Club Work Parties - Saturday Mornings
April 2008

With the forthcoming season rapidly approaching, help is needed at the ground. Work parties usually take place
on Saturday mornings.

_

Happy New Year !!!

The details of the Presentation are as follows:

Venue:
SATURDAY 9TH FEBRUARY 2008
DARNFORD MOORS GOLF CLUB
7-00 FOR 7.30

Speaker:
Henry Olonga

Tickets:
£35 -00: Including 3 course dinner & coffee

Contact:
Please contact Sally Hackett at sally.hackett@virgin.net for more information

Henry Khaaba Olonga (born 3 July 1976 in Lusaka, Zambia) was a cricketer for Zimbabwe. He made his international debut in a Test match against Pakistan at Harare in 1995, at age 18 years, 212 days, becoming the youngest player to represent Zimbabwe. He helped Zimbabwe to its first ever Test victory in that game. That year, he was no-balled for throwing in a Test match, and rebuilt his action before returning to cricket. A right arm fast bowler, Olonga was the first black cricketer to play for Zimbabwe and is the second Zambian-born Test cricketer after Phil Edmonds of England.
Olonga achieved international recognition (along with team mate Andy Flower) in 2003 by wearing a black armband in a Cricket World Cup match to protest against the policies of Zimbabwe's government, led by Robert Mugabe. He and Flower released a statement on 10 February, stating in part:

In all the circumstances, we have decided that we will each wear a black armband for the duration of the World Cup. In doing so we are mourning the death of democracy in our beloved Zimbabwe. In doing so we are making a silent plea to those responsible to stop the abuse of human rights in Zimbabwe. In doing so, we pray that our small action may help to restore sanity and dignity to our nation.

This act led to a warrant issued in Zimbabwe for Olonga's arrest on charges of treason (which carries the death penalty in Zimbabwe) and forced him to retire from international cricket and temporarily go into hiding.
Olonga played 30 Test matches for Zimbabwe, taking 68 wickets with a bowling average of 38.52, and 50 One Day Internationals, taking 58 wickets at an average of 34.08. He holds the record for the best bowling in a one-day international by a Zimbabwean, with figures of 6/19 against England at Cape Town in 2000.
He met physical education teacher Tara Read, while both were attending the Australian Institute of Sport's cricket program in Adelaide. The couple married in 2004[1].

Olonga is now pursuing a career as a cricket commentator and singer and released an album, 'Aurelia' in 2006

He has really pissed Mugabe off so he will have support from our end, should be good banter, and as an bonus, now he is a singer, he may well perform some of his stuff on the night.

4 December - CLUB AGM UPDATE

Thank you to all those who attended the Club AGM on Tuesday night. After a lengthy meeting the main changed are as follows;

Duff has stood down as club secretary after nearly 20 years of hard work in the job. The club would like to express its gratitude for his many years of service. Mr Philpott has now taking over the reigns meaning the clubs finances are in more than capable hands!

On a playing front, all three captains have changed. Paul Bozward comes in as 1st XI skipper while Dillon Weller takes the reigns of the 2nds. Malc MacDonald is the new Sunday XI captain after Rob Wright stood down after several years in the job. Once again the club would like to thank all the out going officers / captaina and would like to wish the new captains, good luck this forth coming season.

More to follow.

3 December Elford CC - As seen on TV!

Yes, it could easily have been missed but for those eagle eyed viewers, the Elford CC Flag was seen on TV on Monday morning. Johnny Cole managed to position the flag in just the right place as the cameras panned across the celebration in the crowd after Murali record wicket.

Bob Aubury - 21 September 2007

For those who haven't already heard, it is with great sadness that I report the untimely death of Bob Aubury. Bob had played for the club since 1988 and although he had retired a couple of seasons ago, he would still pop by the ground and say hello. For those who knew Bob, he will be sadly missed and fondly remembered. Always a cheerful character at the club, Bob was one of those guys who always seemed more interested in others than in himself. Personally, my fondest memory of Bob will always be from a game, nearly ten years ago, at Yoxall. Chasing over 250 to win, we managed to put on 125 in a partnership that helped beat Yoxall and the drop that season.

The Club would like to express its sincere condolences to the family.

Funeral Details
Thursday 4th October - 2.30pm
St Pauls Church, Dosthill, Tamworth
Family Flowers Only - All donations welcome though and will go to the Guide Dogs Socieity.

Elford 1st XI 2007- sponsored by www.spinky.biz
Standing from left to right; Ed Collett, Danny Haines, Malcolm MacDonald, Tony Allen, Rob Bostock, Danny Hackett, Paul Bozward, Gaz Allen
Seated; Ant Wright, Simon Smith (Captain), Rich Collett

A Professional looking Elford Bar Staff !

Elford 1sts vs Knowle & Dorridge 3rds
Warwickshire Div 3
Losing Draw
K&D 255 - 8 Elf 198 - 7

Elford cemented their 3rd place position with a losing draw on the final game of the season. With only 2 points needed to secure 3rd place and no chance of catching 2nd place, Elford had little incentive going into the game. Knowle & Dorridge brought a young and talented side and posted a competitive 255 - 8 on a typically quick outfield. Ant Wright finished his good season with 5 - 75 while Tony Allen also bowled well, despite picking up only 1 wicket. With the 2 points already secured Elford mixed the order up a little and chased down the visitors total at a modest rate. Rich Bostock top scored with 48, to finish the season with well over 500 runs. Likewise Rich Collett who's also had a good season, looked well poised before being run out on 32. The champagne moment though, was reserved for Malc MacDonald who's premeditated reverse sweep off a quick bowler resulted in 4 runs and numerous smiles all around. Ant Wright and Simon Smith played out the last few overs finishing on 198 – 7, to round off a good season for the team.

