Match Reports 2004

Week 1 | 24th April 2004

Alrewas 1sts XI Vs Elford 1 st XI - Inchcape Burton & District Premier League

Elford traveled the short distance to Alrewas, in their first ever Burton Premier League fixture on a beautiful spring day. However their opening fixture would prove to be a “baptism of fire” as they were soundly beaten by 174 runs.

After a spirited bowling & fielding performance Elford were pleased to restrict the home side to just 225 – 6 off 45 overs. Rob Collett picked up 2 – 49 off 12 on his Elford debut while Drabble, Hughes and Wright picked up a wicket each. Despite Elfords hard work in the sun it was to all end in vain as they were dismissed for just 58 in a dismal batting performance. Elford had only themselves to blame as each batsman contrived to get themselves out. Only James Paulson troubled the scorer with 15. Elford must now pick themselves up when they entertain last seasons champions, Draycott & Hanbury.  

Elford 2nds XI Vs Medina 2nds XI - Inchcape Burton & District Premier League

Elford 2nds enjoyed opening day success with a close victory over Burton Outfit Medina. Elford under new captain Tony Allen batted first and posted a reasonable 177 – 8, thanks mainly to the openers Eric Dodd 32 & Malcolm Prince 29. Newcomer Dave Abel also chipped in with a useful 31.   Medina got off to a good start but after their openers were dismissed, Elford turned the screw and bowled Medina out 163, just 14 runs short. Dave Abel completed a fine debut with 5 – 20 while Roger Randall got up to his usual tricks with 2 – 8.

Week 2 | 1st / 2nd May 2004

Elford 1 st Vs Draycott & Hanbury 1sts - Inchcape Burton & District Premier League

Wearing a new strip sponsored by Drive Assist Elford Elford restored some pride despite losing to last seasons champions Draycott. The visitors decided to bat first and made good progress on a slow and low Elford track. However despite the recent weather conditions the track was still batsman friendly, as the Draycott openers made steady progress. Things could have been very different if N Jones hadn't been dropped on 3 before he went on to make 112. Overseas professional Larry Babb took no time to get settled in as he raced to 56 in no time before being caught. Draycott eventually finished on 279 - 5 with Simon Smith taking 2 - 27 off 5. In reply Elford battled hard against some tidy bowling at times and reached 205 - 6 off their 45 overs. Skipper Simon Smith was the star of the innings as he hit 115 (128 balls 10 X 4 4 X 6) not out to carry his bat, including hitting Draycott's pro for 16 off the last over to gain another point. Rob Wright 22 & Dave Emery 16 also chipped in. 

Robirch Phoenix Vs Elford 2nds - Inchcape Burton & District Premier League

The seconds were unfortunately a victim of the weather as they're game was called off on Friday afternoon. 

Week 3 | 8th / 9th May 2004

Elford 2 nd XI Vs Ashby Town 1 st XI - Burton & District League Division 2

Elford 2nds slumped to a disappointing defeat to the hands of league leaders Ashby Town. Despite the poor weather both teams managed to beat the rain on a slow Elford track. Elford worked hard to score 109 –9 off 44 overs. Dave Abel's good form continued as he top scored with 38 while skipper Tony Allen plugged away for 17. However the visitors made short work of the total reaching 110 – 2 off just 24 overs. Roger Randall & Russell Barker picked up a wicket a piece.   Elford took consolation in the fact that they were the first team this season to take a point off Ashby.

North Warwickshire Sun XI Vs Elford Sun XI - Lichfield & District League Division 2

The Sunday side also had a disappointing start as they lost to newly promoted rivals North Warwickshire. Although Elford posted a reasonable total of 170 – 8, The home side cruised home with 171 – 3 with a weakened Elford bowling attack. However Elford were pleased to see Dave Emery score his first half -century for the club with 55, with Rob Collett 36 and Simon Smith 34 supporting him.

Week 4 | 15th / 16th May 2004

Walton 1 st XI Vs Elford 1st XI - Inchcape Burton Premier League

Elford recorded their first ever Premier League victory in an exciting finish at Walton. Despite missing several players, Elford set a challenging total of 222 – 6 off 45 overs. Skipper Simon Smith played a large part in the innings leading the way with 93 off 107 balls backed up by a quick fire by Rob Wright. Earlier Ben Hughes had battled hard scoring 20, while Tom Kanchanwat played well to score 18.

