August 24 2013
Elford 1sts Vs Stockingford 1sts
Warwickshire Div 5
Losing Draw
Sto 211-7
Elf 166-8
Elford once again had to settle for a share of the points as their run chase faltered towards the end of the innings. Having invited the visitors to bat first, it was birthday boy Tony Allen who enjoyed the most success with the ball picking up a seaon best 4 – 32 off 15 as wobbled the ball on a consistent line. Stand in skipper Steve Prichard continued were Allen had left off picking up 3 – 55 off 10 as Elford helped restrict Stockingford to 211-7 despite some big hitting towards the final 10 overs. Sperrink (16) and Hicks (44) got Elford to a steady start but not for the first time this season, Elford lost wickets in quick succession. From 66-0 of 19 they crashed to 102-6 off 34 as Stockingford straggled the game. Tony Allen looked in good form with 29 before being adjudged LBW, while Robinson (17) and Prichard (15*) started to open their shoulders to increase the runrate late on. Eventually it was left to Haines (9*) and Prichard to secure the 75% of the losing draw and make sure they were left unbeaten to claim a spoil of the points in a close game that somehow avoided the rain!
August 17 2013
Bedworth 3rds Vs Elford 1sts
Warwickshire Div 5
Won by 8 wkts
Bed 46ao
Elf 49-2
Elford returned to winning ways with a short and emphatic victory away at Bedworth. Having put last week’s disappointment behind they went in search of a much needed win with an increasingly tight table. With memories still fresh from several season ago, Elford won the toss and didn’t hesitate to ask Bedworth to bat first on a green wicket. A decision they were soon rewarded with as Danny Haines and Paul Baldwin took the game away from the home side as they exploited the best of the wicket. Haines took season best figures of 6 -32 off 10 while Baldwin took a economical 3-13 off 10, as they pair ripped through the innings. With Bedworth bowled out for 46 in 20 overs, Elford made sure of the points sending in the pitch hitting due of Malc MacDonald 20 (with his trademark mongoose) and John Goldsworthy (10). The pair took 19 off the first two overs as Elford turned the screw. Both were eventually out trying to attack, leaving a measured unbeaten 16 from Tony Allen to see the game out in just under 7 overs and finished before 3pm!
August 10 2013
Elford Sun XI Vs Streetly Sun XI
Lichfield Div 2
Won by 3o runs
Elf 226 -7
Ste 194ao
Elford Sun XI completed the season in style with a 30 run victory in the Division 2 title showdown at home to Streetly. Needing at least 4 points from the final game, Elford knew a victory would secure the title. Despite Skipper Sam Leech being out for a diamond duck, run out without facing, they recovered through James Evans and Tom Gilbert (34). Paul Baldwin played his part with a breezy cameo, quickly scoring 46 while Evans went out to score his second Sunday century with 122. Having set a competitive 227 for victory, Streetlys runs came through Craig Moore who hit 108 and was the mainstay in the innings. Tom Gilbert picked up 5 for 11 off 5 in a great bowling spell, while Rob Evans(1 for 9 off 6) bowled with good pace and economy early on. J Evans, L Allsopp and S Leech all picked up a wicket a piece to secure the points and the title, as the visitors were eventually bowled out for 194 in the final over.
Elford 1sts Vs Star Alvis 1sts
Warwickshire Div 5
Lost by 74 runs
Elford came unstuck with the bat as they fell apart against run away league leaders Star Alvis. The early sides had been good for Elford as Danny Haines picked up 3 wickets with the ball swinging around. Paul Baldwin also found the edge at the other end to help reduce Alvis to 89 for 4. Unfortunately for Elford, their fielding let them down as over 7 catches of varying difficulty went down. Leech picked up 3 wickets towards the end as Star Alvis were pegged back to score a steady 213 for 8. Once again, Elford had looked in a strong position keeping up with the runrate going into the drinks break, but a collapse of epic proportions ensued. 7 wickets went down for just 20 runs inside 9 overs as Elford capitulated from 119-3 to 139 all out on a day to put behind them.
