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WCL Reports

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Elford 1sts Vs Walmley 3rds
Warwickshire Div 5
Losing Draw
Wal 304-8
Elf 188-3

Elford and Walmley had to settle for a draw on a cool and blustery day at Brickhouse Lane.  Having asked the visitors to bat first, Walmley amassed an impressive 304-8 thanks mainly to a notable century from I Griffiths. Danny Haines (2 - 45 off10) was back amongst the wickets, helping too make early in roads into the top order, while Lenny Allsop ‘bought’ 3 wickets for 85 lower down the innings. There was also a wicket a piece for skipper Tony Allen and Paul Baldwin. However, a some what sloppy performance in field allowed the visitors to score several more runs than Elford would have liked.
Elfords reply was steady and slow as they looked to put the bad ball away without playing to many loose shots. This was an art which Paul Baldwin took to heart as he produced one of the more astonishing innings witnessed at the club. For the second week running he carried his bat, although this was made more remarkable for the fact that he scored just 11 runs (including 2 fours) of 131 balls! He dropped anchor while Paul Jones 29 and Danny Hackett 71* opened their arms. Hackett in particular played well, hitting long and straight to a somewhat frustrated and bemused opposition. The game petered out to a draw long before the 50th over, by which time Elford had amassed 188-3 and share of the points.

Walmley 4ths Vs Elford 2nds
Warwickshire Div 5a
Lost by 5 wkts
Elf 139ao
Wal 141-5

Having won the toss and electing to bat first, Elfords innings got off to a slow start as Chris Griffiths and Tom Marshall saw off the first 15 overs. However the wickets soon started to tumble and Elford soon found themselves 52-5. The fight back began with Simon Godsmark who batted excellently for 58 (his first 50 for Elford), Paul Nott and Harvey Bowstead again batted sensibly to see out the overs, Tommy Griffiths and Jules Davies hit a couple of boundaries but Elford ended 136 all out.

Walmley started nervously as ‘veteran’ Rob Drabble took 2 wickets in the first 10 Overs. Elford continued to toil and when Simon Godsmark took a good catch, followed up with an impressive run out, the home team were looking shaky at 90-5. Walmleys young middle order played aggressively and soon chased down the score for a comfortable and deserved victory, despite a brave performance by Elford.
A special mention that the game was played in a brilliant spirit and both teams enjoyed their game. Also congratulation to Simon Godsmark for his first Elford 50.

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Hunningham Vs Elford
Warwickshire Cricket League 5
Lost by 235 runs
Hun 315-4
Elf 80

Elfords unbeaten run came to a crashing end as an under strength 1st team was comprehensively beaten away at league leaders Hunningham. Having turned up in dribs and drabs following a long journey for an early start, Elford were asked to field first. It was Captain Tony Allens day with the ball as he easily was the most effective bowler on a slow pitch. His gentle swing bowling was perfect for the conditions as he took 4 -55 off 15 overs. In fact he took the only wickets of the home sides innings, as Hunningham recovered from 78-4 to 315-4! On a bad day in the field, Elford were punished for a sloppy display as they wiltered away in the summer sun.  Their performance with the bat was equally as abject as the top order capitulated. Elfords innings never got started and the less said about it the better. Paul Badlwin carried his bat for 27* as he showed a determined and gritty display, but even with a slight rearguard from the tail, Hunningham had plenty of overs to wrap up proceedings. Elford finally succumbed to the inevitable in the 33rd over for just 80, but at least had enough time to get home for the football!

Elford 2nds Vs Bulkington 2nds
Warwickshire Cricket League 5a
Lost by 3 wkts
Elf 190-9
Bul 191-7

After losing the toss and being asked to bat elford got off to a poor start and were 20-3 from 7 overs, however a 50 partnership between S.Griffiths and M.Topham helped elfordget past 50 before S.Griffiths(28) was bowled. Topham continued to bat well and made a further 40 partnership with Barnes(20), Topham eventually got out caught on the boundary on 43. The lower order stuck in with Paul Nott and Harvey batting well. It was the last wicket partnership however who batted brilliantly to get Elford to 190-9 with Tommy .Griffiths getting 39 not out off 30 balls. On his home debut 14 year old G.Harrison ended not out and bravely survived.

The Bulkington innings got off to a solid start with the openers making 50, however a stunning catch from S.Griffiths off Topham's bowling broke the partnership. Wickets fell at regular interval's but needing under 4 an over bulkington stayed with the rate, Sam Griffiths ended with 3-33 off 15 over while Topham also chipped in with 2 wickets. Stu Edgar bowled very well at the end helped by an impressive feilding display. However, Bulkington kept their nerve and hit the winning runs with just 3 balls remaining.

Wishaw 2nds vs Elford
Lichfield District League Div 4
Elf 210-6
Rained off

Elford were left frustrated by the rain as a heavy downpour and thundery conditions put pay to any chance of a result. Having Batted first, Elford had notched up 210-6 thanks mainly to Paul Jones who a hit a terrific 103* to carry his bat. Other notable knocks came from Danny Hackett 30 and Malc MacDonald 29. However the heavy rain came at Tea and washed out any chance of further play.