  In reply Walton were pegged down well by the bowling of Rob Drabble and Ant Wright. However despite Waltons slow start, the game heated up in the last 20 overs as the Walton Middle order opened up.   In the end, Walton fell some 20 runs short despite scoring 130 in the last 22 overs. Ben Hughes led the way with 3 – 49 while Wright, Collett & Haines picked up a wicket a piece. Elford claimed 10 more valuable points to move them out of the relegation zone.

Elford 2 nd XI Vs Centre Set - Burton League Division 2

The Second XI slipped to another disappointing defeat at the hands of Shenstone outfit Centre Set. Batting first Elford had started very brightly as Eric Dodd helped himself to 63, supported well by Tim Whitehouse (39). The Pair put on over 100 for the first wicker before disaster struck. Elford then slumped to 160 all out with only Bob Aubury 28 and Russell Barker 13 putting up any resistance.

  The score was reached quite easily by the top order from Centre Set, who knocked off Elfords total for the loss of just 4 wickets. Russ Barker 2 – 44 off 9 was the leading wicket taker.

Elford Sun XI Vs Wall Sun XI - Lichfield League Division 2

Elford Sun XI found themselves on the receiving end of another heavy defeat. Playing host to Wall, the Visitors made the most of a weakened bowling attack as they piled on 257 – 4 off 40 overs. Wickets were spread among RJ Collett, Wright, Allen & Harvey. In reply Elford were never really in the hunt despite the batsman best efforts. Rob Collett was unluckily dismissed for 30 while A Wright (20) and Tony Allen(22) chipped in with runs. The highlight of the game though was Tony Lyons six in the last over the game. Not only did it clear the local fields nearby, but also earned Elford 1 point as they scored 160 – 9.

Week 5 | 22nd / 23rd May 2004

Elford 1st XI Vs Barton 1 st XI - Inchcape Burton Premier League

Match Sponsor - Rich Embury | Real Tech 

Elfords recent good form continued as they edged out winners in a very close game against Barton. Batting first on a solid track in the sun, the Elford batsman made full use of winning the toss. Skipper Simon Smith continued his excellent start to the season as he hit an unbeaten 153 (21 fours & 2 sixes) to carry his bat. Smith has now scored 361 runs in 3 games. Dave Emery also battled hard with 37 while extras were the next highest scorer with 36. Elford closed on 263 – 4. However Barton came out battling and were going well until a series of good catches turned the game. Although Barton slumped to 142 – 7, the tail had a wag in it an almost stole it the death. With 6 needed to win off the last ball Bartons batsman missed and the game was Elfords. Ant Wright and Danny Haines took 3 wickets each while Drabble and Smith took 1 a piece.

Kings Bromley 1 st XI Vs Elford 2nd XI - Burton League Division 2

With the seconds desperately short of players a makeshift XI travelled to Kings Bromley. Batting first Elford made steady progress as both Eric Dodd 47 & Dave Able 43 just missed on their half centuries. Tim Whitehouse 33 and Tony Allen 20 also chipped in with runs to push the score on to 237 – 9 off 45 overs. Unfortunately Elford were reduced to 9 man for much of Kings Bromley's innings and Elfords total soon became an easy target. Dave Abel did his best with the ball, taking 3 – 34 off 9 but it was in vain as Bromley stole in the last over to win by 3 wickets.

Trentside Sun XI Vs Elford Sun XI - Lichfield League Division 2

Elford Sun XI travelled to newcomers Trentside and were beaten by a strong opposition. Although Elford posted a reasonable 178, Dave Emery top scoring with 38, Trentside knocked off the runs for the loss of 7 wickets. Rich Collett took 3 wickets on his debut for the club.

