25 August 2012

Elford 1sts Vs Walmley 5ths
Warwickshire Div 6
Won by 116 runs

Elford kept pace with the leading pack with a thumping 116 run victory but with one left in the season, promotion looks just out of reach.  Needing maximum points from the game to stand any chance of catching the top two teams, Elford elected to bat first. openers Martin Sperrink (29) and Chris Browne (32) laid the foundations of the innings, both making good starts. Malc MacDonald made a breezy 15 helped by several reverse sweeps, while the in form Steve Prichard added 18. Rob Collett (33) and Paul Jones (27) made sure the innings kept pace in ever threatening skies and with rain starting to fall, the game looked in the balance. Elfords tail led made sure they went past the 200 mark, eventually closing on 221-7  having added 30 in the last 4 overs.

Walmley’s youngsters made a solid start, frustrating for the Elford fielders and bowlers alike. However, Rob Collett deservedly made the breakthrough thanks to a diving one handed catch from McDonald. Walmley’s innings somewhat evaporated from that point on as they crashed from 60-0 to 89-4 thanks to Collett (2-13) and Allsopp (2-24) . Paul Baldwin and Danny Haines came back on and ran through the tail as the pair both took 3 wickets each dismissing the visitors for 106 ao. 18 points cover the top 4 teams with one game too play.

Walmley 6ths Vs Elford 2nds
Warwickshire Div 6a
Won by 40 runs

Elfords 2nds clinched the division championship on Saturday with a 40 run victory away at Walmley. Batting first Elford collapsed to 11/3 before a partnership of 75 between Chris Griffiths 44 and Andy Hicks 36no rescue the day.  Having set the home side 142 to win, Walmley batted were undone by the spin bowling of Roshan Barnes who took career best figures of 6 for 18 of 15 overs. Backed up by left armer, Stu Edgar 2/29 and the evergreen skipper Rob Drabble 2/24, Walmley were dismissed for 101, giving Elford their 9th win of the season and the title.

---

18 August 2012

Pak Stars 1sts Vs Elford 1sts
Warwickshire Div 6
Losing Draw

Pak 220-9
Elf 137-7

A depleted Elford first XI travelled to unbeaten league leaders Pak Stars in a crucial top of the table clash. With every point to play for, with just 13 points covering the top 4 teams, Elford asked the home side to bat first on a lively track. Captain, Paul Baldwin got the best out of erratic bounce claiming his first 5wkt haul of the season with 5 – 55 off 15. Ant Allen bowled economically with 2 – 30 off 15, while Lenny Allsopp was a little more expensive but also scooped two more wickets.

Having been set 221 to win, Elford got off to a shaky start losing both openers inside the first 7 overs. With runs starting to come hard to come by, Elford were starting to lose their way and looked in trouble at 80-5 off 30. However some stoic batting from the lower middle order, helped Elford settle the innings and recover the game. Steve Prichard 55* and Neil Robinson 35* were the main protagonists, helping Elford claim a losing draw and avoid defeat. With two games to play, the top four teams are still covered by just 23 points, a win apart. 

Elford 2nds Vs Pak Stars 2nds
Warwickshire Div 6a
Won by 7 wkts

Pak 136ao
Elf 137-3

Elford 2nds gained promotion with two games to spare, with a 7wkt victory against unbeaten Pak Stars. Having chosen to bat first Pak Stars were restricted to 136ao with fine bowling by captain Rob Drabble 4/29, Sam Griffiths 3/42 and Roshan Barnes 2/33. Once again Elford were backed up by excellent fielding display, a hallmark of the 2nds this season. Elfords batsmen made a flying start with an opening partnership of 43 by Chris Griffiths (21) and R Barnes (16) in just 7overs. Sam Griffiths (35*) came together Simon Godsmark (27*) after their dismissals, as the pair put on 73 in an unbeaten partnership, to win the game and secure promotion.