Star Alvis 2nds vs Elford 2nds
Warwickshire Div 5a
Lost by 5 wickets
Elford 2nds battle against the drop looks a little bleaker as they lost their 7th game in the last 8 fixtures. Having been asked to bat first, Elford had posted 199-6 with the main contribution coming from Chris Browne who hit his second half century of the season with an unbeaten 58. Numerous other batsman all made starts without going on including Brooks 29, Hinks 18, Allsopp 18, Godsmark 17 while Roshan Barnes 18 supported Browne at the end with an unbeaten 18.
Like the batting, Elfords bowlers toiled and made inroads without but without really controlling the game. Lenny Allsopp was the pick of the attack with 2-38 off 11, while Dillon Wellar also picked up 2 wickets as Alvis reached the target with the loss of 5.
August 3rd 2013
Moseley 3rds Vs Elford 1sts
Warwickshire Div 5
Losing Draw
Mos 255-9dec
Elf 177-8
Elford were once again left to settle for a draw, as for second Saturday running, rain played a large part in the outcome of the game. Having asked Moseley to bat first, Elford got off to a good start with Danny Haines picking up a couple of early wickets, helped by a great one handed catch by Malc MacDonald at the second attempt. With the game delicately poised on 110-3 off 21 overs, the Thunder and rain arrived, flooding the top of the outfield in a very short amount of time. With an early tea taken and 25 overs lost, Moseley came back out, intent on posting a competitive score. The home side took full advantage of any loose bowling, exploiting several easy and difficult dropped catches, piling on the runs. Tony Allen (4-25 off 4) came back on at the death, to take a triple wicket maiden to stem the flow, while Haines also finished with 4 wickets. Having declared on 255-9 off 40 overs, Elford had 35 overs to either chase down the unlikely total or get as close to a winning draw total as they manage. After Allen departed early for 15, Martin Sperrink 53 and Steve Prichard 46 steered Elford to a good position on 136-2 off 25 overs. With 10 overs remaining, Elford swung the bat hitting boundaries and losing wickets in equal measure. Finally with a couple of overs to go, 10 man Elford decided to make the game safe, with Neil Robinson stoically defending off the last over.
July 26 2013
Ward End Unity 1sts Vs Elford 1sts
Warwickshire Div 5
Losing Draw
Elf 170ao
WEU 163-7
Elford and Ward End Unity shared a spoil of the points on a roller coaster of an afternoon for both sides in game that was as unpredictable as the weather. Elford, batting first on a slow low track got off to a bad start, stalling badly as 28-4 of 12 overs. Captain Paul Baldwin led the fighback with Neil Robinson (19) as the pair put over 60 for the next wicket. With Elford looking to increase the runrate, Lenny Allsopp picked off the singles with Baldwin before opening his shoulders to hit 41 before being caught in the final over. Baldwin was eventually bowled for a well top score of 67 as Elford posted 170 off 50 overs. With ever increasing dark skies looming, Elford got off to a great start with Danny Haines taking the first 3 wickets as the ball seemed around. Eventually the rain came and enforced the players off in the 24th over at 55-3, 1 short to constitute a game. Despite the dark clouds overhead, the rain relented and the players cam out to a reduced 44 over innings. Baldwin made a instant breakthrough o increase the pressure, but Ward End kept the scoreboard ticking over picking up singles as Elford defended the boundaries. Tony Allen snared another wicket at 72-5, before Ward End sensing a chance at a winning draw opened their shoulders. Ward End eventually needed 23 off the final over to win, and lost a wicket with their first ball as Steve Prichard was thrown the ball! Despite several big shots it wasn’t enough for Ward End as handshakes were exchanged after a dramatic finish, leaving Elford with a losing draw on runrate.
Elford vs Four Oaks Saints
Lichfield Div 2
Match Tied
FOS 229-6
Elf 229ao
Elfords penultimate fixture of the season also finished in dramatic fashion as they tied at home to Four Oaks Saints to gain promotion from Div 2. Four Oaks had posted a competitive 229 thanks mainly to Zimbabwean Ryan Ervine (70) and Australian Jarrod Martignago (91), while Elfords own Australian Tom Gilbert was the pick of the bowlers with 2 -27 off 8. Elfords reply centred mainly around James Evans (73) and wicket keeper Danny Hackett (43 including 4 consecutive sixes). With the run chase on and wickets starting to fall, it was Matt Stone who opened his shoulders. With seven needed off the last over and 1 wicket remaining, Stone hit Ervine for six off the first ball, only to middle the next ball to cover, being caught on 50, to tie the game.