Knowle & Dorridge 2nds v Elford 2nds

125-2 (20 pts) 124 ao. (1 pt)

This was a very poor finish to the season for Elford 2nds. They were asked to bat first on a pitch that was not to a very good standard and wickets fell regularly, only Sam Griffiths (27) and Paul Baldwin (41) made any worthwhile contributions with Elford being bowled out for 124

In reply Knowle & Dorridge took their time knowing that they only had to achieve such a small total and they did it with ease losing only two wickets along the way.

A special mention to the skipper Gaz Starkey for making it an enjoyable season for the seconds.

Ward End Unity 1sts Vs Elford 1sts
Warwickshire League Div 3
Won by 7 wkts
WEU 196ao (4pts) Elf 197 - 3 (20pts)

Elford maintained their winning streak with a comfortable 7 wkt victory at Ward End Unity. Despite the warm afternoon, Elford decided to bowl first, a decision they seem to be regretting thanks to some wayward bowling. However this seasons leading wicket taker, Ant Wright produced the goods with the ball finishing with 6 – 43 off 16 overs. The Allen brothers took a wicket each, while good fielding produced too excellent run outs, as Ward end Collapsed from 98 –1 to 196 all out. In reply, Elford got off to a flying start, as Birthday Tony Allen opened his shoulders, pitch hitting 41 before being bowled to head to the bar early! Meanwhile fellow opener Rich Bostock continued his good form this season with a solid 40. However, Elfords hero with the bat was Paul Bozward who took a likening to short balls on his legs. He hit 81 not out off 44 balls, including 9 sixes and 6 fours ! Ably supported by Rich Collett (13*) the pair saw Elford home with well over 20 overs to spare.

Elford 2nds (5pts) v Ward End 2nds (20 pts)
Warwickshire League Div 3a
213-9 // 214-4

Elford had first use of an excellent pitch and soon started to make good use of it, Eric Dodd (87) made the Ward End bowlers pay for any loose bowling whilst Sam Griffiths chipped in with 24. A couple of quick wickets went down which brought Dillon Weller out to wield his bat, he did this by hitting 48 off 24 balls causing fielders to try and cover all parts of the boundary, once he was out and Dodd played a ball on to his stumps the late order batsmen could only muster a handful of runs leaving Elford on 213 which was about 50 runs short of what would have been a challenging target

Ward End got off to a flying start hitting 70 runs of the first ten overs, after this they continued to score freely with only Paul Baldwin coming off with any credit taking 2-43 from fifteen overs. The game was easily won by Ward End for the lose of only four wickets

Bulkington 1sts Vs Elford 1sts
Warwickshire League Div 3
Won by 6 wkts
Bulk 232ao (5pts) Elf 233 - 4 (20pts)

Elford maintained their promotion bid with a 6 wicket victory away at Bulkington. Despite the warm weather, Elford decided to have a bowl first and rewarded early on as Gaz Allen made the initial breakthrough. Despite their lowly league position, Bulkingtons batsman dug deep and steadily built an innings. The Golden arm of Ed Collett seemed to have turned the game before the Bulkington middle order started to swing from the hip and dispatch the bowling to all parts of the ground! Danny Haines came back on and duly took 5 - 51 off 17 while Ant Wright did the damage at the other end with 3 - 72 off 13 to help restrict Bulkington to 232 ao. Elford got off to a terrible start in reply, finding themselves teetering on 28 - 3 off 10 overs. Once again though, Elford proved their depth and resilience and slowly rebuilt the innings thanks to Rich Bostock and Rich Collett. The pair batted for 30 overs putting 177 for the next week before Collett finally holed out on 74. Gaz Allen came to the crease and helped himself to the winning runs leaving Bostock to carry his bat on 120*, wrapping up a memorable victory with 5 overs to spare.

Elford 2nds vs Weoley Hill 2nds
Warwickshire League Div 3a
Won by 104 runs
Elf 236 ao. (24 pts) Weoley 132 ao. (5 pts)

Elford entertained the league leaders on what turned out to be a good time for their batsmen to find some form, Gaz Starkey won the toss and decided to bat first on a pitch that was hard and an outfield that was like lightening.

All of the Elford top order got into the runs with Starkey (34) and Sam Griffiths (39) keeping the board ticking, Dominic Hinks (23) ran himself out just as he was finding the middle of the bat, this allowed Dillon Weller to stride to the wicket only to stride straight back having been bowled first ball. Paul Jones (51) was next to the wicket and he duly knocked the ball to most parts of the ground for a very well constructed half century and Elford were finally bowled out in the final over for 236.