---

11/12 August 2012
Elford 1sts Vs Bablake OB 3rds
Warwickshire Div6
Won by 126 runs

Elf 232-9
Bab 106ao

Elford   maintained their promotion bid with a comprehensive 126 run victory at home to Bablake OB. Elford made the most of winning the toss and elected to bat first on a flat batting track. Openers Martin Sperrink (14) and Chris Browne (25) both made good starts and looked set only to be dismissed a couple of balls apart as Elford stuttered to 48-2. The middle order rebuilt the innings thanks to a steady and watchful Ant Allen. Johnny Goldsworthy played a caviller innings to score 20, while Malc MacDonald throw his mongoose bat around to blaze a quickfire 18. However the partnership of Allen and Steve Prichard built the platform for Elford. Allen finished one short of his half century on 49 while Prichard scored his highest total for the club with 55. Elford tail wagged, to making sure they posted a competitive 232-9.

Stand in Skipper Danny Haines made the first breakthrough, while Allen swung the ball around to claim an early LBW victim. Bablake briefly rallied, but the fall of the 3rd wicket sparked the end ,as they collapsed from 79-2 to 106 all out. Lenny Allsopp  and Danny Haines both claimed 4 wickets, making short work of the visitors innings to claim 24 points.

Thimbemill 2nds Vs Elford 2nds
Warwickshire Div 6a
Lost by 4 wkts

Elf 138ao
Thi 139-6

Elford 2nds lost only their second game of the season but managed to hold on to top spot in the division. Having travelled to Thimblemill with only 9 players, Elford were asked to bat first on a pitch the same colour as the outfield. Elfords batsmen struggled with only Chris Griffiths 19 and Sam Griffiths 31 able to cope with the wicket. An attacking innings of 43 by the youngest Griffiths, Tommy, enabled Elford to post a modest138

Thimblemill made a slow and steady start thanks to some tight bowling from Roshan Barnes 2/35 and Sam Griffiths 3/39. However, the home side were helped over the victory line thanks to an unbeaten 70 by Wallace, enabling Thimblemill run out victors by 4 wickets.

Elford Sun XI vs Milford Hall Sun XI
Lichfield Div3
Won by 64 runs

Elf 246-5
Mil 182-8

Elford Sunday side finished the season on a high as they won promotion back to Division 2 of the Lichfield league after a 8 year absence. Needing just 3 points to secure promotion, Elford made sure of proceedings after a commanding performance with the bat. Reduced to 33 overs per side, Elford looked in a little trouble at 77-4 off 13 despite a healthy runrate. It was left to Jay Evans and Joe Crawford to swing the game back in favour of Elford as the pair put on 119 in 17 overs. Evans went onto score a terrific 128 Not out off 94 balls while Crawford eventually holed out on 52 off 47 deliveries.

Having set the visitors 247 to win off 33 overs, the run rate quickly accumulated, with Lenny Allsopp eventually made the first breakthrough in the 11th over. Despite some aerial hitting, Milfords innings and runchase started to wane and Elford started to turn the screw. Gaz Leech and Joe Crawford both picked up 2 wickets a piece while Elford picked up 3 run outs in the final over! Milford eventually closed on 182-8 to leave Elford with the victory and the promotion.

---

August 4th 2012

Elford 1sts Vs Bridgetrust OB 1sts
Warwickshire Div 6
Losing Draw

Bri 207ao
Elf 156-8

Elford had to settle for a losing draw as the weather once again played havoc with the afternoons play. Having lost the toss, Elford were asked to field in the warm and early  afternoon sunshine. The visiting batsman took full advantage of a very good batting surface to rack up 125-0 at the 25 over drinks break. With Elford set to chase down a large score, Danny Haines came back on and promptly took 4 wickets, to expose the middle order. Rob Collett bowled seam up off several paces and was rewarded with 2 – 44 off 12, while skipper Paul Baldwin made short work of the tail taking 3-39 off 9. Bridgetrust were eventually all out off the final ball, as 10 wickets went down inside 18 overs as Elford fought back.