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Elford 1sts Vs Aston 1sts
Warwickshire Div 5
Won by 8 wkts

Ast 127ao
Elf 130-2

Elford finally broke their long run without a victory as they comfortably turned over third placed Aston. Without a win a last season, and an indifferent start this season, Elford certainly wouldn’t have started as pre match favourites against an inform Aston. Skipper Allen decided to stick the same game plan as previous weeks and bowl first to the delights of his players in the June sunshine. However, he was quickly rewarded as Danny Haines (2-20) snatched a couple of early wickets to open up the middle order. It was Allen (3-28) himself who then provided the cutting edge with the ball as his gentle outswingers were far to much for the Aston batsman. In the space of 5 overs he managed to take 3 wickets including a sharp caught and bowled. Aston could have been in even more trouble when a close stumping went the way of opposition. It proved decisive for Aston as the player went onto score almost half of Astons total. Lenny Allsop, who returned to the side in over a 10 year absence provided the spark to turn the screw on the visitors. Allsop took 3 – 32 while Paul Baldwin mopped up the tail to take a deserved 2 – 39, as Aston collapsed from 103-5 to 127ao.

Despite the modest total, Elfords batting as often been their undoing. It was the first over of the innings which decisively swung the game to Elford as 19 came off it. Paul Baldwin uncharacteristically hit the first 3 balls for successive boundaries. Baldwin was dismissed for 22 in the 4th over with the score on 37! It was left to Allen (22), Paul Jones (37*) and Danny Hackett (31*) too steer Elford home, slowly picking off the bad balls, easing to a 8 wicket victory securing 20 points.

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Coventry Uni & RM CC vs Elford 1sts
Warwickshire Cricket League Div 5
Losing Draw

Cov 207ao
Elf 66-7

Elford were left damp, frustrated and eventually thankful to the wet weather as they had to settle for a losing draw once again. After much discussion, Elford travelled to Coventry in heavy rain with little prospect of play. However an optimistic hometeam and a break in the weather allowed the game to eventually get under way at 2.30, with a reduction a 40 overs per innings. Skipper Tony Allen importantly won the toss and duly elected to bowl first. Despite a hard and dry wicket (albeit with a damp patch on a length as well as on the crease!), the outfield was sodden on the ball quickly swelled up. Danny Haines once again made the initial breakthrough, too dismiss both openers. Despite the wet and cold conditions on the pitch, the University Bar adjacent to the pitch provided plenty of support and abuse in equal measure! A very surreal sight (and sound) to see 30 men all in drag, cheering on a cricket game in the rain! Meanwhile the action on the pitch took a decided swing towards the homeside as some ‘agriculture hitting’ elevated Cov Uni score. The introduction of Malc MacDonald (the ‘Scottish Pro’) brought about a change in the fortune, as he eventually dismissed the main Cov Uni danger man Tasseen for 116. Supported by good fielding and tight bowling, Elford got themselves back into the game and reduced the homeside from 170-4 to 207ao. Rob Collett bowled extremely well to take his first 5 wicket spell of the season picking up 5 – 16 in just over 5 overs.

With more rain falling over Tea, the pitch was increasingly more unfriendly to play on, made worse as Paul Baldwin was adjudged caught behind off the very first ball of the innings. Unfortunately his dismissal was just the prelude of bad things to come. Elford collapsed in the wet conditions, despite a breezy 21 from Rob Collett. Several more rain breaks followed as the players were on and off the pitch on regular intervals. At 42-5 Elfords innings looked as grim as the weather. However after several players slipped in the outfield, common sense prevailed as one final rain shower eventually finished the game.

Fillongley Sun XI vs Elford Sun ‘X’
Sunday Friendly
Lost by 34 runs

Fil 243-7
Elf 209-8

Elford fell 34 runs short in a good natured friendly away at Fillongley. Reduced to 10 men with a very late drop out, Elford took to the field first and were soon amongst the wickets thanks to some tight swing bowling from Tony Allen (2-35). He helped dismiss both openers thanks to some good keeping from Danny Hackett and safe pair of hands at slip by Lenny Allsop. Danny Haines (2-38) was also amongst the wickets against his former club with a nick behind to Hackett. With Fillongley three down, things could have got even worse for the homeside, as Simon Blackmore (69) was dropped first ball. However the reprieve allowed him to build a sizeable recovery with first team skipper Phil Hammond (107). It was the return of Lenny Allsop that brought about a change in fortunes, as he bowled his first spell in 2 years and his first the club in over 12! He took 3 – 29 off 6 and would surely have made it 4, without one of the easiest catches ive ever seen put down! (He shall remain nameless!) The homeside eventually finished on 243 – 7 off 40.

Elford made a steady start in reply, slowly building momentum thanks to an opening stand of 107 by Paul Baldwin & Sam Griffiths. Balders made his customary 25 while Sam went on to score a season best 91 including several hefty sixes. With an ever increasing runrate Elford lost their way a little after Griffiths dismissal, despite a quickfire 31 off 17 from skipper Danny Hackett. Elliott Allsop made his first run in senior cricket as well as remaining not out as Elford closed on 209 -8, some 34 runs short.