Weoley Hill went for the runs right from their start with Sam Leech being particularly expensive, however he persevered and finally broke the opening partnership ending with figures of 3-57, wickets then fell regularly with Goldsworthy (3-40) and Dillon Weller (2-28) being backed up be some excellent fielding notably by Dominic Hinks who took two good catches and threw for a direct hit to run out the Weoley Hill danger man making sure that Elford ran out winners by 114 runs. Elford Sun XI Vs Whittington 2nds Lichfield Div 3 Whittington won by 66 runs

Elford "amiable" Sun XI Vs Whittington 2nds
Lichfield Div 3
Whittington won by 66 runs

Elford's Sunday Team season ended in defeat as they lost to a "Whittington 2nd Team " including their Australian pro! It was apparent which team were desperate to stop up! After all, no team wants to get relegated on both Saturdays & Sundays. Elford were happy to field 11 players for a change and started brightly as Gaz Allen and Danny Haines were quickly amongst the wickets. After clean bowling the pro, Allens run up became increasingly longer, resulting in some erratic bowling! Whittington found themselves on 28 - 3 and having to rebuild thanks to J Evans and former Elford player Rob Vickers. The pair batted diligently and help steer Whitt back on course for the next 20 overs. The final overs of the innings saw a late flurry of wickets and boundaries as Whittington closed on 180 - 8 off 40 overs. As has often been the way this season for the Sunday side, it was the batting which let them down. Only Eric Dodd 21*, Malc MacDonald (avoiding the pond this week) and Gaz Allen made any notable scores as Elford fell short losing interest in the game and the season, being bowled out for 114. Congratulations to Whittington.

Despite almost certain relegation, the changing room was remarkably chirpy. It would seem most at the club are looking forward to life in Division 4. Elford's Sun side have come up against 4 different pro's on a Sunday this year in Div 3! Thanks to Rob Wright, who has led the Sunday team for 3 years and who will be stepping down now. Anyone interested in finding 11 players each week? Apply here !

Five Way OE vs Elford
Warwickshire Div 3
Winning Draw
Elf 252 - 8d FWOE 244 - 9

Elford almost snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in a rollercoaster of a game against bottom of the table Five Way OE. With the game swinging both ways, Elford had to eventually settle for a winning draw. Played in that rare English phenomenon known as sunshine, Elford were invited to bat first on a green looking wicket. Elford openers Simon Smith & Rich Bostock both looked in good form, especially Smith who went onto to score 50 before being dismissed by a sharp catch. A top wobble was obverted by the inform Dave Emery 27 and the safe hands of Rich Collett who blazed his way 81. In a confident mood, Elford decided to call time on the innings after 48 overs, declaring on 252 - 8. After the tea break, things seemed to go even better for Elford with the quick dismissal of the Five Way Openers. However the home team hadn't read the script and took the fight back to some wayward bowling. At 214 - 4 with 11 overs to go and down to 10 players, things looked bleak for Elford. The opening bowlers came back on with the last "throw of the dice" and thankfully saw their fortunes look up. Ant Wright 2nd spell resulted in 5 wickets while Haines took 1 at the other end. Five Ways lost 5 wickets for 40 runs in the last 10 overs, resulting in batsman 10 & 11 defending the last two overs to claim a draw.

Elford Vs Erdington Court
Warwickshire Div 3
Winning Draw
Elf 220ao (17 pts) ECCC 140 -8 (7)

Elford had to settle for the frustration of a winning draw as they were unable to bowl out Erdington Court. The visitors asked Elford to bat first on a green looking wicket and enjoyed some initial success as they made an early breakthrough. However newly promoted to number 3, Tony Allen settled the nerves and hit his highest score of the season with 43, sharing a partnership of 116 with Simon Smith. Stand in Skipper, Smith also looked in good touch hitting his highest of the season with 83 before being caught. There was a couple of little cameos towards the end of the innings notable from Dave Emery with 35 including 3 sixes and delighted looking Malcolm MacDonald who finally got off the mark this month! Elford were eventually bowled out for 220 with 2 balls to spare of their 50 overs.

Elford got off to a flying start in reply as Haines took a wicket in his first over. Haines and Wright bowled tightly before the introduction of Gaz Allen trapped the experienced McAvan LBW. Erdington struggled thereafter and looked in trouble at 90 – 5 off 25 overs. Gaz Allen bowled quickly and straight to claim 3 31 while Simon Smith continued his form with the ball to take another couple of wickets. Erdington started to defend thereafter and despite a quick piece of fielding to claim a wicket, defended the ball stoutly. Elford tried out several bowling variations before the unlikely hero of Malc MacDonald took a wicket with his first ball, dragging the batsman's forward to claim a stumping. Likewise at the other end, veteran John Ross took a fizzing catch at square leg, to claim another wicket. Unfortunately Erdington held their never with 2 wickets remaining finishing on 140 – 8 off 50 overs.

Warks League Div 3 2 nd XI
Erdington Court 2nds v Elford 2nds
204-8 (18 pts) 186-9 (10pts)
Losing Draw

Gaz Starkey lost the toss again (he has not won one all season) and was surprised when Erdington chose to bat first on a very damp pitch. They got off to a good start putting on 44 for the first wicket before the opener was magnificently caught by Dodd in the covers of the bowling of Weller (3-58).

The scoring slowed down after the fall of the second wicket which was again another great catch this time by Ross from the bowling of Leech (3-50). A couple of Erdington wickets went cheaply before S Hinton and A Mist crashed the ball to all parts of the ground and sometimes out of it, this enabled Erdington to finish on 204-8.

In reply Elford as in recent weeks got their innings of to a dismal start losing their first seven wickets for 51 runs with only Dodd (19) holding firm against the Erdington attack. It was then down to the lower order to try and salvage something from the game, and in Goldsworthy (43) and Griffiths (58no.) Elford found the fighting spirit they required. When Goldie was out Martin Ross (12no.) came to the wicket with twelve overs remaining and along with Griffiths held out for a very creditable draw. Congratulations to Sam Griffiths who scored his first ever half century, well done Sam.

