwickshire Div 6
Lost by 1 wkt
Elf 156
Bed 160-9
Elford 1sts lost their first game in over two months as they fell agonisingly short of victory away at second placed Bedworth. With both teams eager to play, a 10 men Elford side were asked to bat first on a lively green and wet wicket. Elford struggled against the wicket and found themselves in trouble at 30-3. Paul Baldwin steadied the ship with a 17 before playing on while Malc MacDonald played his characteristic innings smashing a quick fire 23 with his mongoose regardless of were the ball pitched! Steve Prichard top scored with the bat hitting an unbeaten 35, while Extras totalled 43! Elford were eventually bowled out with 2 balls remaining on 156.
Elford got off to the best possible start as Haines took a wicket with the first ball of the innings. Haines (4-32) quickly had the home side in trouble as he took a further 3 wickets in the next 2 overs. Paul Baldwin then cleaned up 2 batsman with 2 deliveries, as Bedworth crashed to 7 for 6 off 5 overs! A startled Bedworth regrouped despite Elford still finding the edge of the bat. Things started to turn against Elford as Haines pulled up in his 10th over unable to bowl any more as Bedworth recovered to 99-6. Paul Baldwin came back on and took 3 wickets to claim 5 – 53, but Bedworth’s last 2 batsman held their nerve to sneak home with 1 wicket to spare.
Elford 2nds Vs Bedworth 4ths
Warwickshire Div 6a
Won by 82 runs
Elf 171-9
Bed 89ao
Elford 2nds produced there best performance of the season to beat Bedworth by 82 runs. With rain in the air, Elford were asked to bat first and got off to solid start thanks to an opening stand of 53 between Chris Griffiths 17 and Dom Hinks 25. With the foundations of the innings set, Elford’s middle pressed on with contributions from Chris Brown 23 and Stef Hollingsworth 21. An unbeaten and swashbuckling 9th wicket partnership of 56 between Sam Griffiths17no and top scorer Stu Edgar 35no, helped Elford reach 171-9.
Bedworth’s innings never really got going as skipper Rob Drabble took 4-40, supported by excellent spells from Stef Hollingsworth 3-16 and Rahat 3-19, to bowl out the visitors for 89.
Elford Over 40s Vs Four Oak Saints Over 40s
League Cup Final
Won by 2 wkts
Elford won the toss and put Four Oak's into bat. A great all round fielding and bowling performance managed to restrict Four Oaks to 98 all out with the last wicket being a 4th run out off the last ball of their Innings, Talby and Lenny getting two wickets a piece.
Elford got off to a shaky start and at the end of the 6th over were 9 for 3. Good innings by Lenny and Balders steadied the ship taking Elford to just over 50 before Balders was out. Wickets continued to tumble and with three over's to go Elford were still 20 runs short of the target with only three wickets in hand. Some good hitting by Alan Giles with support from Talby managed to get Elford within 2 runs of the required target however Talby was caught going for the winning runs. It was left to Gaz Starkey (With Runner)to face the last ball of the match with the scores level. Gaz managed to get bat on ball and despite a near mix-up a run was completed leaving the Elford over 40' as champions.
Elford 1sts Vs Bablake OB 3rds
Warwickshire Div 6
Won by 9 wkts
Bab 108ao
Elf 109-1
Elford returned fresh from their week off, with an impressive victory over Bablake Old Boys. The Visitors having elected to bat first, got off to a quick if not streaky start as they quickly made use of a quick outfield. Paul Baldwin made the initial breakthrough at 30-1, while fellow opener Danny Haines was having an equally good day with the ball. Despite some heavy hitting in Bablakes middle order, Elford held their kept to their bowling plans, as Haines went onto to take 6 for 49 off 10, hitting the middle peg 3 times. Bablakes innings eventually petered out for 108ao just inside 20 overs.
Elfords batsman made sure of the result as quick as possible as they raced to the total in just over 14 overs, losing just the one wicket of Sam Leech on 39. Fellow opener Gaz Starkey top scored an unbeaten 44 including several great cover drives, while Ian Redgate, promoted up the order chipped in with 15* including one huge six.
Elford Sun XI vs Cannock & Rugeley Sun XI
Lichfield Div 3
Lost by 54 runs
C&R 251-5
Elf 197ao
Elford Sun XI fell to a disappointing defeat against a useful but bottom of the table Cannock & Rugeley side. Having asked the visitors bat first in the sunshine, neither the batsman nor the bowlers offered much to disturb the scorers as the score ticked over to 45-0 off the first 15 overs. However, the visitors solid start helped set up a platform to launch their innings, steadily pushing on the scores from the drinks break. A couple of quick wickets helped stem the flow of runs, only for the middle order to have a swing late on to push the total onto 251-5 off 40. The wickets were shared amongst, Drabble, Haines, Leech and Prichard.