Week 6 | 29th / 30th May 2004

Woodville Vs Elford 1sts - Inchcape Burton Premier League

Elford slumped to a disappointing 5-wicket defeat at bottom placed Woodville. Despite a good start from the Elford Openers, Elford soon found themselves in trouble as the middle order collapsed. Rich Collett (12) & Simon Smith (35) were going well until the pair were dismissed in quick succession. From 44 –0, Elford crashed to 79 – 6, Rob Drabble obliged with a breezy 33 while Rob Wright battled hard with a gritty 22. Elford closed on 154 ao off just 39 overs, giving away 6 valuable overs to the homeside. Elford bowled well in response and were unlucky not   to penetrate the Woodville top order sooner. Rob Drabble returned the best figures of 2 – 30 off 12, while RJ Collett, Hughes and Starkey picked up a wicket a piece. However Elford could never really apply the pressure needed to defend the small total as Woodville seemed to find the boundary with every shot. Woodville reached the total in the 45th over with 5 wickets remaining.

Week 7 | 5th / 6th June 2004

Elford 1sts XI Vs Trentside 1sts | Inchcape Burton Premier League

Premier League newcomers Elford, suffered a 8 wicket home defeat at the hands of Burton outfit Trentside. Having been asked to bat first, Elford once again made good progress with Simon Smith and Rich Collett. But similar to last week, wickets went down to easily in the middle order leaving Elford short of runs. Ben Hughes was the main stay in the line up as he scored his first half century of the season hitting 55. Dave Emery chipped in with 23 while Jimmy Harvey blasted a quick fire 21 to push Elford onto188 ao off 45 overs.

Trentside came out playing their shots and were soon going well despite the bowlers and fielders best efforts. To compound problems Elford were reduced to 10 men for much of the innings as Dan Haines was injured while bowling. However Elford did restore some pride in the form of Rob Collett as he took a wicket with some demon spin, followed by a sharp catch to claim 2 wickets and a point.

Lichfield 3rds XI Vs Elford 2nds | Burton League Division 2

The seconds finally returned to winning ways with style as they rolled over Lichfield 3rds by 9 wickets. The Elford bowlers tore through the Lichfield Line up as only R Lust put up any resistance with 46. Ed Collett bowled well to return figures of 3 – 34 off 12 while Tony Allen, Roger Randall & Dave Abell all picked up 2 wickets a piece. In return Elford eased their way to victory with only the loss of MacDonald on 9. Eric Dodd 26 and Dave Abell 45 were left unbeaten. 12 valuable points, pushing the seconds out of the relegation zone.

Week 8 | 12th June 2004

Hilton 1 st XI Vs Elford 1 st XI | Inchcape Burton Premier League

Elford once again found it hard going in the Premier League as they went down to a seven wicket defeat away at Derbyshire outfit Hilton. Elford found it hard going on a lively bowler friendly pitch. Despite some early wickets falling Rich Collett looked in good form before being given LBW with a ball that shot along the pitch. Brother Rob also looked in good form as he hit his first half-century for the club with 59. Once again though to many Elford wickets went down in too short a period of time. Only Tony Long put any resistance up as the innings crumbled to 154ao off just 40 overs. Elford started brightly in defending the small total but could never put any real pressure on as Hilton had 50 overs to get the runs. Danny Haines bowled well picking up 2 – 31 off 11, while Dave Emery produced some quick thinking in the field to claim a run out. However that was the only wickets Elford could muster, as Hilton cruised home with 7 wickets to spare.

Elford 2nds Vs Yoxall 1sts | Burton League Division 2

The seconds came back to earth with a bump, as they also went to a heavy defeat at the hands of Yoxall. Elford got off to the worst possible start as they slumped to 17 – 4 off 7 overs. However the middle order battled hard and swung the game back in the home sides favour. James Paulson, playing in his first game for nearly 7 weeks returned in style to hit 52. He was supported well by good knocks from Sam Leech (35) & Malcolm MacDonald (28). There were also notable performances from Tim Whitehouse (21) and Jimmy Harvey (25). Elford Innings finished on 186 – 9, with over 120 of those runs coming from the number 6 batsman downwards. Despite a reasonable total, the Elford bowling attack lacked the penetration to make headway into the visitors attack and could only pick up 2 wickets through Dave Able and Ed Collett. Yoxall eased to 189 – 2 off 35 overs.