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Elford 1sts vs Coventry Dunlop 1sts
Warwickshire Div 5
Losing Draw

Dunlop 204ao
Elford 177-9

On the hottest afternoon of the year to date, Elford skipper Tony Allen made himself the most favourite member of the team by electing to field first, having won the toss! However, there seemed to be a method in his madness as Elford were soon amongst the wickets. In an eventful first 10 overs, Elford picked up 4 wickets (and dropped 3 catches) while the visitors scored 65 runs! Danny Haines took the first 3 wickets with some short pitched bowling, while the evergreen Rob Drabble picked up the other early wicket. The game calmed a little after, as Dunlop consolidated their innings until the unlikely introduction of Malc MacDoanld made the breakthrough. Despite not taking a wicket, he helped set up 2 run outs in his first couple of overs.  Paul Baldwin promptly came into the attack and took a wicket with his first ball, while yet another run out reduced to Dunlop to 9 down. A couple of late boundaries helped the vistors past the 200 mark before being bowled out in the 47th over.

With 53 overs to use, Elford got off to another very steady start thanks to Paul Baldwin 22 and Tony Allen 20. Having reached 57-1 off 23 overs, Elford were some way behind the runrate. However, with wickets in hand, the openers allowed the middle order to build the runchase thanks mainly to Danny Hackett. He looked in good touch as he hit 47, as partners around him came and went. The introduction of Paul Jones and Malc MacDoanld got the game going again as the pair put on 49 in just a few overs. After their dismissals though, with just 1 wicket remaining and some 30 runs short, Elford decided to opt for the draw. Danny Haines and John Ross saw off the last 5 overs to make sure Elford had a share of the points.

Elford Sun XI vs Centre Set
Lichfield League Div 4
Lost by 17 runs

CSCC 255-4
Elf 238ao

Elfords Sunday winning streak came to an end as they fell disappointingly 17 runs short on another warm afternoon. Elford once again fielded first in the heat and struggled in the summer sun with just 4 wickets being taken. Centre Set notched up 255-4 with the wickets being shared around the bowlers. Despite needing over 6 an over, Elfords batsman all made starts. Opener Sam Griffiths top scored with 62, while there were also notable contributions from Steph Hollingsworth 30, Malc MacDonald 29, Danny Hackett 28 and Paul Jones 28. Despite the good starts, none of them went onto make a big score to help set up the victory, leaving the tail just a little to much to do, falling 17 runs short in the final over.

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Wilnecote 1sts Vs Elford 1sts
Warwickshire Div 5
Elford lost by 110 runs

Wiln 227 – 7
Elf 117 ao

Elfords losing streak continued as their fell to a heavy defeat away at local rivals Wilnecote. In the first meeting between the two clubs since 2003, Elford elected to bowl first on a sunny and blustery afternoon. Elford soon found themselves in a commanding position in the game thanks to Paul Baldwin & Danny Haines. The pair put the skids on Wilnecote as the homeside were reduced to 63-6 off 20 overs, with Baldwin picking up 4-36 against his old club. However, Elfords early dominance slipped away as Wilnecote stole the advantage with some sloppy fielding and heavy hitting. The Wilnecote trio of Wayne, Corcoran and Yorke scored 165 between them to take the game away from Elford, to reach a competitive 227-7.

Elfords innings never got started despite a very good cameo from Rob Collett who scored an unbeaten 61 before running out of partners. Elfords innings included 4 ducks and despite some good fielding and bowling from Wilnecote, Elfords batsman were their own worst enemies. A disappointing derby day for Elford, which had and should have delivered far more from a commanding early position.

Elford vs Guildfordians 2nds
Lichfield Cricket League 4
Elf won by 62 runs

The Sunday made it back to back opening wins as they comfortably saw of the challenge of Guildfordians. Batting first, the Elford batsman put their Saturday woes behind them scoring with ease and speed. Second team skipper Sam Griffiths raced to 48 before being caught, while Steph Hollingsworth scored his highest total for the club with 64 off 57 balls. Sunday Captain, Danny Hackett was next to take up the runchase as he top scored with an unbeaten 81, helping lead Elford to 254-6 off 40 overs.  Guildfordians runchase was pegged back by some tight bowling as almost all the Elford bowlers got amongst the wickets. Paul Baldwin (1-17 off 8) and Tony Allen (2-18 off 8) bowled economically, while the evergreen Malc MacDonald made amends for his golden duck with 1-23 off 6. Tom Marshall bought a couple of wickets picking up 2 -44 while Sam Griffiths also chipped in with a late wicket to reduce the visitors to 192-7.

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Elford 1sts vs Newdigate 1sts
Warwickshire Div 5
Lost by 3 wkts
Elf 161-7
New 162 – 7

Elford were left to rue the fact they could only muster 9 men for the 1st team as they slipped to a 3 wicket defeat. In near Baltic conditions and occasional driving rain, Elford made a solid start thanks to the dependable Paul Baldwin and the inform Rob Collett. With tight bowling from the visitors, the first 20 overs saw the runs and wickets total rarely change. However Rob Collett led the way with 67, helped by Danny Hackett (26), as the pair put on 69 for the 3rd wicket. Paul Jones played a late cameo with a quickfire 24 to help Elford reach 161-7 off 50 overs.