Elford reply didn’t get off to the best start as they quickly in trouble at 12-2 off 5. They rebuilt thanks to skipper and birthday boy Sam Leech 47 and wicket keeper Danny Hackett 53, with the pair putting on 88 for the 3rd wicket. Another quick fall of wickets left Elford behind the runchase, but still in with a chance as the ball still found the bat. The dismissal of Lenny Allsopp for 32 was the turning point, as Elford started to run out of wickets. Elford eventually closed on 197, with Paul Baldwin left unbeaten on 21.
Newdigate 1sts Vs Elford 1sts
Warwickshire Div 6
Elford won by 10 wkts
New 81ao
Elf 82-0
Elford consolidated their second place position in the league as they approached the half way point of the campaign. Having travelled to bottom of the table Newdigate, Elford produced an efficient and comprehensive victory, as they won by 10 wickets. Having won the toss again, Elford asked the home side to bat first and damp track. Danny Haines once again made the initial breakthrough dismissing both openers early on. Newdigates middle order briefly rallied only to be undone by Sam Leech 2-14 and Lenny Allsopp 4 – 14. Paul Baldwin 2-25 came back on to wrap up proceedings as Newdigate collapsed from 60-2 to 81 all out.
Elford made short work of the target, reaching it inside 13 overs, as Sam Leech 48* and Paul Baldwin 28* ensured a clinical end to proceedings.
Elford 2nds Vs Wythall 2nds
Warwickshire Div 6a
Losing Draw
Elf 100-8
Wyt 178-8
Elford Seconds earned a moral boosting draw at home to Wythall. Batting first the visitors got of to a quick start scoring 60 of the first 8 overs. However, the introduction of Steph Holingsworth into the attack, produced a change in fortune. He took 2-31 off 15 overs, bowling with skill and guile, while Skipper Rob Drabble was the star of the show once again with 5-36, helping to restrict Wythall to 178-8. There were also notable bowling contributions from Rahat Shimwani 1-13 and youngster Toby Cotterill 5 overs for 23. Elfords openers put on 44 for the first wicket as Chris Griffiths 37 and Dom Hinks 24 looked to have set up a platform for victory. A middle order collapse followed and it was left to Shimwani and Tim Cotterill to bat out the last 7 overs to secure a well earned draw.
Elford 1sts Vs Standard 3rds
Warwickshire Div 6
Won by 7 wkts
A 10 man Elford side climbed to second in the table as they swept past Standard. Having asked the visitors to bat first, Elford were quickly amongst the wickets as Danny Haines continued his good form. Standards middle order dug in as slowly accumulated runs without losing any more wickets. The Drinks break did the trick for Elford as Lenny Allsopp struck the middle stump, dismissing the oppositions Captain. Standard struggled to accelerate the runrate and continued to lose wicket on regular occasion as Elford helped reduce the visitors from 73-2 to 109-6. Malc MacDonald produced an excellent piece of fielding to hit one stump to claim a runout as Standard finished on 141-9 in the 50th.
Elford got off to a quick start, posting 20 off the first 3overs. Sam Leech punished anything slightly full or short to top score with 44 before being bowled off his pads. Lenny Allsopp chipped in with 28 to make the run rate ticked over, while leading run scorer Paul Jones made sure proceeding were hurried along with a quick fire 38 (including 3 sixes and 3 fours). Elford reached 141-3 of just 30 overs to complete a 7 wicket victory.
Standard 4ths Vs Elford 2nds
Warwickshire Div 6a
Lost by 8 wkts
Elford 2nds suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Coventry Standard. Having been asked to bat first on a green and damp pitch, Elford collapsed from 30 for 0 to 56 for 7 with Roshan Barnes the main contributor with 21. As has been the way this season, Elfords tail wagged as Jonny Goldsworthy with help from young James Bowker added 75 for 9th wicket. Goldsworthy finished with a career best for Elford with an excellent 87 as Elford recovered to 149ao. Standards young opener James Bird showed his potential with an unbeaten 83 as the home side eased to victory. Rob Drabble was the only wicket taker with both wickets in a 8 wicket defeat.
Olton West Warwickshire 3rds Vs Elford 1sts
Warwickshire Div6
Winning Draw
Elf 283-5
OWW 269-9
Elford continued their good start to the season, despite having to settle for a wining draw away at Olton WW. Having been asked to bat first, Elford found scoring a little tricky early on in the innings, despite the small boundaries. Albeit, not his most fluent innings, Sam Leech once again made runs hitting 38 before being adjudged LBW, while fellow opener Gaz Starkey chipped in with 28. Rob Collett was again found the middle of his bat hitting 39 after playing himself in. Top scorer Paul Jones dispatched anything off the stumps, scoring a well deserved 65 before a calamitous run out! There were also notable cameos from Lenny Allsopp (33 off 25), Steve Prichard 24, (including 1 huge six) and Stef Hollingsworth 14 who top edged a six of gully!