The tea interval signalled a change in weather as the ground fell under a deluge of water catching one of the many storms. With the innings reduced to 40 overs the players came back on to a wet outfield. With boundaries along the floor hard to come by, Malc MacDonald went aerial from the start hitting his first ball for 6.  With the loss of several early wickets, Elford rebuilt thanks to Rob Collett 33, and Martin Sperrink 62* with his highest score for the club. Sperrink played the anchor role as Elfords middle order tried in vain to score quickly. With overs and wickets starting to disappear rapidly, Elfords tail steadied and made sure of a share of the points, closing on 156-8 off 40.

Bridgetrust OB 2nds Vs Elford 2nds
Warwickshire Div6a
Won by 2 wkts

A young Elford second XI won a tense match by 2wkts to go top of the table. Having elected to bat first, Bridge trust were dismissed for 129, as Elfords twin spin attack took 7 wkts. Backed up by excellent fielding and catching, Stef Hollingsworth continued his fine form this season with a best 5 for 20 while Roshan Barnes claimed 2 for 21.Elfords reply got off to a bad start as they collapsed to 32-4, before J Brooks (19) and Sam Griffiths (18) added 32. However it was left to the bowling stars of the day, Stef Hollingsworth (24*) and Roshan Barnes (24) to almost see Elford home with a stand of 41, leaving captain Rob Drabble to ‘hit’ the winning runs.

Cannock & Rugeley Sun XI Vs Elford Sun XI
Lichfield Div 3
Won by 4 wkts

Elford maintained their promotion bid with a close 4 wicket victory away at Titlle winners Cannock & Rugeley. Bowling first, Elford were rewarded by some fine bowling from Gaz Leech who took 4 - 19 off 5 as well Lenny Allsopp 2 – 36 off 7, while skipper Sam Leech scooped 2 for 10 off 4. Having been set 140 off 35 overs, Elford chased down the total with relative ease losing 6 wickets, with the runs shared amongst the batsman.

---

July 28th 2012

Standard 3rds Vs Elford 1sts
Warwickshire Div 6
Won by 5 wkts

Sta 172ao
Elf 173-5

Elford kept up their up promotion bid with a 5 wicket victory away at Standard as the top of the table tightened up. Elford had got off to the best possible start as skipper Paul Baldwin decision to bowl first was rewarded, as he took 3 wickets in his first 2 overs. Meanwhile, Danny Haines got some lift from back of a lenght to bowl a miserly 2-30 off 15 overs straight off. Spinner, Neil Robinson was also amongst the wickets to take 3-42 off 9, leaving Standard teetering on 98-8. Steve Prichard proved to have the golden arm once again, eventually breaking up a stubborn tail, to take 2-21 off 10 as Standard closed on 172.

Elford lost the pitch hitter MacDonald to the second ball of the innings, but recovered well through some great stroke play from Rob Collett (27) and Martin Sperrink (29). The pair accelerated the runrate punishing anything short and wide. After the pairs dismissal Paul Jones kept the scoreboard ticking over, while Johnny Goldsworthy played a hard hitting cameo, crashing the ball to the boundary like a tracer! It was left to the left hand combination of Ant Allen (13*) and Paul Jones (36*) to see the game out with 15 overs to spare.

Elford 2nds Vs Standard 4ths
Warwickshire Div 6a
Won by 259 runs

Elf 366-5
Sta 107ao

Elford 2nds produced a incredible 259 run victory over Standard to maintain their bid for promotion. Batting first, Elford stuttered to 30-2 before youngster Elliott Allsopp 27 and Stu Edgar steadied the ship putting on 80 for the 3rd wicket partnership. Edgar was joined by Sam Griffiths and a partnership of 143 was set with Edgar scoring 69. Griffiths continued to lead the innings adding 90 with Stef Hollingsworth (43). Brother Tom Griffiths chipped in with an unbeaten 28, while Sam finished with a career best 123no of 68balls (22 boundaries), helping Elford 2nds set a record total for the club in recent times.