Elford Vs Tamworth 2nds
Lichfield & District Cricket League 3
Elford won by 58 runs
Elf 129 – 8 // Tam 79 ao

Elford managed to beat the rain on Sunday and played host to local rivals Tamworth 2nds. Despite a wet outfield and trouble in reaching the ground due the floods in Elford once again, it was a miracle that 22 players actually got to the ground despite some turning up late! Elford were asked to bat first and toiled hard, finding boundaries hard to come by. After 20 overs, Elford had mustered 60 – 1, but with wickets in hand, pushed the score onto 129 – 8 off 40 overs. Stand in Skipper Ant Wright finished unbeaten on 27 while Gaz Allen 31, Danny Haines 21 & Eric Dodd 20, all chipped in with runs. In reply Tamworth also found chasing runs hard work as Elfords tight bowling kept the batsman in check. Danny Haines did the damage at the top of the order with 4 – 13 off 8, while Ant Wright 2 – 16 and Gaz Allen 2 – 11 polished off the tail to claim a 58 run win with 10 overs to spare, despite a plucky 41 from Tamworth's opening bat, J Fearn.

Elford 1sts Vs Castle Bromwich 1sts
Warwickshire League Div 3
Losing Draw CB 247 – 8 Elf 175 - 5

Elford had to settle for losing draw at home to fourth placed Castle Bromwich. Having asked the visitors to bat first, It was the bowling due of Gaz Allen & Danny Haines who made the initial breakthroughs. Helped by some tight fielding, Elford looked to have the pegged Castle Brom down to a modest score. Simon Smith continued his impressive form with the ball taking 3 - 26 off 7 while Ed Collett bowled well but without taking a wicket. Unfortunately Castle Brom tail showed it had some sting in it, as Miller in particular opened his shoulders launching several massive boundaries.

Chasing 248 to win, Elford lost two early wickets before the journeyman Bostock hit another back to back half century. He was ably supported by Danny Hackett, who showed a lot of patience and conviction to score 36. Bostock's dismissal paved the way for the steady hands of Rich Collett who looked comfortable throughout, helping to see out the remaining overs, finishing on 39 not out. A late couple of wickets fell at the end of the innings, leaving Elford left on 175 - 5 off 50 overs to claim a losing draw.

Castle Bromwich 2nds v Elford 2nds

98-6 (20pts), 96ao (2 Pts)

Electing to bowl first the Castle Bromwich bowlers made things very difficult for the Elford openers with the ball seaming and swinging on a damp pitch. Gaz Starkey (15) and Eric Dodd (15) got off to a reasonable start but the current problem for Elford of building an innings again came to the fore. Starkey and Dodd were both bowled then the rest of the Elford batting capitulated with no other batsman getting into double figures. The final score of 96 was helped along by 35 extras.

The Elford bowlers however tried to make a game of it with Dillon Weller (2-16) having the Castle Bromwich opener taken to a sharp slip catch by Dodd of his second ball, James Edgar (1-17) then had the other opener caught by Sam Griffiths which meant that at tea Bromwich were 16-2.When play resumed the batsmen stuck doggedly to their task and with only a few upsets they reached their target with the lose of six wickets, again another comprehensive defeat with a dismal performance from Elford.

Safe Hands - Catches Taken - 16 July 2007

Elford 1sts Vs Pakshaheen 1sts
Warwickshire League Div3
Elford won by 6 wkts
Elf 122 - 4 Pak 121 ao

Photos of game - click here

Elford climbed to 3rd in the league with a 6-wicket victory over Pakshaheen to keep their promotion hopes alive. To the surprise of Elford, Pakshaheen elected to bat first on a drying wicket, and soon found themselves in trouble as Danny Haines & Gaz Allen, quickly sent the openers on their way. It was then the turn of the skipper, Simon Smith to show off his bowling skills as bowled a very accurate spell to destroy the middle order. He took a season best 5 - 17, while Ant Wright did the damage at the other end with 3 - 42 as Elford demolished the visitors. Chasing 122 to win, Elford lost Danny Hackett early but recovered well under thanks to the inform due of Rich Bostock & Gaz Allen. Bostock hit his 3rd half-century of the season while ably supported by Allen with 28. The pair had virtually led Elford home before the inevitable stumble at the final hurdle happened. Bostock was bowled while Allen was run out soon after. Dave Emery (10) was out LBW with the scores level, leaving it up to Ant Wright (supporting new footwear) to hit the winning run, as Elford headed for an early finish and 20 points.

There's a kind mention for Elford on the Whittington CC website. Nice of them to be thinking of us :)

Thimblemill 2nds 176-9 (24 pts) v Elford 2nds 78 ao.(4 pts)

Stand in skipper James Edgar won the toss and decided to put Thimblemill into bat on a very damp pitch that played very low throughout the game, the early batsmen found scoring difficult which was due to a combination of some excellent fielding from the Elford team and tight bowling by Dillon Weller 2-25 from 15 overs and James Edgar 3-21. Mark Duckers 2-36 pitched in with two late wickets but this was only after the middle order batsmen started to play their shots with C.Williams 70 hitting the ball to most parts of the ground and enabling Thimblemill to finish on a very respectable 176-9

After tea the Elford batsmen got off to a disastrous start losing their first seven wickets for only 36 runs, this brought in the veteran John Ross 18 who batted superbly until the 33 rd over when he was given out to a very dubious LBW decision. The innings finally closed on 78 when David Whitehouse was bowled which gave Thimblemill the victory that they deserved.