Week 9 | 20th/21st June 2004

Elford 1 st XI Vs Uttoxeter 1st XI | Inchcape Burton Premier League

Elford moved out of the relegation zone with a 7 wicket victory over Uttoxeter. Reduced to 40 overs due to an early pre match downpour, Uttoxeter struggled to make any sort of headway against the opening bowlers. The visitors only reached 50 after the 24 th over, as Haines (12 – 5 – 23 – 0) and Drabble (12 – 4 – 27 – 1) bowled very tightly to peg the openers back. However it was the introduction of Rob Collett and Ant Wright, which saw the wickets tumble. As the pressure mounted in the remaining overs the pair swept through the innings to roll the visitors all out for just 98. Collett finished with season best of 5 – 12 off 7 while Wright ended up with 3 – 35 off 6. In reply Elford never looked in trouble and eased to victory with wicked and overs to spare. Gaz Starkey 35* and Rich Collett 26 led the side home.

Uttoxeter 2nds Vs Elford 2nds | Burton & District League Division 2

The seconds in a reverse fixture managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, as they lost by a slender 10 runs. After fielding first, Elford had kept Uttoxeter down to just 218 – 5. Tim Whitehouse 2 – 57 and Simon Carlin 2 – 45 (including a suburb one handed caught and bowled) were the leading wicket takers. Things continued to go Elfords way as they made steady progress with the opening batsman scoring freely. Eric Dodd continued his recent good form with 40 while Simon Carlin found his touch with virtually a faultless 104. Then disaster struck as Elford capitulated from 185 – 2 to 208 all out. The last seven batsman only managed 18 runs between them including 4 ducks.

Longdon Sun XI Vs Elford Sun XI| Lichfield League Division 2

The Sunday side finally broke their duck and notched up their first win of the season with a 57 run victory at Longdon. Batting first Elford only mustered 180 on a small pitch despite some notable knocks from John Ross 35, Mark Spalton 29 & James Paulson 23. Despite the modest total, Elfords bowling attack was too much for the home side as they crashed 10 116 ao. Tony Allen 4 – 9 was the star of the show while Paulson, Boden and Rob & Ed Collett all were amongst the wickets.

Week 10 | 27th/28th June 2004

Burton 1st XI Vs Elford 1st XI | Inchcape Burton Premier League

Elford 2nd XI Vs Burton 2nd XI | Burton League Div 2

Games Cancelled RAIN !!!!

Week 11 | 3rd July 2004

Elford 1sts Vs Winshill 1sts | Burton & District Premier League

Elford slumped to a 9 wicket defeat at the hands of Winshill despite scoring nearly 200 runs. Elford had started brightly once again as Skipper Simon Smith and Rich Collett looked to push the score on. Unfortunately Elford slumped from 89 – 0 to 196 ao in 45 overs. Smith fell to short of his half century on 48 while Rich Collett fell on 34. Brother Rob looked in good form before “holing out” on 33. Dave Emery 20 and Tony Long 19* also chipped in with useful knocks. However it wasn't so much the lack of the bowlers making the chances so much as numerous drop catches that led to the homesides downfall. In the end Elford just couldn't get past the top the three batsman, as they eased home with wickets to spare.

Winshill 2nds Vs Elford 2nds | Burton League Division 2

The seconds also had a bad day in the park as they failed to score enough runs on a small Winshill ground. Simon Carlin looked impressive again with a top score of 60 while Dodd, Able, MacDonald and Allen all chipped in with scores in the 30s. Unfortunately, Elfords score of 210 would prove hard to defend and when Winshill opened up their shoulders with the bat they scored at 10 an over in the last 10 overs to the win the game by 5 wickets.

Elford Sun XI Vs North Warwickshire | Lichfield League Division 2

Week 12 | 10th July 2004

Elford 1sts Vs Alrewas 1sts | Inchcape Burton Premier League

Elford lost by 82 runs

Elford continued to find life in the Premier League hard as they lost at home to local rivals Alrewas. Elford started brightly and had Alrewas in all sorts of trouble early on as the visitors slumped to 29 – 4 off 10 overs. Danny Haines 4 – 45 and Rob Drabble 1 – 39 helped to create the early damage. However no fewer than 6 drop catches went down in the field allowing Alrewas back into the game. Ben Hughes continued to make chances and was rewarded with 3 – 56 after an unlucky start. By the close of the innings Alrewas had found their way back into the game and finished on a 233 ao.