19 July 2013
Elford 1sts Vs Bulkington 1sts
Warwickshire Div 5
Lost by 211 runs
Bul 296-5
Elf 85ao
Elford had a day to forget as they capitulated in a poor performance at home Bulkington. Missing several regulars, Elford decided to bowl first on a good looking slow and flat track, a decision they were soon left to rue. Elfords attack bowled with spirit but with numerous catches going down and sloppy fielding, Bulkington took full advantage. Neil Robinson was the pick of the bowlers with 2-43 off 11, while Lenny Allsopp took and smart caught and bowled. Paul Baldwin came back late onto to snare two a couple of wickets, but Bulkington had amassed a mighty 296-5 at the close.
Elfords innings was a shortlived affair as they were bowled out for under 100 for the first time in over a year. The innings included 4 LBW dismissals and 4 ducks as nothing went the way of the batsman. Only the cameos from youngsters Elliott Allsopp 21 and Jordan Brookes (including two huge sixes) provided any light relief as Elford were the masters of their own downfall, skittled for 85.
Bulkington 2nds Vs Elford 2nds
Warwickshire Div 5a
Lost by 206 runs
Bul 245-9
Elf 230-6
The seconds had a closer encounter in the reverse fixture at Bulkington. Batting first, Bulkington had posted 245-9 with Dillon Wellar the pick of the bowlers with 4 for 45 off 15. Skipper Rob Drabble (2 for 53) picked us his obligatory couple of wickets a game while left armer Craig Harcombe scooped 1 – 44 off 13. Elford got off to a bad start losing a wicket before a run was on the board but recovered through 2 good partnerships to ensure a close finish. Dom Hinks 59, Chris Browne 61 and Dillon Wellar 61 put on 200 together as Elford reached 200-3. With overs running out, Elford fell 15 runs short with 4 wickets remaining to claim a spoil of the points in a losing draw.
12 July 2013
Wilnecote 1sts Vs Elford 1sts
Warwickshire Div 5
Won by 6 wkts
Wil 192ao
Elf 193-4
Elford made it back to back 24 point victories with a 6 wicket victory at local rivals Wilnecote. On another glorious hot summers afternoon, Elford like last week lost the toss but this time were asked to stand in the sunshine first. Danny Haines made the first breakthrough finding the edge of A Edwards bat. Ryan Mckenna (34) and P Davies (41) steadied the nerves of the home sides innings as the pair steadily accumulated the runs. Despite a slightly lose start, the spin pair of Neil Robinson (3-60) and Lenny Allsopp (2-42) soon had the batsman in trouble. Wilnecote slumped from 98-2 to 106-5 as the due put the shackles on the homeside. Despite several drop chances going down youngsters Jordan Brookes and Elliott Allsopp showed the way as both took several good catches. T Bell (40) smashed several straight boundaries late on, before Baldwin (2-47) and Haines (2-24) came back onto wrap up the innings for 192.
Wilnecote got off to a great start, reducing Elford to 18-2 off 5 helped in part by an excellent leg sided catch by keeper Yorke to dismiss Prichard. Chris Browne (21) and the inform Paul Jones (52) started the fightback as the score was slowly chipped away at. Skipper, Paul Baldwin took off from where he left last week, scoring another unbeaten half century to help lead Elford past the finishing line. Brindley picked up 3 – 66 for Wilnecote, but it was Lenny Allsopp who blazed a quickfire 37 off 25 balls to make sure of proceedings, leaving Elford with a hard fought victory over their local rivals.