Rushall Sun Vs Elford Sun
Lichfield Div 3
Elford won by 72 runs
Elf 201 - 6 Rush 129ao

Photos of game - click here

Elford Sun "Ten" notched up their first win of the season as they beat Rushall to move off the bottom of the table. Having once again travelled a man light, Elford's spirit was not deterred as they made the best use of the players available. Unfortunately the initial signs weren't good as Elford found themselves on 31 - 3 off 10 overs with 20 of those coming from opener Tony Allen. However Elford batting saviour came in the form of Gaz Astle, playing in only his second game of the season blasted 58. A feat more remarkable as it was Astles first innings of double figures since his 10 year absence from the game. He was patiently supported by Danny Hackett 56 while skipper Rob Wright played a late cameo late on scoring 32 off 16 to push Elford onto 201 - 6. In reply Elford produced another good fielding performance as they held catches and created run outs to help back some tight bowling spells. Tony Allen & Danny Hackett took 2 wickets each while Ant Wright polished off the tail with 3 – 4. Rushall were eventually bowled out for 129 shortly before the heavens opened yet again!

New Shirt for 2007 Season
Sponsored by www.spinky.biz

Cost is £15 a shirt

23 June 2007

Warwickshire Cricket League Div 3
Elford 1sts Vs Ward End Unity 1sts
Winning Draw
Elf 168 – 8
WEU 164 - 8

Photos of game - click here

Elford managed to beat the rain, but not quite the opposition, as they had to settle for a winning draw in a tight and close finishing match. Having been reduced to 46 overs a side, Elford were asked to bat first on a slow and wet wicket. Stand in skipper Simon Smith led the way with his first half century of the season, supported well by Rich Collett 30 and Danny Hackett 19. There were also late cameos from Paul Bozward 19 and Ant Wright 17* at the end off the innings helping Elford reach 168 – 8. In reply Elford made early inroads through Gaz Allen and Danny Haines, as the pair took early wickets. However Ward End middle order started to turn the screw and looked well poised at 106 – 3 off 30 overs. With both sides sensing victory, a nervy last 15 overs ensued as both boundaries flowed and wickets fell on a regular basis. Ant Wright (4 – 54) and Simon Smith bowled tightly with the ball and helped by tight fielders holding onto catches, Elford gradually took a hold back of the game. Needing 6 off the last ball to win, Ward End almost proceeded in grabbing the victory. The ball sailed towards the boundary before landing safely in the hands of Tony Allen to take the catch and the claim the points.

Warwickshire Cricket League Div 3a
Ward End Unity 2nds Vs Elford 2nds
Lost by 5 wkts
Elf 137 ao. 
WEU 138-5

This was not a good day for Elford 2nds bearing the new shirt sponsors name Spinky.biz for the first time, having been put into bat Elford made a great start with Dominic Hinks (35) and Gaz Starkey (33) putting on 80 for the first wicket before Hinks was bowled by Malik.After this only Paul Baldwin (23) made any real contribution before the last eight batsmen made 25 between them and the Elford innings finished on 137.

The Ward End batsmen started off very cautiously chasing such a low total and did not take many big shots on, however when they did Elford did not help their cause by dropping several catches.The opener Atkinson (52 no.) made the most of his life and batted throughout innings to see Ward End finish worthy winners, this was after Dillon Weller 3-26 and Eric Dodd 1-8 tried in vain to get through to the tail of the home side.

17th June 2007

Cannock 1sts Vs Elford Sunday XI
Lichfield Cricket League Div 3
Elford lost by 72 runs

A beleaguered Elford Sunday XI travelled to title hopefuls Cannock on a damp and cloudy afternoon. Cannock opted to bat first on a damp track due to the recent deluge of rain, but looked in control after 4 overs with nearly 40 on the scoreboard! However a 10 men Elford side showed some fight and slowly started to get and hold back on the Cannock Innings. Danny Haines started to pitch the ball and promptly bowled the Cannock Pro while MacDonald bamboozled the batman with his lack of pace! Ant Wright & Tony Allen both bowled well to pick up 2 for 30 a piece, while Haines eventually finished with 4 – 30 off 7. Cannock were eventually bowled out for 164. Unfortunately for Elford it was the batting that let them down again. Elford stumbled to 52 – 7 off 15 overs with Captain Rob Wright scoring 27 of those! Tony Allen (13) and Ant Wright (27) showed some late guile as the pair put on 40 runs to claim 2 points before Elford were bowled out for 92.

9th June 2007

Warwickshire Cricket League
Division Three 1 st IX
Elford 1 st IX 268 (24 points) beat Bulkington 181 (7 points) by 87 runs

Elford gained a comprehensive 87 run victory and continued their recent good form, they had first use of a very hard pitch and made very good use of it.

Dave Emery 43 batted very well after the top order got off to a steady start and it was then left to Rich Collett 101 to take over and get the score pushed up to a total off 268. Rich Collett reaching his century with an enormous six.

The Bulkington batsmen could not mount any real challenge to the Elford total and after losing six wickets they tried in vain to bat out for a draw, however the pace of Gary Allen 4-32 and the slow wrist spin of Danny Hackett 4-30 the match was wrapped up and Elford gratefully accepted the 24 points.