In reply Elford played some lose shots and allowed Alrewas to take control of the game. Rob Wright was playing well before being stumped on 24, only to found out after the game he had broken his wrist in 2 places. Stand in captain Rob Collett plugged away and top scored on 63 while Malcolm MacDonald offered some amusement with some towering sixes to claim a point for the home side. Elford finished on 151 - 9

Week 13 | 17th July 2004

Draycott 1sts Vs Elford 1sts | Burton Premier League Division

Elford recent poor form continued as they crashed to a 167 runs defeat at Draycott & Hanbury. After doing the initial hard work in the field by bowling at the homeside for 225, Elford proceeded to throw the game away with the bat. At one stage Draycott were 58 – 3 with their Barbadian pro Larry Babb gone for 0. A committed bowling and fielding performance had allowed Elford a chance of picking up some points, but each Elford batsman throw away his wicket. Wickets were shared among Drabble, Smith, Haines, Collett and Wright.

Elford 2nds Vs Robirch Pheonix | Burton League Division 2

The 2nds had a far more enjoyable day in the park as they beat bottom of the table Robirch Phoenix by 4 wickets. Without their regular skipper and several other regular players, the makeshift XI picked up 9 valuable points to move them away from the foot of the table. Tim Whitehouse bowled well with 3 – 36 off 12 while youngsters C Able & Matt Topham showed a lot of promise with the ball, bowling tightly.

Chasing 191 to win, Elford started with the worst possible start as the top disappeared for just 3 runs leaving the homeside on 3 – 3. However Dave Able turned into the saviour as he hit a match winning 75 partnered by Tim Whitehouse 32. It was left to father and son Riley to lead Elford home by 4 wickets.

Week 14 | 24th July 2004

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

Despite several 1sts teamers in action for the 2nds, it wasn't enough to save them from a 90 runs defeat away at Ashby Town. On a low bouncing track, the Elford bowlers struggled to generate much pace. However Tom Riley bowled well picking up 3 - 33. Ashby hit their way to 214 - 7 after some late wayward bowling. Once again though despite the bowler's best efforts the batsman failed to score enough runs. Only Tim Whitehouse put up any stubborn resistance with 30 while opener Eric Dodd had looked comfortable on 19 before being bowled. In the end the 2nd stuttered to 124 all out claiming just a point.

Week 15 | 31st July 2004

Elford 1st XI Vs Walton 1st XI | Burton Premeir League

Elfords premiership season continued to suffer as once again they failed to make an impact with the bat. In a game sponsored by Back Page Media Ltd , the homeside were asked to bat first and were coping well despite some lively bounce. Smith batted bravely for 29 while Carlin toiled away despite only scoring 7. However once the openers had been dismissed the Elford procession started once again. Dave Emery put up a little resistance with 18 before being caught behind. From 59 – 0, Elford added just 49 more runs for 10 wickets, eventually being bowled out for 108 off 32 overs. In reply, Walton made had little trouble in reaching the modest total despite the bowlers best efforts, and passed the total with plenty of overs to spare and 10 wickets intact.

Centre Set Vs Elford 2nds XI | Burton League Division 2

With more than six 1st teamers absent, the 2nds were poached to play in the First team leaving the side short. The game at Centre Set was eventually conceded despite the skippers best efforts on Saturday morning.

Abbots Bromley Sun XI Vs Elford Sun XI | Lichfield League Division 2

The Sunday XI continue to find themselves in the hearty of the relegation zone despite a respectable defeat away at Abbots Bromley. The homeside side Elford 246 to win off 40 overs. Allen and Rob Collett bowled well while the legendary Bob Aubury tricked the opposition with 8 overs of balls that didn't turn to take 3 - 50. On the downside Tony Allen has a suspected broken bone in his hand after stopping a bullet in the covers to save 3 runs. (Commitment son). On the bright side, Jimmy Harvey scored his 1st half century for the club, while Rob Collett blasted a quick fire 40. Dave Emery was in the runs again with 37, although it wasn't enough as Elford fell some 48 runs short to pick up 3 more desperately needed points.