Not content with a days work, Sam Griffiths then took 3 wickets in the 1st over leaving the game all but over. Spinners Stef Hollingsworth 3-20 and Lenny Allsopp 2/19 made sure of the result as standard were dismissed for 107.

---

July 21st 2012

Elford 1sts Vs Copsewood WIW 1sts
Warwickshire Div6

Won by 6 wkts
Elf 66-4
Cop 63ao

Elford returned to action with a comprehensive victory at home to Copsewood. Despite the warm and sunny weather, Elford invited the visitors to bat first and were rewarded immediately, as skipper Paul Baldwin picked up a wicket with the first ball of the game. Baldwin went out on to concede just 8 runs from his 9 overs picking up 2 wickets. Meanwhile, Danny Haines did the damage at the other end, taking a season best 5 – 26 off 10, to plough through the top order. Helped by a fantastic run out from distance by Malc MacDonald, Copsewood were on the brink after just 12 overs on 29-7. Gaz Leech was also very economical with figures of none for 7 off 7, while Steve Prichard mixed it up to scoop 2 – 16 off 5 at the end.

Chasing just 64 to win, Elford made relatively light if not slow work of the total. Despite losing a wicket in the first over, Elford picked off the bad balls, to steadily reach the total with the loss of 4 wickets. Chris Browne carried his bat with 19* to guide Elford home inside 25 overs.

Nether Whitacre 1sts Vs Elford Sun XI
Lichfield Div3

Lost by 3 wkts
Elf 196
NW 197-7

Elford fell to their second defeat on the bounce as they lost by 3 wickets to Nether Whitacre. Having started brightly, Elfords inning somewhat fell away despite an innings of 45 from Danny Hackett. With 196 on the board, Nether Whitacre were cruising to victory on 128 – 0 off 18 overs. Even when J Evans picked up the first wicket, Whitacre rebuilt and were in reach off the finishing line on 162-1 off 25 overs. However, when all looked lost, Elford found a way back in through the unlikely bowling change of Alan Giles. Having kept wicket for most of the season, Giles proceeded to take 4 – 10 off 5, almost swinging the game back in favour of Elford. Despite the late wobble and tumble of wickets, Whitacre held their nerve to close in 197-7 off 35 overs.

---

July 14th 2012

Elford 2nds Vs Lapworth 2nds
Warwickshire Div 6a

Winning Draw
Elford 2nds went 19 pts clear at the top of Div6a with a winning draw at home to Lapworth. Once again, the Brickhouse Lane ground managed to defy the odds and beat the rain, allowing the game to survive another decimated round of fixtures. Batting first, Elfords Chris Griffiths and Dom Hinks (38) led the way, putting on a stand of 50, for forth time this season. A middle order partnership of 96 from Sam Griffiths 35 and half centurion Simon Godsmark helped Elford cement their position. A late flurry of runs from Stef Hollingsworth (30no) enabled Elford to declare on 215 for 7. Elfords bowlers tried tirelessly to make inroads into a stubborn Lapworth top order, but without much luck. Skipper Rob Drabble managed to take 4 wkts while spinner Stef Hollingsworth picked up 2wkts, helping to restrict the visitors to 126 for 7, to help claim a valuable winning draw.

---

July 7th 2012

Elford 1sts Vs Four Oak Saints 3rds
Warwickshire Div6
Lost by 5 wkts

Elf 134-8
FOS 135-5

Elford maintained their record of not losing a single game this season to the weather, unfortunately at the detriment of a victory. Having been asked to bat first on a yet another wet wicket, Elford made a quickfire start thanks mainly to Malc MacDonald (19) who swung from the hip in his obligatory pitch hitting role. Martin Sperrink was unlucky to pick square leg with a juicy leg side delivery while Rob Collett was adjudged LBW for 10. At 33-3 Pritchard and Baldwin rebuilt the innings and were looking in a good position at 79-3 off 23 overs, before the rain hit again. With standing water all over the outfield, the game looked all but over and would probably been so, if not for the eager spirit of some of the players. With an early Tea taken the players returned to very wet conditions. Four Oaks deployed their spin bowlers to great effect on a slow wet track, with scoring shots hard to come by through the water drenched outfield. Elford could only muster a further 59 runs off the next 27 overs, despite the best efforts of the tail. Steve Prichard deservedly top scored with 43 as Elford closed on 134-8 off 50.