Elford decided to attack to stand any chance of victory and were soon rewarded by some tight and aggressive bowling from Danny Haines. He dismissed the first 3 batsman to reduce the visitors to 37-3 off 10. With Elford briefly reduced to just 8 men in the field, the runs kept coming with ease despite Elfords best efforts. A stunning diving catch from Paul Jones helped kick start another Elford resurgence as Paul Baldwin bowled with pace to take 3 more quick wickets. On 117 for 6 for game was poised but Newdiage held their nerve exploiting the gaps in the field, helped by their captain who remained unbeaten on 65. Rob Drabble took a late wicket, but it was a ‘bridge to far’ for Elford who would have surely ensured a much tighter finish had they 11 fielders.

Tamworth 2nds vs Elford Sun XI
Lichfield League Div 4
Won by 6 wkts
Tam 117ao
Elf 118-4

Elford Sun got off to a winning start against a young Tamworth side. Bowling first, Elford made early inroads into the Tamworth Innings as Tony Allen took a wicket with the first ball of the game. Stu Edgar bowled very economically conceding just 7 runs off 8 overs to take 3 wickets in the process. Paul Baldwin picked a tidy 3-16 off 8, while there were also wickets for both the Griffiths brothers. Tamworth were bowled out for 117 with Captain Gary Taylor top scoring with 54. Elford got off to a flying start as another Griffiths combination, this time father (Chris) and son (sam),  scored 40 off the first 5 overs. Elford wobbled slightly as Tomson took 3 wickets for Tamworth reducing Elford to 61-4 before Tony Allen 40* and Stu Edgar 16* saw the game out for a comfortable victory.

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Stockingford 1sts vs Elford 1sts
1st May 2020
WCL 5
Lost by 5 wkts

Elf 104ao
Sto 105-5

Elford lost their opening game of the season as they failed to score enough runs on a damp early season wicket. Despite Hackett’s, dismissal to a ‘tennis shot’ early on, Elford started brightly enough with Paul Baldwin (22) and Rob Collett (32) looking set. Once again though, Elford managed to press the self destruct button with the bat as they promptly collapsed from 78 – 2 to 104 ao in the 45th over.

With a small total on the board, Elford remained positive in the field and were rewarded as Danny Haines and Rob Collett tore into the top order. Haines picked up 3 – 32 off 10 helped by a stunning one handed catch at slip by Rob Collett; as they pair reduced the homeside to 38-4 of 13 overs. Even a timeout was on the cards as the Stockingford batsman scrambled to get their pads on! However the small total was slowly chased down diligently by Stockingfords middle order, as Elford couldn’t quite make the breakthrough needed. Tom Marshall showed promise again, as he took a wicket with his 3rd ball with the scores level! A disappointing result for Elford, but plenty of positives with the bowling and fielding.

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Players Wanted!

Elford Cricket Club are looking for new (& former) players of all standards, young or old. The club is once again competing in the Warwickshire League on Saturdays, fielding a 1st & 2nd Team, while also playing in the Lichfield League on a Sunday. Weather you haven't played since school or your keen club cricketer, all are welcome to join this local friendly club. Please contact either Tony Allen ( 07794 281329 ) for Saturdays or Danny Hackett ( 07890 668047 ) for Sundays.

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Pre Seaon Reports

Elford Sun XI vs Essington & Great Wyrley 2nd XI
Sun 25th April 2010
Sunday Friendly
Lost by 59 runs

EGW2 120ao
Elford 61ao

Having elected to field first, skipper Danny Hackett was soon rewarded by his opening bowlers who tore into the visitors top order. After 10 overs Wyrley had been reduced to 26-6, before the experienced Mark Smith steadied the middle order.  Elford continued to swap the bowling around and were rewarded by good spells by everyone, despite Wyrley recovering to pass the 100 mark. A notable menbtion to Tom Marshall who’s first ball took a wicket with the’ wrong un’. Danny Haines came back at the end to wrap up proceedings to take 5 – 21 off 7, as he looked somewhere near match fit for the first time in 18 months.

Elfords reply was not that short and not that sweet, as they looked a little rusty with the bat. Paul Baldwin pre season form continued as he scored a third of the innings total with 26! With 4 other Ducks including Rob Drabble golden quacker, (playing a defensive shot – a lesson to be leant me thinks), Elfords inning soon petered out to a disappointing 61ao. Despite a poor batting performance including several self inflicted run outs, Elford can take plenty of positives with the ball, with good bowling spells by everyone.

Elford 1sts Vs Walmley 3rds
Sat 17th April 2010
Saturday Friendly
Losing Draw

Wal 167-8
Elf 145-5

Danny Hackett scored the first half century of the season as he helped earn Elford a draw against fellow Division 5 side Walmley. Having elected to field first, Elford had helped restrict the visitors to 165-8 thanks mainly to Paul Baldwin 3 – 26  and Stu Edgar 2 – 22. Helped by tight fielding and catches taken, Elford looked a little better in the field than the previous week. Once again Paul Baldwin helped to cement up the innings with an economical 32 from 102 balls! Despite the boycott jibes, ill say to any batsman you don’t score runs in the pavilion! The much improved Chris Griffiths looked good for 19, while Ian Redgate looks to have grown in confidence with some new found aggressive shots. Another positive day all round with all 11 players adding something useful to the side.