5 July 2013
Elford 1sts vs Nuneaton 3rds
Warwickshire Div 5
Won by 67 runs
Elf 232-6
Nun 165ao
Elford returned to winning ways with a comfortable 67 run victory over bottom of the table Nuneaton. To the delight and bewilderment of Elford, having lost the toss they were asked to bat first on the hottest afternoon of the year. Missing their usual openers, Elford got off to a rocky start at 12-2 off 5. Steve Prichard (19) and Paul Jones (40) helped steady the innings as they built the foundations. After Prichard was dismissed with an excellent diving catch and Paul Jones was yorked missing out on a Chinese late cut, Paul Baldwin and John Goldsworthy built a partnership. Baldwin hit an unbeaten 64 running between the wickets well, while Goldsworthy blasted 56 including several huge blows. The pair put on 113 to guide Elford to 232-6. Elford got off to a great start as Baldwin and Haines dismissed the openers bowling with accuracy and swing. Neil Robinson and Lenny Allsopp both bowled well with differing rewards, Robinson taking 3-45 while Allsopp toiled unluckily without a wicket. Baldwin and Haines came back on towards the end and despite Nuneatons lower order showing character and continuing to play their shots, were eventually bowled out for 165. Captain, Paul Baldwin finished with 4-48 while Danny Haines took 3-27 to deny the skipper and a half century and 5 wicket haul!
Wolvey 2nds Vs Elford 2nds
Warwickshire Div 5
Wol 298-4
Elf 102ao
Elford 2nds had an afternoon to forget as they toiled with little reward crashing to a 196 run defeat. Fielding first they wiltered in the warm sunshine as Wolveys batsman piled on the runs. Rob Drabble was the pick of the bowlers with 1 -38 off 15. Elfords reply was relatively shortlived as only 3 batsman made into double digits, (Simon Godsmark 29, Chris Browne 28 and youngster Josh Stanley 11,) as they were eventually dismissed for 102.
Lichfield 2nds Vs Elford Sun XI
Elford Sunday Side also returned to winning ways with a very close win over Lichfield 2nds. Batting first, Elford hit 202 thanks mainly to contributions from the ever impressive Tom Gilbert (100), Skipper Sam Leech with 37 and Dan Hackett 18. Elfords opening bowlers failed to made inroads until Jordon Brookes made the breakthrough finding the edge of the bat of Fielding (30). However with the sun beating down and runs flowing Elford were losing a grip on the game until Alan Giles and Sam Leech wrestled back control. Giles took 3-22 off 7 while Leech took 4-31 as Lichfield fell just a few runs short despite some big hitting in the final overs.
29 June 2013
Elford 1sts Vs Peugeot 1sts
Warwickshire Div 5
Lost by 4 wkts
Elf 180ao
Peu182-6
The second week running, Elford lost the toss as well as the game as they struggled on a green wicket. With the game switched to Whittingtons Bit End Field ground, due to the unavailability of Elfords usual home, Peugeot didn’t hesitate to ask Elford too bat first. Martin Sperrink led the way, top scoring with 43 on a difficult pitch to get set on. Sperrink and Paul Jones (20) added 57 for the 3rd wicket, but Elford struggled to get any momentum in their partnerships. Paul Baldwin played a uncharastically aggressive innings hitting 18 of as many balls, while Lenny Allsopp (19) and Neil Robinson (25) battled with the uneven bounce to land some heavy blows late on. Elford were eventually bowled out for 180 in the 49th over.
With the pitch still providing assistance to the bowlers, the ball seemed to do much for Haines and Baldwin as the pair beat the bat consistently. Tony Allen and Steve Prichard both wobbled the ball to good effect both picking up a wicket to keep the visitors in check. However a breezy 68 from Peugeots number 5, G Khan helped take the game swiftly away from Elford. Despite his dismissal late on and Paul Baldwins best efforts with 4 -26 off 13, the pressure had been lifted and Peugoet reached the target with 8 overs and 4 wickets to spare.
Coventry Dunlop 2nds Vs Elford 2nds
Warwickshire Div5a
Lost by 7 wickets
Elf 105ao
Cov 111-3
10 men Elford 2nds travelled to league leaders Coventry Dunlop and promptly came back with a solitary point. Things had looked good early on as Dom Hinks 45 and Stu Edgar 27 had set the foundations. Missing several regulars though, Elfords innings unravelled as they crashed from 69-2 to 105 all out, with no other batsman getting into double figures. Elford were staring down the barrel of a 10 wicket defeat until Stu Edgar made a break through at 86-1 . D Wellar and A Hinks also picked up wickets late on, but Dunlop never looked in any danger finishing the game with a six.