With the Pitch and outfield drying in the breeze and the standing water now gone, Fours Oaks exploited the best of the conditions keeping the scoring rate well ahead of the required. Paul Baldwin was the pick of the bowling attack with 3-21 off 11, while Allen and Prichard both picked up a wicket a piece. Four Oaks rarely looked in trouble and easily saw the target home albeit with the loss of 5 wickets in the 33rd over.

Wilnecote 2nds Vs Elford 2nds
Warwickshire Div6a
Won by 23 runs

Elf 157
Wil 134

Elford 2nds enjoyed derby day success day as they went top of league with a well earned victory at local rivals Wilnecote. Having been asked to bat first on a wet pitch, Elford started slowly but increased the run rate with a 5th wicket partnership of 84 between half centurion Stu Edgar (52) and Griffiths 37. A late boundary barrage from Roshan Barnes (18) helped Elford post a competitive score of 157.

Wilnecote got off to a good start scoring 31 with out loss but then the Elford attack started to make the much needed inroads. Two wickets from the evergreen Rob Drabble and 3 wkts from the inform Stef Hollingsworth, helped by a run out had the home side in trouble at 68-7. A 8th wkt partnership of 65 looked to have won the game for Wilnecote, but with a nervy ending in the offing, Elford fought back with two more late wickets to bowl Wilnecote out for 134, leaving Elford 6pts clear at top of division

Elford Sun XI vs Hammerwich Sun XI
Lichfield Div 3

Elford won by 32 runs

Elford Sunday side continued their promotion bid with a close fought victory at home to Hammerwich. Batting first, Elford had struggled to get going and found themselves precariously on 84 for 6, but were led to the rescue by Danny Hackett with a half century. Supported by Lenny Allsopp (36) the pair put on 87 to help guide Elford to 163 off 40 overs. Paul Baldwin was once again amongst the wickets to claim 3, while Lenny Allsopp and Danny Hackett then got amongst the wickets. With a tight finish ensuing, Elford held their nerve to bowl the visitors out in the 39th over for 130.

---

June 30th 2012

Elford Vs Warwick 3rds
Warwickshire Div 6
Winning Draw

Elf 213ao
War 64-7

Elford were left to rue the great British weather as they had to settle for a winning draw against bottom of the table Warwick. On a damp but firm track, the Elford batsman got off to a positive start, thanks to the ‘Scottish Pro’, Malcolm MacDonald and his ‘mongoose’. A quickfire 19 from MacDonald contrasted with the customary stoic batting from Martin Sperrink (22) who once again made start without going on. Steve Prichard at number 3 punished anything short before holing out on 20. Paul Jones top scored with 46, holding much of the middle innings together despite a comical run out with skipper Paul Baldwin (18). Elfords tail faltered towards the end of the innings, although they were helped by Robinson (11) and Allsopp (16) to see them past the 200 mark.

One arm and now ‘one eye’ Haines returned to the side and was quickly amongst the wickets with a track that offered a little more return, taking 2 – 26 off 10. However, it was a inspired bowling change that saw Steve Prichard bowl properly for the first time this season, that caused the most damage. He scooped 4 -4 off 3 overs reducing Warwick from 56-3 to 62 – 7. With the storm clouds gathering, the players were on and off the pitch on several occasions before the clouds opened for a final time, just past the 25th over mark. With the game constituted and no play in prospect, the captains hook hands to claim respective draws, leaving Elford with a useful if somewhat disspaointing17 points.