Week 16 | 7th August 2004

Barton 1sts Vs Elford 1sts | Inchcape Burton Premier League

Elford fell to their fifth consecutive defeat as they wilted in the August Sun. Having been asked to field first, Elford found themselves chasing the ball to all corners of the park as Barton punished any lose bowling. Barton were going so well they had reached 120-0 off 15 overs. However the introduction of spin bowling on the pitch helped and wickets began to tumble, although runs were still came with apparent ease. Ant Wright took 4 – 75 while Rob Drabble polished off the tail with 3 – 63. Barton were bowled out for 289. Elford made a respectable chase despite falling some 90 runs short. Simon Smith 33, Ben Hughes 42 and Gaz Starkey 26 had set up the run chase well. But from 100 –1, Elford slumped to 100 –4 as Carfoot took a hatrick. Elford never recovered despite Rob Vickers best efforts as played an almost faultless innings for 46. Elford reached 199 – 9 in reply. 

Elford 2nds Vs Kings Bromley 1sts | Burton League Division 2

The Seconds find themselves in the heart of the relegation zone as they conceded their 3rd game of the season. Apparently only 4 players were available this weekend.

Elford Sun XI Vs Longdon Sun XI | Lichfield League Division 2

The Sunday XI were finally relegated from Division Two of the Lichfield League as they crashed to a 140 run defeat at home to Longdon. Longdon had batted first and scored 248 with Ant Wright returning the best figures of 2 - 19. Elford had started brightly in their reply as Dave Emery and top scorer Rob Drabble 45 were racing along at the required run rate. However once they had departed, Elford slumped to 108 all out and will no almost certainly be relegated.

Week 17 | 14th August 2004

Elford 1sts Vs Woodville 1sts | Inchcape Burton Premier League

Barton 2nds Vs Elford 2nds | Burton League Division 2

The seconds fought hard in a spirited performance despite losing by seven wickets to leaders Barton. The side had 4 “non cricketers” playing. The makeshift side needn't have been so short if Woodville had told the club the 1sts fixture was off, allowing players to make up the numbers in the 2nds. As it was the 2nds had 10 players so Danny Haines dropped down to play.

Batting first Elford found it hard going against a tight attack getting a lot out of the pitch. James Paulson made a breezy 12 while Dave Allen playing his first game for the club in a number of years hung around in the middle order. Unfortunately no batsman got in and Extras became the top score with 22. In fact the highest partnership was the 10 th wicket where James Harris in only 2 nd ever game of cricket scored 7* while injured skipper Tony Allen scored 8. The pair put on 17, leaving Elford on a modest 83 all out.

Week 18 | 21st August 2004

Trentside 1sts Vs Elford 1sts

Elford's relegation worries returned as they lost to mid tabled Trentside by 30 runs. Having asked the homeside to bat first on damp wicket, The Elford bowlers worked hard to restrict Trentside. Rob Drabble and Danny Haines pegged the Branston outfit down to 80 – 2 of 24 overs. The introduction of Ant Wright to the attack produced the desired results as his spin took 3 – 50. Simon Smith picked up a couple of wickets as Trentside pushed the score onto 214 – 7 off 45 overs.

Skipper Simon Smith, who scored his third century of the season with an impressive 106 (12 fours & 5 sixes), dominated the Elford innings. Only Rich Collett (15) and Jimmy Harvey (10) made double figures to support his innings. Elford finally were bowled out for 185 with an over to spare.

Elford 2nds Vs Lichfield 3rds

The 2nds playing with 11 men for the first time in a month, picked up 3 points against Lichfield as they lost narrowly at home. Batting first, Eric Dodd (26), Dave Abell (26) and John Ross (16) led Elford to 142 – 8 off 45 overs. Dave Abell, Tim Whitehouse and debutant Ed Newton all bowled well picking up 2 wickets a piece. However Elford hadn't enough runs to defend as the visitors reached the total with 4 wickets and 5 overs to spare.

Week 19 | 28th August 2004

Elford 1sts Vs Hilton 1sts

Elford climbed out of the relegation zone despite losing to at Home to Hilton, as they picked up 3 bonus points to move themselves above Uttoxeter. Batting first Elford had looked in good shape despite the varied bounce of the wicket. Skipper Simon Smith was placing the ball to all corners of the park as he hit 74 while Rob Collett fell one short of his half century. Elford then proceeded to throw the innings away as they slumped from 131 – 2 to 178 all out. Only Danny Haines at number 11 made it into double figures as the next 6 batsman were dismissed for just 6 runs.