Wall 1sts Vs Elford Sun XI
Lichfield Div 2
Lost by 18 runs
Elford Sunday XI lost their first game of the season as they fell 18 runs shorts away at Wall. Having restricted the home side to 40-3 at the drinks break, Wall fought back into the game with an unbeaten 97 from Subhani. Tony Allen was economic with 1 -24 while Lenny Allsopp picked up a couple of wickets as Wall posted 184. Elford made hard work of the target despite several batsman getting in. Rathbone chipped in with 24, Gilbert 30 and Skipper Sam Leech with several lofty blows to score 27. With an ever increasing run rate Rob Evans equalled his best score and almost snatched the game blasting an unbeaten 39 as Elford fell just short on 166.
22 June 2013
Stockingford 1sts Vs Elford 1sts
Warwickshire Div 5
Lost by 1 wicket
Elf 107ao
Sto 108-9
Elford fell to their first defeat of the season, albeit by the narrowest margin as Stockingford reached Elfords total with 1 wicket and 4 balls to spare. On a wet and green wicket, it was Elford who had the pleasure of setting a target. Tony Allen and Martin Sperrink made a slow and steady start inbetween the rain showers, but their departure sparked a collapse. Elfords innings unravelled from 29-1 to 66-6 inside 15 overs, as a steady procession to the changing rooms ensued. A late partnership between Paul Baldwin (24) and the unbeaten Neil Robinson helped Elford post 107 before Elford were bowled out for the first time this season in the 47th over.
With boundaries at a premium, Paul Baldwin(2-20 off 13) and Danny Haines (1-30 off 13) both bowled tight spells, beating the bat repeatedly helping to dent the top order with 3 early wickets. With the game drifting towards the home side, Tony Allen got Elford back into the game buying 2 wickets for 22 off 5. It was left to Lenny Allsopp 3-12 and Neil Robisnon 1-15 to straggle the tail as Stockingford almost tripped at the finish. With 7 needed of the last over and two new batsman at the crease, Stockingfords number 10 hit the first ball to deep mid off only to be dropped one handed with a desperate dive. The number 11 then hit an almost identical shot to split the field and take home the points, in a incredibly tight and low scoring game.
15 June 2013
Elford 1sts Vs Bedworth 3rds
Warwickshire Div 5
Winning Draw
Bed 144-7
Elf 131-6
Elford were left to settle for a winning draw after a summer downpour put the skids under their chances of winning the game. A Thundery rain storm after just 10 overs, lost well over an hours play reducing the game to 79 overs. Despite the covers protecting much of the track, large damp patches were left all over the square and run ups. Bedworth resumed on 10-1 off 10 overs and set about setting a competitive target. Danny Haines was amongst the wickets hitting middle stump 3 times to take the first 3 wickets. Lenny Allsopp and Neil Robinson stifled the middle order with a nagging delivery line both picking up a wicket. Skipper Paul Baldwin claimed a LBW, while also producing a great reflex piece of fielding to take a run out as Bedworth closed on 144-7 off 50 overs.
With Elfords innings reduced to just 29 overs because of the rain, Elford got off to bad start as they lost 3 early wickets as they tried to score quickly. However, Lenny Allsopp (37) and Steve Prichard (33) rebuilt the innings putting on 79 for the 4th wicket, allowing Elford back into the game. With the Elford already past the winning draw percentage, it was left the lower middle to have a swing and get as a close to the target as they could. Despite their best efforts, Elford closed frustratingly 13 runs short of victory with 4 wickets left after 29 overs.