Warwickshire Cricket League
Division Three 2 nd IX
Weoley Hill 2 nd IX 212 (7 points) lost to Elford 2 nd IX 217 (24 points) by 5 runs

Elford 2 nd IX maintained their unbeaten run with a nail-biting win a Weoley. After being asked to bat Elford got off to a steady start with Eric Dodd 24 and Dominic Hinks 31 keeping the two excellent opening bowlers at bay, when Dodd was out Paul Baldwin 54 came in and held the innings together while James Edgar 26 and Dillon Weller 24 made good contributions enabling Elford to finish on a very respectable 217.

The Weoley innings got off to a flying start with their opening partnership taking 70 off the first 8 overs, however the bowlers started to get on top and eventually Dillon Weller

3-50 and Sam Leech 3-55 broke the heart of the Weoley batting. Gaz Starkey 2-9 finally found his bowling form and the inning was finally closed for 212 with Elford winning by five runs.

Warwickshire Cricket League Div 3
Elford 1sts Vs Five Way OE 1sts
Elford won by 3 wkts – 20 Points
FWOE 137 ao -Elford 138 – 7

Photos of game - click here

Elford continued their recent good form with a clinical performance in the field to gain victory over Five Way OE. Having inserted the visitors to bat first on a slow but true pitch, Elford made early inroads with Haines taking the first wicket. A smart piece of fielding followed to claim a run out, while the Elford bowlers restricted Five Ways from scoring. Rob Collett followed up last weeks excellent performance with another 5 wicket haul, while Simon Smith bowled with considerable precision to take 2 - 24 off 12. Chasing 138 to win, Elford were well on target of the total before a mini collapse ensued. Gaz Allen and Rich Bostock looked set until the later was bowled for 26 and Elford stumbled from 67 – 1 to 108 – 4. Fortunately for Elford despite the regularity of wickets falling, each batsman who came and went chipped in a few runs to support Gaz Allen. When Allen was caught behind on 41, Five Ways sensed victory but despite a nervy ending, Tony Allen & Ant Wright saw Elford home.

Warwickshire Cricket League Div 3a
Five Way OE 2nds Vs Elford 2nds
Winning Draw – 16 Points
Elford 192 ao - FWOE 101 - 8

Elford were put into bat on a very soggy pitch, which coupled with very tight bowling made batting in the early overs very difficult. However Eric Dodd (33) continued with his good batting form and slowly built the score with Dominic Hinks (17), he was finally bowled in the 29th over. This allowed the middle order batsmen to play some shots with notable contributions from Sam Griffiths (23) and John Goldsworthy (24), enabling Elford to finish on a very respectable 192. The Five Ways innings got of to a disastrous start with the homeside being reduced to 19-6, this was due to excellent bowling from Paul Baldwin 4-32 and Dillon Weller 3-31, aided by Martin Turkington taking two good catches behind the stumps. After this the Five Ways batsmen decided the only result for them could be a losing draw so they shut up shop and made it very difficult for the Elford bowlers, achieving their aim finishing on 101-8.

Lichfield Cricket League Div 3
Tamworth 2nds Vs Elford Sun XI
Tamworth won by 4 wkts
Elford 137 ao – Tamworth 2nds 138 - 6

Elford Sunday XI travelled the short distance to Tamworth 2nds on a warm summer's afternoon. Unfortunately for Elford, Tamworth's 1st team game had been called against Lullington at short notice resulting in several first teamers included in the line up! Elford won the toss and with out much hesitation decided to have a bat first in the sunshine. After 4 overs Elford found themselves on 15 - 2 having only scored 2 runs off the bat, wondering if they should have bowled first. However the middle order cemented itself around Gaz Allen who hit his first half century of the season. Danny Hackett backed him scoreing 24 while Malc MacDonald chipped in with 17 as Elford were bowled out for 137. In reply Elford got off to a good start with Danny Haines taking 2 early wickets, while Ant Wright bowled the dangerous looking Tamworth pro, Keryn Ambler. The introduction of Stuart Burrows to the crease quickly saw things swing Tamworth's way as they looked poised to coast home on 106-3. Elford then unleashed their secret weapon Malc MacDonald who turned his arm over very slowly and caused the Tamworth batsman all sorts of troubles, namely which part of the ground to hit the ball! However his short spell claimed 2 wickets (including a stumping off a wide) as well as the run out of Burrows on 59. A slightly bemused Tamworth finally killed the game off with 4 wickets and several overs to spare

Erdington Court 1sts Vs Elford 1sts
Elford won by 3 wkts
ECCC 186ao – Elford 187 – 7

Elford finally claimed their first win of the season, as they managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Having travelled to Erdington Court with only 10 players, due to some late withdrawals as well as missing several regulars, Elford were handicapped before they even took to the field. However several tidy bowling spells, backed up by sharp fielding helped restrict the homeside from 101 – 2 to 186ao. Rob Collett 5 – 45 off 16 and Danny Haines 3 – 41 off 14 were the pick of the bowlers. Once again though it was Elfords performance with the bat that caused the worries. Not for the first time this season, Elford got off to a poor start and quickly found themselves starring at defeat on 91 – 6 off 32 overs. However, also not the first time, Elford proved that their tail can wag as Rich Collett (60) and Ant Wright (32*) put on 91 to lead Elford almost home. Rich Collets very patient 60 finally came to an end just short of the target leaving an anxious late few overs, but Elford held their nerve and scraped home with 3 wickets and 3 overs to spare.