Elford 1sts Vs St Matthews Burntwood
Sat 10th April 2010
Saturday Friendly
Won by 9 runs

Elf 100ao
SMB 91ao

Elford somehow managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat on an unusually hot April afternoon. Having collapsed to 20-5 after 7 overs, deja vu was rearing its disturbing head. Mutterings of ‘another long season’ soon were being branded about, before Haines & Baldwin joined forces once again. With some members of the team wishing they’d be anywhere in the world bar watching dot ball after dot ball, the due dug deep again and slowly eked out the runs. The pair put on 55 before Haines chased a wide one, while Baldwin went on to top score with a very well earned 43. The platform was just enough for the tail to push onto 100 before being bowled out.

Despite a good start from the Elford bowlers, St Matthews looked in relative comfort at 71 - 3 off 19 overs. However a collapse the home side would usually be proud ensued as Elford turned the screw to bowl out the visitors 9 runs short of the target. Danny Haines, Sam Griffiths & Paul Baldwin all took 3 wickets a piece on a winning start to the season.

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Cricket Dinner

Saturday 6th March 2010
Darnford Moors Golf Club, Lichfield
Guest Speaker - ANGUS FRASER

Tickets ?35-00

3 Course Dinner and Coffee - Choice of Menu

7.00 for 7.30 start

Once again this promises to be an excellent evening so please do try to come along.
We are pleased to say that we have held the price of the tickets for the 4th year running.
Please contact me directly for the price for Junior members.

Please remember that this is not only for players but for wives,
partners,family and friends and any one who you think would be keen to come along.

PLEASE come along and support YOUR cricket club.

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Saturday 5th September

Over 40s vs Under 40s
Unfriendly
Under 40s won by 22 runs
Under 177 - 4 off 25 overs
Over 156ao

Highlights
Sam Griffiths 46
Sam Leech 40
Danny Hackett 50 retired
Geoff Hackett 2 - 9 off 4

Eric Dodd 54*
Geoff Hackett 20 Retired Hurt
Gaz Leech 20
Dave Eastope 3 -10 off 2
Julian Davies 2 - 10 off 3
Danny Haines 1 - 12 off 4

Images >

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Week 20 - Saturday 29th August 2009

Elford 1sts Vs Erdington Court 1sts
Warwickshire League Div 4
Lost by 133 runs
Erd 212 -8
Elf 79ao

Elfords miserable form continued as they lost their final game of the season. The problem once again was the batting, best demonstrated by the fact that Elford collapsed from 47-0 to 79ao, losing 9 wickets for just 32 runs! Having elected to field first, Elford applied themselves well with the ball, exploiting the best out of the pitch. Despite some drop catches Elford soon made inroads into the visitors innings, with both Rob Drabble & Paul Baldwin bowling well. Danny Haines bowled his longest spell in over 13 monthes to claim 3 – 65 of 15, while Captain Tony Allen also bowled well, varying his pace to take 4 – 69 off 15. Despite a dangerous start, Erdington innings was restricted to 212 – 8 off 50 overs. Unfortunately, Elfords batting was their undoing as they capitulated in the usual fashion. Paul Baldwin (33) & Tom Marshall (11) batted sensibly all be it very building a solid start. However once the pair had been dismissed, Elford lost their nerve and the match, ending on 79ao. A disappointing end to the season, to what had been Elford's worst performance in the league for several decades.

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Post Match View

What has been a difficult season in the way of results for the club is almost at an end. With just one game to go, an already relegated first team has nothing left to play for, other than pride. Having played for the club for twelve years, this had been the hardest season to take. What I find even harder to take is the fact that once again, the first team has traveled to fixtures with just 8 players. No first team/club can continue in this fashion, as games become pointless and a thoroughly miserable experience for those players left to endure it. Saturday's fixture was the fifth time in two seasons that the firsts have played with 9 men or fewer. Even more worrying is that out the 30 games played in the last two seasons, on only 18 occasions have we had 11 players, leaving over a third of fixtures with less than the full quota. Yet, the 2007 season, the first XI used 15 players all season, two of which only played 1 game! I'm not blaming anyone for the position we find ourselves in, but currently I can not see the club continuing its current format in the long term. The club cannot sustain two teams without either greater commitment or old/new faces. Likewise the prospect of running one team will do little to infuse any remaining players wishing to play at a decent standard. However, these are only my personal views and I hope I'm proved wrong. I know there are a lot of people who have dedicated a lot of time, money & effort to the club this season. I would like to thank all those who have helped with the Teas, the ground, the Bar, the Juniors as well as the players themselves who have turned up even when times have been difficult.