Having set 284 to win, Elford were aware they needed a good start, as the small ground could be difficult to protect. However, the openers rose to the occasion once again, as Danny Haines took 2 quick wickets while Paul Baldwin found the edge as the home side were reduced to 15-3 inside 5 overs. Olton dug on and took advantage of anything short dispatching it to the boundary as Elford pressed on with a very attacking field. Despite wickets falling on regular intervals, Olton continued to find the gap and maintain the run chase. Needing 90 off the last 10 overs with 4 wickets remaining the game was evenly poised. The turning point was Elford ability to hold their catches as Olton looked the big shots. With Sam Leech taking a wicket in the penultimate over, Olton decided to wind down the innings to hold on for a losing draw with 1 wicket remaining.
Elford 2nds Vs Coventry Star Alvis 2nds
Warwickshire Div 6a
Lost by 9 runs
Alvis 191
Elf 182
Elford 2nds lost in a nail biting encounter to Coventry Star Alvis by 9 runs. Having elected to bat first, the visitors were in trouble at 90 for 6. Rob Drabble rolled back the years to take 5/54, while there were also notable contributions from Sam Griffiths 1/55 and youngster Elliot Allsopp 2/35. Alvis’s tail rallied to post a respectable 191. Elford got off to a solid start thanks to openers Chris Griffiths (21) and Dominic Hinks (15). Malc Macdonald scored a swashbuckling 54, as Elford closed in for victory before a middle order collapse ensued. Elford were left needing 35 with one wicket remaining. Last man Rob Drabble, took on the challenge and but holed out for 16 as Elford closed 182, just 9 runs short.
Elford vs Four Oaks Saints 3rds
Warwickshire Div 6
Won by 5 wkts
FOS 127ao
Elf 128 – 5
Elfords recent good form continued as they made it back to back victories. Hosting Four Oaks Saints, Elford elected to field first and allow the bowlers to pick off from last week. Their decision was rewarded as Paul Baldwin and Danny Haines were soon amongst the wickets. Skipper Paul Baldwin picked up a couple of early wickets (helped by a great one handed catch at gully by Sam Leech), while Haines bowled 15 overs straight off to claim 2 – 49. Rob Collett showed his skill with the ball to take 4 – 42 including a great caught and bowled and two stunning slip catches. Baldwin came back on at the end to wrap proceedings up convincingly to take a well deserved 4 – 30 off 13. The visitors closed on 127 ao in the 40th over, leaving Elford needing 128 in 60 overs.
Rob Collett proceeded to round of a great individual day, by leading from the front with the bat. Despite a couple of early wickets falling around him, he smashed a quick fire 68 including 12 fours and a six. After his departure, Elford took their time to see of the remaining runs, with Paul Jones (23*) and John Goldsworthy (24) seeing them home, with 5 wickets to spare.
Peugeot 2nds Vs Elford 2nds
Warwickshire Div 6a
Lost by 128 runs
Peu 261-9
Elf 133ao
The 2nd team suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of unbeaten Peugeot. The hosts batted first and scored 261, with the pick of the bowling coming from Lenny Allsopp 2/69 and Stuart Edgar 4/56. The pair had restricted Peugeot to 150 of 40 overs but a late onslaught left Elford with an uphill task. Unfortunately, Elfords batsman failed to cope with Peugeot’s four pronged pace attack. Only Dom Hinks with an excellent 50 managed trouble the scorers as Elford fell well short on 133.
Elford Sun XI Vs Hawkins 1sts
Lichfield Div 3
Lost by 3 wkts
Elf 128ao
Haw 129-7
Sam Leech’s reign as Elford Captain got to losing start, albeit in what turned out to be a close fought affair. Elford made hard work of their batting innings as they struggled against some tight seam bowling. In fact they were reduced to 69-8 off 18 overs with only Sam leech making any notable score with 24. However Elfords tail wagged, as Ian Redgate (20), Ed Collett (19*) and Danny Haines 11 (including the rarest of rare things a six!) saw Elford post a slightly more respectable 128ao.
Hawkins got off to a slow but steady start and looked set despite some accurate bowling from the openers. The introduction of Paul ‘Mr Angry’ Baldwin, had the desired effect as he helped turn the game. He took 4 – 24 while Lenny Allsopp at the opposite end of the speed spectrum, took a just as important 3 – 25. Hawkins innings imploded from 63-0 to 110-7 thanks to the pair. However, Hawkins held their never despite having only 10 men, the overs to spare meant they could eventually pick of the bowling to win by 3 wickets, in a close and friendly affair.