2013 - Elford Over 40s
More Information on the Over 40s - click here
8 June 2013
Star Alvis 1sts vs Elford 1sts
Warwickshire Div5
Losing Draw
Alvis 219-8
Elf 202-9
Missing several regulars, Elford went to league leaders Star Alvis and enjoyed a share of the spoils in a tight finish. Having been asked to field first, Elford had helped restrict the home side to 219-8 off 50 with the inform Neil Robinson the pick of the bowlers with a six for 55 while skipper Paul Baldwin took 2 for 40. Elford made a steady start but with wickets coming as easily as runs, the game was delicately poised on 90 for 4. Once again it was Paul Jones who made the difference with the bat as he continued from he left off last week with another very good innings. Jones and Alan Giles (32) put on 90 and looked set steer Elford home, but when Jones fell on 71 Elford ran into trouble with with wickets starting to fall. Baldwin and Robinson took the safe approach with 1 wicket left and batted on the last two overs to ensure a losing draw some 17 runs short, to leave both teams still unbeaten.
Elford 2nds vs Star Alvis 2nds
Warwickshire Div5a
Lost by 5 wickets
Elf 66ao
Alvis 67-5
Also missing several regulars, Elford Second XI crashed to a 5 wicket defeat as their batsman failed to get going for a second week in a row. Despite scoring runs for fun in recent weeks, the wheels came off the Elford innings as only Chris Browne made into double figures hitting an unbeaten 22 batting at number 3! He made up a third of the score as Elford were skittled for 66 inside 23 overs. Elfords bowlers put up a spirited performance with the ball, as Rob Drabble, Jordan Brookes and Dillon Weller were all amongst the wickets, but the visitors never looked in any real danger and reached the total in just 15 overs.
Four Oak Saints vs Elford Sun XI
Lichfield Div 2
Won by 7 wickets
FOS 194-7
Elf1 98-3
Elford Sunday side made it four out of four to clear at the top of Division two with a comfortable 7 wicket victory away at Four Oaks. After a losing several early wickets, an unbeaten century from Tom Gilbert (104*) led the way back, carrying his bat in the process. Ian Redgate also looked in good form with an unbeaten 45, as Elford chased down Four Oaks target of 194 with 3 overs to spare. Earlier, captain Sam Leech was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 21, with the other wickets shared amongst the bowling attack.
1 June 2013
Elford 1sts vs Moseley 3rds
Warwickshire Div 5
Elford
Mos 174
Elf 175-5
Elford returned to winning ways as their bowlers enjoyed a more fruitful afternoon in the sunshine. Having elected to field first on a green but firm track considering the recent rain, Elford were rewarded by good bowling performances and safe pairs of hands in the field. Danny Haines 4-42 off 15 and Neil Robinson 5-52 off 15 were the main threat with the ball, while Rob Collet took the remaining wicket. Alan Giles kept tidily on a difficult bouncing track while Tony Allen took 3 outfield catches as Moseley were bowled out for 174.
Chasing down 175 for victory, Elford made a steady start with extras the top scorer early on. However despite the good foundations of an innings set, Elford crumbled from 42-1 to 72-5 in the space of 10 overs. With the game in the balance and the visitors with the momentum, Elford middle order dug their heels and slowly rebuilt. Paul Jones, batting with a fractured finger led the comeback taking 22 balls to get off the mark before leading the side to victory with an unbeaten 68. Supported by a typically stoic innings from the Captain Paul Baldwin 15 and a breezy cameo from Neil Robinson 8*, Elford reached the target with 4 balls to spare.
25 May 2013
Elford 1sts Vs Ward End Unity 1sts
Warwickshire Div 5
Losing Draw
WEU 312-1
Elf 240-5
Elford wiltered in the sunshine, after having asked the opposition to bat first on a glorious summers afternoon. Ward End Unity made full use of an excellent flat track, batting patiently and with a little luck as Elford once again spilled several sharp catches behind the bat. Things went from bad to worse for Elford as they lost Wicket Keeper Paul Jones at the drinks break with a fractured finger. Despite down to 10 men, Elford sensed a change in fortunes as Tony Allen made the breakthrough with the fall of wicket at 110 off 28 overs. Ward End had different ideas and with a solid platform built, they fully exploited the holes in the field increasing the scoring rate at ease. They eventually closed on 312-1 off 50 overs, with Nayar carrying his bat with an unbeaten 171.