Dan Haines

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2009 - Match Reports

Week 19 - Saturday 22nd August 2009

Five Ways OE 1sts vs Elford 1sts
Warwickshire Div 4
Lost by 10 wkts
Elf 216 – 6
FWOE 217-0

An already relegated Elford side, with nothing left to play for other than pride, could only find 8 willing men to travel to Five Ways Old Eds. Having won the toss, Elford decided to bat first on a warm afternoon and make the best of a difficult position. Things didnt get off to the best start when Marshall was bowled early on, but Danny Haines dug in, while Malc MacDonald played his usual cavalier innings. MacDonald hit a quickfire 23, before Sam leech took over his mantle. Once again, leading run scorer Leech looked in good form, only to be caught off a full toss for 26. Haines finally succumbed to a LBW shout just after the drinks break for a stubborn 26, Elford's lower order doggedly hung on and continued to frustrate the homeside. Paul Baldwin finished unbeaten on 33 while Gaz Starkey looked in good touch for 31, despite not being able to run! Elford amazingly weren't even bowled out, finishing 216 – 6 off 50 overs to claim 4 batting points. Unfortunately that was the highlight of the game over with, as defending the total was a near impossible task with just 6 fielders in the field. Even with some sloppy fielding, Five Ways made short work of the total, reaching it inside 29 overs. Elford were left to rue a game which would have been very different with 11 men.

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Week 16 - Saturday 8th August 2009

Elford 1sts Vs Hunningham 1sts
Warwickshire Cricket League 4
Losing Draw
Hun 176 ao
Elf 137 - 8

Elford managed to avoid defeat and even threatened the unthinkable (victory) as they claimed a losing draw at home to Hunningham. On a rare sunny afternoon and with the luxury of 11 players, Skipper Tony Allen inserted the opposition, and was soon rewarded with some excellent bowling from Rob Drabble (2-32) and Paul Baldwin. The due had the visitors in all sorts of trouble, as Hunningham slumped to 29-4. The visitors middle order recovered under the guidance of their skipper while Gaz Starkey bowled tightly with 1 -23 off 10. Unfortunately a serious shoulder injury to Chris Browne resulted in Elford back down to 10 men and a night in hospital for the unlucky player.

On a more positive note, Danny Haines returned to the Elford bowling attack, to take his first wicket of the season. A combination of excellent fielding and tight bowling from Paul Baldwin, who took a deserved 4-27 off 14, helped Hunningham's last 5 wickets to fall for just 6 runs.

Elford didn't get off the best possible start and were in familiar territory on 23 – 3 off 9 overs. However Sam Leech and Danny Hackett (24) showed some spirit, plying sensibly to edge Elford a little closer. Once again though, despite a promising start, Sam Leech fell for 24, leaving Rob Drabble to ply his batting technique. He bludgeoned a quick fire 27 including an off side shot leaving Elford needing 70 off 22 overs. Like Hunningham though, Elford lost a series of quick wickets and were starring down the barrel on 98 – 7 a couple of overs later. Paul Baldwin and Danny Haines proceeded to bat out the next 17 overs, scratching any run possible in order to see Elford avoid another defeat. A nervy finish ensued when Haines was adjudged LBW with 3 overs to go, but Elfords tail hung onto the draw.

Four Oaks Sun XI vs Elford Sun XI
Lichfield Cricket League Div 4
Lost by 4 wkts
Elf 160 – 8
FOCC 161-6

Elford Sun XI traveled to Four Oaks on their final game of the season. Batting first, Elford lost Griffiths and Dodd early on but recovered under a Ross Sedgely (39) and Sam “made a start” Leech (23). Runs were difficult to come by on a low bouncing pitch and equally slow outfield, as Elfords middle toiled away. Captain Danny Hackett played well for 29, while Elford lower order all chipped in with a couple of runs each to see Elford post a modest 160 – 8 off 40 overs.

Danny Haines returned to the side and promptly exploited the conditions bowling tightly in his longest spell in over 12 months to claim a miserly 2 – 7 off 8 overs. Paul Baldwin was once again amongst the wickets picking up 2 – 39 while the Scottish pro, Malc MacDonald surprised the batsman with a ball that turned. Unfortunately, Elford couldn't maintain the pressure without a 5 th bowler and after some very unlucky appeals were turned down, Four Oaks scrabbled to the total with 2 overs to spare.

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Week 15 - Saturday 1st August 2009

Elford 1sts vs Aston OE 1sts
Warwickshire Div 4

Match Abandoned

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Week 14 - Saturday 25th July 2009

Wolvey 1sys vs Elford 1sts
Warwickshire Div 4

Match Report to follow

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Week 13 - Saturday 18th July 2009

Elford 1sts vs Newbold 1sts
Warwickshire Div 4

Match Report to follow

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Week 12 - Saturday 11th July 2009

Copsweood WIW 1sts vs Elford 1sts
Warwickshire Div 4

Match Report to follow

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Week 11 - Saturday 4th July 2009

Elford 1sts vs Haunchwood 1sts
Warwickshire Div 4

Match Report to follow

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Week 9 - Saturday 27th June 2009

Erdington Court 1sts vs Elford 1sts
Warwickshire Div 4
Erd 182 – 8
Elf 127 ao
Lost by 55 runs
3 pts