Elford Vs Warwick 3rds
Warwickshire Div 6
Won by 205 runs
Elf 250ao
War 45ao
Elford notched up their first league win of the season with an emphatic 205 run demolition of Warwick. Having been asked to bat first, Elford got off to a great start thanks to Sam Leech 77 and Gaz Starkey. The pair put on 118 runs for the first wicket partnership. Despite some variable bounce, Elford were able to push the score along picking off any wayward deliveries. Malc MacDonald was back to his usual form bludgeoning a quick fire 30 off 9 balls with his prized ‘mongoose’. There were also some late camoes from Ian Redgate 25 and Steve Prichard 15* to see Elford post exactly 250.
Warwicks innings never really got started as they found themselves quickly in trouble. Danny Haines 6 -30 and Paul Baldwin 4-10 bowled with pace and accuracy ( 8 bowled) to dismiss the visitors inside 17 overs for a mere 45.
North Warwickshire Sun XI vs Elford Sunday XI
Lichfield Cricket League Div 3
Elford Won by 119 runs
Elf 246 -7
NW 131ao
Elford got their Sunday League Campaign off to the best possible start with maximum points at Hermitage Hill. Travelling the short distance to North Warwickshire CC, Elford were asked to bat first and made a decent start with some heft blows from Sam Leech (13) and Chris Griffiths (18). The evergreen Lenny Allsopp and skipper Danny Hackett helped take the game away from the hosts as the pair put on 165 for the 3rd wicket. Hackett eventually fell for 77 of 51 balls after being caught at deep backward square leg. Allsopp continued to lead the innings eventually falling 8 short of his century on 92. A couple of late cameos helped Elford to 246-7 off 40.
Elford got off to the best possible start as Danny Haines (3-27 off 8) and Paul Baldwin (2-34 off 8) reduced the hosts to 56-5 inside 14 overs. North Warwickshires lower order wagged and helped push them past the 100 mark, before several late wickets finished off proceedings. There was also a wicket each for youngsters Cotterill and Shamwarni on league debut.
Elford 2nds Vs Thimblemill 2nds
Warwickshire Div6a
Elford won by 31 runs
Elf 179ao
Thi 148 ao
Elford 2nds got off to a wining start under the leadership of the Yorkshire veteran, Rob Drabble. However, it was the performance from another long time Elford player which helped win the game for Elford. Lenny Allsopp, rolled back the years to score 51 of Elfords 179 before taking 5 – 31 in Thimblemills innings. Paul Baldwin was also in good form with the ball picking up 4 wickets, as the visitors fell 31 runs short.
Uttoxeter 1sts Vs Elford 1sts
Friendly
Won by 1 wkt
Elford just managed to hang to a well earned victory away the Racehorse Ground on another warm April afternoon. Having lost the toss and been put into the field, Elford were soon amongst the wickets as Danny Haines took a couple of quick early wickets. Despite a couple of difficult catches going down, Elford generally fielded well, which helped support the bowling. Stef Hollingsworth took career best figures of 4-48 off 8, while Steve Prichard eventually got his reward with a couple of late wickets with some good bowling at the stumps. A late flurry of runs with the last partnership helped Uttoxeter onto 151, before being bowled out in the 35th over.
Elford lost a couple of early wickets but looked set for a comfortable victory with Sam Leech and Paul Jones at the wicket. The pair put on 50, before Jones was adjudged LBW. Elfords innings unravelled from there, as they collapsed from 91-2 to 142-9. After Leech was bowled with a low bouncing ball on 62, things looked a twitchy! With 10 needed from 10 overs and 1 wicket remaining, some feared the run machine due of Baldwin and Haines would take all 10 overs to get them! After Haines was dropped behind, the pair eventually held their nerve to see the game through with a 1 wicket victory.
Elford 1sts vs Wilnecote 1sts
Friendly
Won by 91 runs
On a warm cloudless afternoon Elford entertained local rivals Wilnecote in their first pre season friendly. Having elected to bat first Elford posted a useful 185 on a slow Elford wicket. Stef Hollingsworth (39), Sam Leech (24) and Tommy Griffiths(22) were the main contributors with the bat. The visitors started slowly but without losing a wickets setting up what could be a tight finish. However, Wilnecote collapsed from 47-1 in the 17th over to 93 ao in the 30th. Skipper, Paul Baldwins 3 wickets in an over, part of his 5 wicket haul did the majority of the damage although Stef Hollingsworth bowled very well picking up 3-11 off 8.
Club Presentation - Saturday 5th March 2011
With this years guest speaker, Shaun Udal.
(England, Hampshire & Middlesex)