Hawkins Vs Elford Sun XI
Lichfield Div3
Won by 6 wkts

Haw 89
Elf 90-4

Elford Sunday side continued its good form this season, consolidating second place with a 6 wicket victory away at Hawkins. Elfords bowlers were in rampant form, all returning excellent figures. Paul Baldwin was the most miserly with figures off 8 overs, 5 maidens 7 runs but no wickets! Lenny Allsopp had no such trouble taking 3 – 12 off 8 with his slow right arm deliveries, while Ian Redgate, Gaz Leech and Joe Crawford all took 2 wicket a piece. Having bowled out the home side for 89, Elford made relative short work of the total, chasing it down for the loss off 4 wickets. Skipper Sam Leech top scored with 69 of a total of only 89, to secure the points and the victory, in a good all round team performance.

---

June 9th 2012

Bablake OB 3rds  vs Elford 1sts
Warwickshire Div 6
Losing Draw

Elford put back to back defeats behind them with a sprited performance as they were left to rue some late sloppy fielding. Having travelled to Bablake with only 10 men and without usual captain Paul Baldwin, stand in skipper Rob Collett asked the homeside to bat first on a wet wicket. With a short boundary on one side due to standing water on the outfield it was a credit to both teams that games was played at all. Elfords spin bowlers got the best out of the wicket with Neil Robisnon bowling well to take 3 – 46. Tony Allen gentle swing bowling proved the perfect combination on the wicket as he exploited the best of the wicket with 3 – 26 off 10. Unfortunately, for Elford their early great catching deserted them at the end of the innings. This allowed Bablakes tail to swing from the hip and add an extra 50 runs as 5 catches went down. Eventually Bablake were bowled out for 230 of 46 with Danny Haines picked up the last couple of wickets.

Elfords reply was steady and built around several top order partnerships. Rob Collett looked in great touch throughout, before finally being bowled for 66 as he started to open his shoulders. Martin Sperrink survived an early drop chance to go on and score 39 in an opening stand on 85. With the foundation set, Elford ticked along at a steady runrate neither looking likely to chase down 230 or being bowled out. Eventually the game petered out on 183-5 off 54 overs, with Neil Robinson seeing the side home on an unbeaten 17, to secure 75% of the total and a losing draw.

North Warwickshire Sun Vs Elford Sun XI
Lichfield Div 3
Won by 69 runs

Elford enjoyed victory in a local derby against North Warwickshire at Hermitage Hill. Danny Hackett was once again in fine form with the bat, top scoring with 81, while Captain Sam Leech (57) enjoyed a stand of 74 with 13 year old Elliot Allsopp (12). Having posted 197-6 off 40 overs, it was the turn of Lenny Allsopp to turn match winner with 3 -  19 off 6, while youngster Elliott also got into the action with the ball taking 2 – 7 off 3. Jo Crawford took the remaining wickets as Elford bowled out for hosts for 128 to grab the points and a comprehensive victory.

Elford 2nds vs Thimblemill 2nds
Warwickshire Div 6a
Won by 159 runs

Elford seconds continued their great to the season as they notched up their biggest victory of the campaign with a 159 run victory at home to Thimblemill. Chris Browne was the star of the game as he scored a career best unbeaten 119, in Elfords total of 253-8, while Sam Griffiths 32, Stef Hollingsworth 21 and Chris Griffiths 21 also chipping in. Roshan Barnes and Lenny Allsopp then turned the screw with the ball, both taking 3 wickets as the visitors were skittled out for 94.