With the track suiting the batting team, it was Elfords turn to put the bowlers under a little pressure. Openers Tony Allen 51 and Martin Sperrink 42 both batted well setting up Elford with a good platform to build on. Despite a brief wobble, the game drifted towards an inevitable draw, as Elford never really looked like reaching the target or Ward End Bowling the home side out. Elford made sure they reached the 75% of the target thanks to Baldwin 23* and Prichard 28* before the innings closed on 240-5 off 50.
Ward End Unity 2nds Vs Elford 2nds
Warwickshire Div5a
Won by 9 wickets
Elford 2nds made it back to back victories with a 9 wicket victory away at Ward End in the reverse fixture. Having bowled out the home side for 170, it was the Elford batsman that once again were in good form chasing down the total in 30 overs. Dom Hinks top scored with another unbeaten innings on 66 while Chris Brown was left unbeaten on 55. Last weeks hero Simon Godsmark was the only wicket to fall on 27. Earlier, Lenny Allsopp tormented the batsman with 4-26, while skipper Rob Drabble scooped 2 wickets.
18/19 May 2013
Bulkington 1sts Vs Elford 1sts
Warwickshire Div5
Losing Draw
Bul 314-7
Elf 184-8
Elford suffered a frustrating day in the field as a combination of dropped catches and cavielier batting saw Bulkington pile on the runs. Despite Danny Haines making clean bowling the opener, the other opener, Uddin went out to score 180 after being dropped 5 times. With boundaries coming at ease, Bulkington amassed a test score very quickly, as Elford changed the attack without avail. Ed Collett was the pick of the bowlers with 3-60 off 9 including the wicket of Uddin. Having racked up 314-7, Bulkington declared after just 41 overs.
Faced with the daunting task of batting for 59 overs to chase down 315 to win, Elford got off to the worst possible start losing Tony Allen in the first over. With a mountain to climb, Elfords top order dug their heels in and batted with a steely resolve. Martin Sperrink had looked like a wall but a disastrous run out dispatched him for 26. Paul Jones (11) and Chris Browne (16) both batted for long periods before being dismissed. However, after Stand in skipper Rob Collett was bowled for a breezy 6, Bulkington sensed victory. It was left Steve Prichard 60 and Neil Robinson 20* to bat from the 35 over mark to almost the very end of the innings to help claim a share of the points. A late wobble wasn’t enough to put the skids under the innings as Robinson saw Elford to safety.
Elford 2nds Vs Bulkington 2nds
Warwickshire Div5a
Winning Draw
Elf 234-1
Bul 193-7
Elford 2nds had to settle for a winning draw as Simon Godsmark and Dominic Hinks shared a record opening partnership for the club. Godsmark hit 111 including 10 fours and 4 sixes, while Hinks was unbeaten on 81 as the pair put on 218 for the 1st wicket, setting a new record. Youngster Elliott Allsopp finally got to the crease in the 47th over to score 10* to shake off his padrash! Having set the visitors 235 to win, it was the turn of Allsopp senior to take centre stage taking 5-29 off 15 as Bulkington chased down the total. Eventually, Elford ran out of bowling options as Bulkington ran out of overs, leaving Elford with a winning draw.
Guildfordians 1sts Vs Elford Sun XI
Lichfield Div 2
Won by 4 wickets
Elford Sunday XI made it three out of three as they travelled to Guildfordians to pick up a 4 wicket victory. Having fielded first, Elford help restrict the home side to 205, thanks mainly to the James ‘Jevs’ Evans who continued his impressive start to the season with another 5 wicket haul, (5-42 off 6). Lenny Allsopp claimed another 2 wickets, before Tom Gilbert produced a great piece of fielding with a one handed run out, while Tony Allen picked up the final wicket. Elford chased down the total with the loss of 6 wickets, as James Evans backed up his bowling with a jug avoidance 49. Danny Hackett top scored with 79, while Mark Rathbone chipped in with 20. It was left to skipper Sam Leech (12*) and Tony Allen to see the result through with 2 overs to spare.