Elford 2nds Vs Erdington Court 2nds
Elford won by 4 wkts
ECCC 108ao – Elford 109 – 6

Elford kept their unbeaten run going with a four-wicket victory over Erdington after being asked to bowl first on a very overcast afternoon. The Elford bowling was in good form, backed up by some excellent fielding with great catches from Gaz Starkey and Eric Dodd. Erdington were bowled out for 108 with the best of the bowling coming from Dillon Weller 4-24 and Sam Leech 2-25. In reply Gaz Starkey 47no held the innings together while wickets fell regularly at the other end. However the Captain held his nerve parterned by Paul Baldwin 15no as the pair finally saw the game through for an Elford victory.

Elford 1sts XI Vs Jaguar Daimler 1sts XI
Photos of game - click here

Warwickshire Div 3
Elford Winning Draw
Elf 199 – 9 Jaguar 160 - 8

Elford 1st XI bounced back from their opening defeats to claim a winning draw against top of the table Jaguar Daimler. Batting first Elfords top order once again seemed to falter as they struggled with the slow pace of the pitch and bowling. Simon Smith and Rich Bostock got Elford off to a positive start, but when Smith was Caught on 18 it triggered the obligatory collapse. Elford slumped from 34 – 0 to 56 – 4 off 20 overs. However Rich Bostock helped rebuild the innings helped by some diligent batting from Rich Collett and Danny Hackett (22). Bostock went onto score 108 before being finally dismissed as Elford finished on a respectable 199 – 9, considering their start.

Jaguar got off to a very slow start in reply, tied down by some very tight bowling. Danny Haines bowled 7 maidens in row, while Ant Wright ( 2 – 29) picked off the batsman at the other end. Jaguar seemed to find a new run spree in the middle of their innings, before the Golden arm of Ed Collett did the trick again. He produced an array of deliveries to take a season best 4 – 41 as Jaguar looked for the draw. The visitors finished on 160 – 8 off 50 overs leaving Elford to claim the wining draw.

Jaguar Daimler 2nds XI Vs Elford 2nds

Warwickshire Div 3a
Elford Losing Draw
Elf 112- 2 Jaguar 269 - 9

Elford Sun XI Vs Guildfordians 1sts XI

Lichfield Div 3
Elford Lost by 5 wkts
Elf 163 – 7 Guild 167 - 5

Elford Sun XI entertained Sutton based side Guildfordians on a beautiful sunny afternoon. The opposition elected to field first and were soon celebrating as they ripped through the Elford top order reducing the home side to 28 - 4 of 10 overs. Like so many times already this season, it was the middle order and tail that dug deep and got Elford out of trouble. Malcolm MacDonald played his customary role, hitting several big sixes on his way to 45 before finally being caught and bowled, while Danny Hackett partnered him with 20. Likewise Ant Wright (31*) and Steve Mercer (20*) played themselves in, to help guide Elford to 163 - 7 off 40 overs. Elford produced a spirited display with the ball, with some excellent fielding to back the bowlers up. The total though wasn't enough though and despite a late flurry of wickets, the visitors strolled to victory with 5 overs and as many wickets to spare. Ant Wright was the pick of the bowling attack with 3 -21 off 8.

Castle Bromwich 1sts Vs Elford 1sts
Warwickshire Div 3
Castle Brom 192ao - Elford 123 ao

Elfords poor start to the season continued although there were signs of improvement in the field. The 1sts traveled to Castle Bromwich and elected to field first in blustery conditions, but soon got off to a good start. Danny Haines and Gaz Allen made early inroads dismissing the openers as Castle Bromwich struggled to score quickly. A change in bowling resulting in wickets starting to fall more quickly as the home side started to up the run rate. Ant Wright was the main beneficiary taking career best figures of 7 – 40 as Castle Bromwich were bowled out for 193 of 46 overs. However Elford's much improved day with the ball and in the field didn't transfer with the bat. Castle Bromwich opening attack was a little too lively for Elford who collapsed to 48 – 5 off 15 overs. Only Gaz Allen showed any resolve, spending nearly 30 overs at the crease to score 43 before finally being bowled. Elfords innings contained no less that 4 ducks and only 3 batsman made it into double figures, as their innings finally closed on 124 ao off 41 overs.

Elford 2nds Castle Bromwich 2nds
Warwickshire Div 3a
Castle Brom 202 -7- Elford DNB

Stand in Skipper Jim Harvey won the toss and quickly elected to put Castle Bromwich into bat first, on a damp pitch in very overcast conditions. He was rewarded early on as Sam Leech took the new ball , claiming a wicket in his very first over. Castle Bromwich batsmen got on top soon after and pushed the score along
quickly until a run out halted their progress, before finally finishing on 202-7 with Paul Baldwin taking three wickets. Unfortunately during the tea interval there was torrential rain and no further play was possible.

Pakshaheen 1sts Vs Elford 1sts
Warwickshire Div 3

Elford crashed heavily on their first league game of the season as they failed to get the basics right. Having lost the toss on a bowler friendly looking pitch, the homeside had Elford in all sorts of trouble as the varied bounce claimed the top order in relatively quick succession. Rob Collett looked in good touch racing to 25 off 15 balls before being bowled by another low bouncing delivery. Likewise Rich Bostock and Gaz Allen battled had both got themselves set before being dismissed. Fortunately the tail wagged and from 49 – 5, Dillon Weller and Danny Hackett took the game back to Pakshaheen, as Weller played his customary role, hitting the ball long and hard before missing the Yorker! At 99 – 8 off 30 overs it looked bleak for Elford, but Ant Wright (35*) and Danny Haines stogged and plodded their way through the overs. The pair put on the 40 in 15 overs before Haines was adjudged LBW. It did however allow Ed Collett and Wright to have a swing at the final overs to push Elford onto 155 – 9 off 50 overs.