June 2nd 2012

Elford 1sts Vs Coventry Star Alvis 1sts
Warwickshire Div 6
Lost by 9 wkts

Elford had a day to forget as they crashed to their worst defeat in several seasons with a comprehensive 9 wicket defeat. Having lost the toss, it was to no surprise that Elford were asked to bat first on a lively and unpredictable wicket. The visiting bowlers made early inroads exploiting the demons in the wicket. Elford struggled for runs in an innings that rarely got above 3 an over. Paul Jones top scored with 30, with several other players making starts but without going on. Skipper Paul Baldwin chipped in with an unbeaten 22 to help push Elford onto 149-6 off 50 overs, 1 short of another bonus point. Star Alvis made short work of the total, riding out the balls that still had some lift and punishing anthing else. They comfortably and deservedly reached the total with the loss of one wicket in the 28th over.

Wythall 2nds Vs Elford 2nds
Warwickshire Div6a
Won by 6 wkts

Elford 2nds recorded a third victory of the season with a 6 wicket win away at Wythall. Having, elected to bat first Wythall were restricted to 162/9 off 50 overs , helped by some outstanding bowling from Stef Hollingsworth 4/43 and the return of Dillon Weller 2/19. Skipper Rob Drabble scooped an early couple of wickets with 2/10 and while Sam Griffiths finished with 1/35 . Ian Redgate was excellent form with the gloves taking two stumpings and a catch, while the whole team was in fine form in the field. Elford got off to a great start through an opening partnership of 80, ( Chris Griffiths 38 and Dom Hinks with a career best 75). Having set up a winning chase, Stu Edgar 29no and Sam Griffiths 17no made sure of victory and second place in the table.

May 26th 2012

Moseley 3rds Vs Elford 1sts
Warwickshire Div6
Lost by 3 wkts

Elf 176ao
Mos 177-7

Elford suffered a frustrating day in the summer sunshine away at Moseley. Having been asked to bat first on a near perfect looking batting pitch, Elford made a slow but steady start thanks to openers Gaz Starkey (19) and Martin Sperrink (17). With runs and wickets on short supply nearing the 20 over mark, the introduction of Rob Collett got the runchase under way. He continued his good start to the season hitting 50 before being caught behind. With wickets also starting to fall at the other end, Elford soon started to run out of batsman. Paul Baldwin’s late cameo of 23 not out with Ian Redgate helped Elford put on an extra 40 runs for the 8th wicket, before finally being bowled out for 176.
Conscious of a quick outfield and a true wicket, Elfords bowlers needed to work hard in the late afternoon sunshine. Skipper Paul Baldwin (3-41) and Danny Haines (3-47) helped by some truly excellent catching behind that bat, kept Elford in the game without quite ever taking hold of it. Lenny Allsopp slow right arm picked up his obligatory wicket put Elford were left to ponder a lack of runs as the home side with 3 wickets remaining saw the game out.

Elford Sun Xi vs Nether Whitacre 1sts
Warwickshire Div 3
Won by 2 wkts

NW155ao
Elf 156-8

The Sunday side returned to winning ways with a close victory over Nether Whitacre. Having lost the toss, Elford ended up fielding first in the heat, but were rewarded by keeping the visitors down to 155. Wickets were shared amongst the bowlers with Danny Hackett and Ian Redgate both taking 2, while father and son combination Lenny and Elliott Allsopp took 4 between them. Keeper Alan Giles chipped in with three stumpings. Danny Hackett (50) and Tommy Griffiths (30) scored the majority of the runs, leaving it to youngster Elliott Allsopp to hit the winning runs with 2 wickets remaining.

---

May 19th 2012
Bridgetrust OB vs Elford
Warwickshire Div6
Winning Draw
Scorecard >