In reply Hilton looked to be cruising to victory before an inspired bowling chance and some pride were restored. Rob Collett took 3 – 10 as the homeside started to catch the ball and pulled the game back around. However the damage had been done as Hilton scrambled home with 4 balls to go and 3 wickets remaining.

Yoxall Vs Elford 2nds

The second's relegation plight deepened as they slumped to a 7-wicket defeat away at Yoxall. All the batsman seemed to get in and then proceed to get out again. Bob Aubury top scored with 27, while their other notable knocks from Tim Whitehouse 23 and Simon Carlin 18. Rob Wright returned after a six-week absence from injury and played well conceding only 7 byes. Like most of this season though Elford didn't score enough runs and the modest 146 was knocked off for the loss of 3 wickets and 6 overs to spare. James Tooze returned to action for the club after some time away and picked up 2 – 36 off 4.

Week 20 | 4th September 2004

Uttoxeter 1sts Vs Elford 1sts

Elfords relegation woes eased as they beat Uttoxeter in a must win game at the Racehorse Ground. Uttoxeter, batting first found themselves in all sorts of trouble as they were left reeling on 25 – 3. However Uttoxeter middle order fought back with some improvised strokes. Ant Wright 3 – 61 off 10 and Danny Haines 2 – 37 off 12 were the leading wicket takers, as Uttoxeter made a respectful 190 – 8 off 45 overs.

In reply Elford got off to the worst possible start as Rich Collett was dismissed of the first ball of the innings. However Rob Vickers 68 and Gaz Starkey 39 were in fine form as the pair led Elford to within touching distance of the total. A minor collapse ensued with the loss of a couple of quick wickets, until Ben Hughes led Elford to victory with an unbeaten 43.

Elford 2nds Vs Uttoxeter 2nds

Week 21 | 11th September 2004

Elford 1sts Vs Burton 1sts | Inchcape Burton Premier League

Lost by 13 runs

Elford ran out losers in a close game against Burton. Chasing 276 runs to win, Elford just missed out in the last over as they fell 13 runs short. Batting first Burton had got off to a flying start as they piled on the runs. However a change of pace brought about a change in fortunes as Ant Wright 2 – 38 off 12 and Ben Hughes 2 – 80 off 12 picked off the batsman and halted the run spree. Burton still had a wag in their tail as the lower order pushed the score onto a formidable 275 – 7.

Openers Gaz Starkey 57 and Rob Vickers 55 got Elford off to a flying start as they led the homeside to 112 before the loss of the first wicket. The impetus was picked up by stand in skipper Ben Hughes who top scored with a season best 60. A quick fire 25 from Rich Collett set Elford up, but the visitors score was a little to much despite Rob Drabble swing's and misses as Elford fell just short. Elford must now win their last game in their fight to stay in the Premier Division.

Burton 2nds Vs Elford 2nds | Burton & District Cricket League Div 2

Won by 10 wickets

The seconds needed to win this game by 12 points to stand any chance of fighting off relegation and proceeded to do exactly that as they rolled over Burton for just 60 runs. Dave Abell 5 – 22 and Skipper Tony Allen 4 – 31 tore through the Burton Innings allowing openers Simon Carlin 28* and Eric Dodd 16* to knock off the small total with ease. The seconds must to the same again next week to cheat relegation.

Week 22 | 18th September 2004

Winshill 1sts Vs Elford 1sts | Inchcape Burton Premier League

Elford cheated relegation as they comfortably beat Winshill by 5 wkts to finish outside the drop zone. Elford made the most of winning the toss as Winshill were asked to bat first on a wet and sticky wicket. Despite some hefty blows, the Elford bowling attack was too strong for the home teams batsman, as they were bowled out for 127 in 40 overs. Danny Haines 3 – 32 off 12 and Ben Hughes 4 – 31 off 9 did much of the damage.

Elford also found the wicket a little tricky to bat on, but were led once again by captain Simon Smith who top scored with 55. A couple of nervous ensued as the middle order wobbled. In the end it left to Rich Collett and Ben Hughes to see Elford home with a 5-wicket victory and 10 valuable points, keeping the side in the Premier League.

Elford 2nds Vs Winshill 2nds | Burton League Division Two