Elford's miserable form with the bat continued as they slumped to their sixth defeat of the season. With the halfway point of the season reached, Elford will need a minor miracle to avoid a second consecutive relegation. In a season which was always going to be difficult with long term injuries and several players leaving, Elford have struggled to compete at a consistent level. Once again, Elford fielded and bowled pretty well, but not for the first time this season, were sadly let down the bat. In fact things couldn't have got off to a better start with opener Paul Baldwin vicious throat bowl hitting the splice of the bat and looping to Haines in the gully, to take a wicket with the first ball. Elford's start got even better with the dangerous McAvan's falling early, leaving the hosts slumped at 31 -3 off 12 overs. Erdington's middle order dug in and produced a couple of notable partnerships, while Gaz Starkey and Rob Drabble both bowled too pick up a couple of wickets a piece. Erdington closed on a reasonable 182 – 8. Having narrowly avoided some large thunderstorms passing by, Elford batsman once again struggled to chase down a total. Sam Leech top scored with 35, while Danny Hackett (23) and Scott Wilson (17) made a fight of it lower down the innings. Unfortunately for Elford, they were bowled out for 127 some 55 runs short. This was the third time in 3 weeks that Elford have been bowled in the 36 th over, which suggests were some of the problems lye.

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Week 8 - Saturday 20th June 2009

Elford 1sts vs Five Way OE
WCL Div 4
No Play
4 pts
Lost by 99 runs

In a season that has become increasingly harder for the club, Elford were comfortable beaten by promotion chasing Five Ways OE. Playing with only 10 men with the missing Dave Emery, chance of victory was made even harder. Paul Baldwin 3 – 59 and Rob Drabble 3 – 54 both battled away with the ball, but Five Ways constructed the innings wll and closed on a competeive 233 – 6. Elfords reply never really got going and when Sam Leech (25) and Rob Collett (25) had been dismissed, the innings petered out with the usually familiarity. Paul Baldwin was left unbeaten on 20 while Drabble was last man out, bowled for a breezy 10, with Elford all out for 134.

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Week 7 - Saturday 13th June 2009

Elford 1sts vs Solihull Municpal
WCL Div 4
No Play
0 pts
Lost by 8 wkts

Another truly shocking batting performance condemned Elford to a forth straight defeat. On a warm afternoon, only Captain Tony Allen 26 and Sam Leech 18 made it into double figures while Extras top scored with 36! Elfords innings closed 103 off 36 overs including 4 ducks helped by some poor running between the wickets. Solihull 's relpy was steady and measured and despite an early wobble, they saw the game home with 8 wickets to spare.

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Week 6 - Saturday 6th June 2009

Aston OE 1sts vs Elford 1sts
Warwickshire Div 4
Lost by 4 wkts
Elf 236ao
AOE 237 – 6

Elford poor start to the season continued as they slipped to 4 wicket defeat away at Aston OE. Having elected to bat first on a hot and breezy afternoon, the Elford top order were soon in the runs. Rob Collett top scored with his highest score of the season with 74, while Danny Hackett also impressed with 54. There were also notable contributions from, skipper Tony Allen, who displayed some big shots, picking off the leg side boundary with 27. Paul Bozward (18) looked in good touch despite not playing for a year, while the South African Scott Wilson looked ever more confident, also scoring 18. Elford eventually were bowled out in the 48 th , having posted a competitive 236.

Aston got off to a steady start and ticked along at the required runrate, picking off one bad ball an over. The drinks break couldn't come soon enough for Elford, who were starring ‘down the barrel', with the home side well poised on 115 -0. However, the introduction of Gaz Starkey into the attack quickly resulted in the fall of wickets and return of some self belief. Aston stumbled to 123 – 3 in the space of a few overs as Starkey's slow right arm caused havoc. Unfortunately, with only 10 men in the field, Aston were able to exploit the gaps and rebuild their innings. Despite a late wobble thanks to Rob Collett taking 3 wickets, Aston won with 3 overs and 4 wickets to spare.

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Week 5 - Saturday 30th May 2009

Hunningham 1sts Vs Elford 1sts
WCL Div 4
No Play
4 pts each

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Week 4 - Saturday 23rd May 2009

Elford 1sts vs Wolvey 1sts
Warwickshire Div 4
Lost by 26 runs
Wol 134ao
Elf 108ao

Elford were left to rue their batting performance as they slipped to a narrow 26 run defeat at home to Wolvey. Having done the hard work with the ball, Elfords batsman never got going on a slow pitch. Elford elected to bowl first on a warm afternoon but were quickly rewarded as Rob Drabble picked up two early scalps. Helped by some well taken catches, most notably from Dave Emery, Elford helped peg back the visitors. Stu Edgar did well on his first bowl for the 1sts taking 3 – 40 off 11 while Rob Collett mopped up the innings to claim 3 – 35 off 12, on a good day for all the bowlers. Unfortunately, Elford only managed half the job as they slumped to 54 – 5 off 19 overs. Dave Emery (24) looked in good touch on his first game of the season before he was caught, while Tony Allen and Stu Edgar proceeded to try and win the game. However the pair were dismissed in quick succession leaving Rob Drabble to deliver some hefty blows and exchange views with the opposition! An unwell looking Danny Haines ‘stonewalled' while the South African, Scott Wilson proved to be more than a capable number 11, despite playing in only his 3 rd game of cricket! However the opening bowlers proved too much for Wilson who was eventually bowled for 7, leaving Elford all out for 108, some 26 runs short.