Elf 208-3
Bri 143-9

Elford had to settle for a wining draw as they failed to take the final wicket needed for victory away at Bridge Trust Old Boys. On another cold and damp afternoon, Elford lost the toss and were invited to bat first on a green and wet wicket. Martin Sperick (27) and skipper Paul Baldwin (10) carefully watched a swinging ball as they find runs hard to come by. The first 20 overs did little trouble the scores as both wickets and runs proved hard to come by with Elford poised on 42-1. However the introduction of Rob Collett and Sam Leech helped accelerate the runrate. The pair played themselves before putting on 127 helping push the score past 200. Collett finished unbeaten on a well earned 79* well Leech eventually fell for 55 in the final overs.
BridgeTrust got off to a solid enough start despite Danny Haines (2-27) and Paul Baldwin (1-18) both picking up early wickets. Like Elford, they too found runs hard to come by although with wickets in hand were still a danger. Lenny Allsopp rolled back the years once again to take 3-10 off 5 overs to decisively swing the balance in favour of Elford. With wickets starting to tumble, Bridgetrust started to wood up, leaving a nervy ending in the gloom. Sam Leech picked up 2 more late wickets, thanks to some sharp glove work from Alan Giles, leaving the home side to defend the final over, settling for a draw, closing on 143-9.

Elford Vs BridgeTrust OB 2nds
Warwickshire Div 6a
Won by 8 wkts

Bri 59ao
Elf 60-2

Elford 2nds continued their good start to the season as they ran out comfortable victors at home to BridgeTrust OB. The visitors batted first and struggled to 59ao in 40 overs as Sam Griffiths (3-13) and Stef Hollingsworth (2-6) did the damage once again with the ball. Elford made short work of the total, losing 2 wickets with Simon Godsmark top scoring with 25*.

Elford Sun XI Vs Wishaw Sun XI
Lichfield Cricket Div 3
Lost by 40 runs

Wis 169-9
Elf 129ao

Elford Sun XI slipped to a 40 run defeat at home to Wishaw as they struggled with their run chase, closing on 129ao. Their solid but slow start worked against them as they couldn’t accelerate the run rate despite a spirited 63 from Danny Hackett. Earlier Ian Redgate took a career and club best with the ball, taking 5-33 off 6 in Wishaws 169-9.

May 12th 2012
Elford 1sts Vs Standards 3rds
Warwickshire Div 6
Won by 2 wkts
Scorecard >

Sta 96ao
Elf 97-8



Elford firsts notched up their first victory of the season in a tight and low scoring game against standard. Having elected to field first, Elford got off to a flying start thanks to Paul Baldwin and Danny Haines (3 for 28 off 15). Standard's young but talented middle order helped steady the innings as the game ticked along at low score. The introduction of Lenny Allsopp made the breakthrough picking up two wickets. It was left to Sam Leech to mop up the tail taking 3 for 6, to bowl the visitors out for 96. Elford's reply got off to the worst possible start as they were left floundering on 15 for 4 off 8. With runs hard to come by and wickets falling in quick succession, it was up to Captain 'slow' aka Paul Baldwin to rescue the innings. He scored 30 not out, supported by Ian Redgate, 20 not out, to put on 35 runs off 20 overs to win the game in a very close encounter.

---

May 5th 2012
Copsewood WIW Vs Elford 1sts
Warwickshire Div 6
Lost by 7 wkts
Scorecard >

Elf 202-9
C WIW 203-3Elfords league curtain raiser got off to a disappointing start as they managed to beat the weather but not the opposition on a cold and long afternoon in Coventry. With a delayed start due to a pre match downpour, play finally got under way with a reduced innings of 42 overs per side, with Elford having been asked to bat first. Sam Leech smashed several lofty blows around the park, racing to 33 before edged a catch behind. Rob Collett looked equally as comfortable at the wicket, as he hit 42 before holing out a catch on the boundary. Elfords inning stuttered from 100-2 to 121-5 as the home side got back into the game. Steve Prichard held the tail together hitting a quick fire 36 before being cruelly run out, as Elford sneaked 4 bonus batting points closing on 202-9.

Copsewood got off to a flying start, reaching 45 off just 7 overs. However, Danny Haines (2–41) and Rob Collett (1-43) managed to regain some control to put the game back in the balance at 56-3. Unfortunately, Elfords grasp on the game dwindled away in the cold and dark with several drop catches going down. Pemberton eventually finished the game off the home side hitting 120* to secure the victory at 8.20pm!