Despite an early breakthrough from Gaz Allen (1 for 31 off 11) who was the pick of the Elford bowlers, Elford were the own worst enemies, bowling generally the wrong length and dropping catches, not helped by a pitch that was now a lot more placid! The homeside undoubtedly rode their luck at times, much to the frustration Elford, but despite all that Pakshaheen were the comfortable winners.

Wall Sunday XI Vs Elford Sunday XI

Elfords first Sunday game of the season ended in disappointment as they failed to chase down 148. Having traveled to Friary Grange to play the game, due to Wall redeveloping their ground, the Elford bowlers quickly felt at home on a lively track. The Wright brothers opened the bowling and bowled well but without the breakthrough. However the introduction of Danny Haines (4 – 28) & Tony Allen (4 – 38) had the desired effect as the pair took four wickets a piece, as Wall struggled to post a total. From 55 – 0, Wall were finally bowled out for 148 inside 32 overs, in a promising fielding display. However, Wall proved what could be done with seam bowling, could equally be done with spin bowling. Elfords batsman struggled to cope with the spin attack, and collapsed from 42 – 2 to 53 – 8, with Geoff Hackett scoring half those runs with 26. Messer's Haines & Allen dug their heals in and added another 25 runs to grab another point, before Elford were finally bowled out for just 76.

WEEK 1 - Bonus Ball Winner

Ant Wright - Number 23

Gaz Allen - Alive & Well
Don't be alarmed, contrary to reports in the local press, Gaz Allen is indeed fit and raring to go this season!

Elford Sun Vs Wilnecote CC
A poor start to the season as Elford couldn't find 11 players interested in playing on Sunday. Your club needs you to play!

Elford 1sts Vs St Matthews CC
Elford entertained St Matthews on another great afternoon for playing cricket. Blue sky, warm sunshine and a gentle breeze, the stage was set on what looked another good batting track. St Matthews elected to bat first and must have somewhat rued the decision as they slumped to 9 – 3 of 12 overs. D Haines took a wicket with the ball of the day as he promptly bowled the opener, setting the tone for the day. Elfords bowlers were greedily amongst the wickets and all returned very economical figures. Haines 8 – 4 – 7 – 3, A Wright 8 – 6 - 9 – 1 took the top order apart leaving Smith, Allen and Collett to clean up the tail. The most unlucky bowler of the day was surely Dillon who bowled 3 overs and 3 maidens and was duly told to “have a blow mate”! St Matts were eventually bowled out for 48 from 32 overs! The innings included 16 maidens, in an innings that General Stonewall and the Confederate Army would surely have been proud!

Elford CC start the 2007 Season
On a wave of expectation Elford CC get the 2007 season under way! The firsts played host to some old friends from the Burton league while the Seconds hired a minibus and went on a "jolly" down to Malvern on a drinking trip that might involve a little cricket!

Match Report: Elford 1sts Vs Burton 1sts (Friendly) 21st April 2007
Photos of game - click here

Elford entertained Burton in their first friendly of the season and were blessed with great weather for the opening game. In un characteristically warm weather for April, Elford took to the field first and used the opportunity to get the bowlers swinging their arms once again. Gaz Allen and Danny Haines opened the bowling and looked lively throughout but without a breakthrough. However a change in bowling brought about a deluge of wickets as Ed Collett proved that all you need id a rank half volley followed up by a devastating in swing yorker to claim 2 wickets in 2 balls! He added a third to his tally to claim an excellent 3 - 18 off 5. Likewise Tony "9 plates" Allen and Smithy looked in good form both taking 2 wickets, while Rich Bostock proved to be a useful addition to the attack with 1 - 32 off 9. Despite reducing Burton to 106 - 7, Elford took their foot off the peddle and allowed Burton back into the game. They eventually finished on 239 - 9 off 45 overs. In reply Elford created a good platform in chasing down the total despite the fall of regular wickets. Opener Rich Bostock looked good as he hit 65 on his debut while Gaz Allen also looked in good touch on his return with 41. Rich Collett weighed in with 27 while Danny Hacket also looked set before being run out. With 60 needed of the final 8 overs, elford tried to up the run rate but their long handle tactics failed and they stumbled from 181 - 4 to 214 all out. However, a good workout the both the bowlers and batsman was in all reality a little more important than the result in this fixture, as Elford can take a lot of positives into the League program.

Elford Style Report
The 2007 season seems to be the season to have the deepest cricket bat (ie virtually square bats) and flashy spiked footwear as seen below. Rob Collett's "Fatso" not yet pictured is surely the early frontrunner but challenges have already been made Tony Allen's "Sumo". Robs Fatso isn't carbon neutral and did take several acres of rainforest in its manufacture. Surely it wont be long before Mr Weller weighs in with a 5lb challenger? Once again, as far as footwear goes, Mr Smiths "Nike styled De La Soul, 3 feet high and Rising" boots are the early pace setters, but im sure it wont be long before the whole team had spiked high tops and basketball boots! If nothing else they will be worthy target for the league bowlers!

New nets up and running!
Wednesday nights at 6.30pm, all welcome

Tallen tests out the new portable net on the Astroturf -

Practice this Wednesday (25th April) 6.30 all welcome! (Rain permitting!)

Danny Hackett and Ant Wright help paint it black