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Week 3 - Saturday 16th May 2009

Newbold 1sts Vs Elford 1sts
WCL Div 4
No Play
4 pts each

Elford were left frustrated and rooted to the foot of the table without being able to bowl a ball.
Newbold called the game off at 11.00am.

Elford 2nds Vs Newdigate 2nds
Warwickshire Div 4a
Elf 150 – 7
New 72 – 2
Winning Draw

The Seconds managed to dodge the rain showers and claim a winning draw against Newdigate 2nds. Having batted first Elford were looking down the barrel on 30 – 3 off 15 overs before Tony Allen and Martin Turkington managed to steer Elford away from danger. Allen remained unbeaten with 52 while Turkington was dismissed for19. Incredibly extras were the second highest scorer with 40 as Elford posted a competitive 150 – 9 of 43 overs. In reply Paul Baldwin picked up a couple of wickets leaving Newdigate stranded on 72 – 2 of 27 overs, before another hail storm put an end to proceedings.

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Week 2 - Saturday 9th May 2009

Elford 1sts Vs Copsewood WIW 1sts
Warwickshire Div 4

Match Photos >

Lost by 6 wkts
Elf 196 – 8
WIW 197 – 4

A classy 78 from Rob Collett wasn't enough to prevent Elford slipping to their first defeat of the season. Having been inserted to bat first, Elford got off to a rocky start before Sam Leech and Rob Collett took advantage off some short bowling. Leech was unluckily run out for 19, but Collett went onto half century while being ably supported from the inform Paul Jones (23). However the quick dismissals of Collett & Jones put the skids under the Elford innings. After a few overs of scratching around at the crease, the tail was aloud to wag as Stu Edgar 26* and Rob Drabble saw Elford finish on 196 – 8.

Rob Drabble got Elford off to a encouraging start taking 3 early wickets. Unfortunately for Elford their good start with the ball wasn't sustained as the visitors recovered from 61 – 3. Former Cov Sphinx batsman Ryan Wellington 86* and Barrington Kelly 69 steadied Copsewoods Innings as they put 120 for the next wicket. Elford were left to rue some dropped catches and lack of bowling options, but took heart from a good batting performance.

Elford Sun XI vs Lichfield 2nds
Lichfield League Div 4

Won by 40 runs

A career best 63 from Matty Topham helped Elford to their first win of the season on a Sunday. Playing host to Lichfield 2nds, Elford batted first and amassed 207 thanks mainly to an attacking 63 from Matt Topham; Danny Hackett with a run ball 40 and Paul Baldwin who scored 32 off as many overs! In reply Lichfield were pegged back by a tight bowling attack with Tony Allen the pick of the bowlers with 2 – 14 off 8.

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Week 1 - Saturday 2nd May 2009

Haunchwood 1sts Vs Elford 1sts
WCL Div 4
Losing Draw
Hau 197 – 9
Elf 101 - 7

A new look Elford 1 st XI traveled to Nuneaton side Haunchwood in their opening game of the season. With only a couple of surviving members of last years side, Elford's bowling and batting attack looked a little different to previous seasons. New skipper Tony Allen won the toss and elected to bowl first on a green looking wicket. His decision paved off a few overs later when he took a wicket with a lovely slower ball. Meanwhile, Rob Drabble rolled back the years at the other end to take 1 – 68 with his usual guile and vigor! Rob Collett showed Elford what they'd been missing without a spin bowler, as he took a well deserved 5 – 53.

Elford's reply was somewhat slower, as the pitch seemed to get lower. Opener Gaz Starkey & Danny Hackett scratched away against an accurate bowling attack. Things started to look a little precarious for Elford at 51 – 4 with over 20 overs to go, but Sam Leech and the elevated Danny Haines looked well poised to see the game out for a draw. However, Haines ran himself out, while Leech yorked himself despite top scoring with 41. Skipper Allen went out to steady the innings, but was bowled a ball that moved about a foot! A twitchy and nervous set of bunnies looked on from the hutch. Under instructions to see out the draw at all costs, debutants Tom Marshall & Stuart Jamieson were the last line of defense before the Rob ‘the butcher' Drabble & and the injured Steph Hollingsworth. The pair valiantly saw off the final few overs to seal a losing draw. Despite the result, Elford took a number of positives from the game into next weeks fixture against top of the table Copsewood WIW.

Elford 2nds vs Stockingford 2nds
WCL 4a
Elford won by 3 wkts
Bulk 178 – 5
Elf 179 – 7

The Seconds enjoyed opening day success as they chased down a modest total at home to Bulkington. Having been set 179 to win, keeper Paul Jones showed his class with 73 while Julian Davies saw the innings through, scoring 53 not out on his debut.