11/12 May 2013
Elford 1sts Vs Wilnecote 1sts
Warwickshire Div 5
Match Abandoned
Wil 143-9
Elf DNB
Elfords first home game of the season against local rivals Wilnecote was eventually washed out, after a frustrating afternoon avoiding the showers. Wilnecote had won the toss and elected to bat first on a hard a dry track despite the wet weather. Danny Haines got some early lift and picked up the first wicket of the game with 2-31 off 9. Despite the ball moving around off the seam, it was Elfords slower bowlers who got the best of the conditions with Neil Robinson 3-42 and Lenny Allsop 1-35 causing the problems. With the rain showers as a frequent as dropped catches, the players were on and off the field 5 times in Wilnecotes reduced innings of 47 overs. R McKenna 35, A Edwards 35 and P Davies 33 were the main runs scorers for Wilnecote, who slumped from 99-3 to 141-9 as Elfords bowlers took the upper hand. Skipper Paul Baldwin came back on to take Wilnecotes Captain, Corcoran while Robinson finished off a good afternoon with a great run out. With Tea taken early and time fast running out, it was decided to shake hands at the close of the innings and share the points.
Elford Sun XI vs Lichfield 2nds
Lichfield Div 2
Won by 8 wickets
Elford Sunday XI continued their good start to the season with a rain effected victory at home to Lichfield 2nds. Having asked the visitors to bat first, Elford helped restrict Lichfield to 192 off their 40 overs with Rob Stevens scoring 113 of their runs. The ‘spin kings’ of Lenny Alsop 3-27 and Gaz Leech 3-44 were the main dangermen while skipper Sam Leech scooped 2-47. With the rain persisting throughout, Elford opened their shoulders to keep ahead of the runrate. Mark Rathbone notched up his first half century of the season with 57 while Tom Gilbert top scored with an impressive unbeaten 90. Having endured enough of the miserable conditions the captains shook hands on Elford on 140-2 off 29 overs, with a victory for Elford on runrate.
4 May 2013
Nuneaton 3rds vs Elford 1sts
Won by 1 Wicket
Nun 140
Elf 141-9
WCL Div 5
Elford won their opening game of the league campaign, albeit after making hard work of chasing down a modest 141 for victory. With the sun finally shining, Elford travelled to Nuneaton 3rds and their decision to bowl first was soon vindicated as Danny Haines snared the first 4 wickets of the innings. Nuneaton stumbled to 62-4 before Khan opened his shoulders for the home side to score a quickfire half century. The introduction of Rob Collet into the attack proved his ondoing. He took 4-11 off 6 including the danger man Khan to put the skids under Nuneatons innings. Backed up by good fielding notably 3 great catches from John Goldsworthy, Alan Giles and Collet himself, Elford took back control. Paul Baldwin came back onto finish the tail, bowling out Nuneaton for 140 off 40 overs.
With 60 overs to chase down 141 to win, Elford made steady progress in chasing down the taget. Martin Sperrink (32) was the anchor at the top of the innings providing a platform for others to play around him. Rob Collet (21) and Paul Jones (20) were in good form as Elford looked set on 107-3 off 31 overs, before Nuneaton clawed their way back into the game. Elford lost the next 6 wickets for just 29 runs as defeat looked a very distinct possibility. It was left to the Alan Giles and Danny Haines to see Elford chase down the final few runs for victory, in a very close finish.
20 April 2013
Elford 1sts vs Coleshill 2nds
Won by 45 runs
Elf 187-8
Col 142-7
Friendly
With the sun shining, blue skies in abundance and even a little dust on the track, the ground and pitch looked at its best considering that it was snow covered a few weeks ago! A mixed Elford 1sts XI entertained Coleshill 2nds in the first pre-season friendly of the year. Batting first, Elford notched up 187-8 thanks mainly to unbeaten half centuries from Tony Allen (66*) and Steve Prichard (50*) while Paul Jones chipped in with cameo 29 including the first 6 of the year. ‘Golden Arm’ Ed Collett returned to the side after a ‘fatherhood sabbatical’ and picked up 3-14. Neil Robinson picked up a wicket with his first delivery of the season while Paul Baldwin found the edge of the bat with his second delivery. After an early wobble, Coleshill recovered from 29-5 to post 142-7 in a good natured and sun drenched pre season warm up.
