From Navy Seals to the Forlorn Hope, a week is a long time in cricket. Elstow IIs were well beaten at home by their Olney Town counterparts losing by eight wickets in a result that raises early concerns about any hopes Elstow may have had about promotion this season.
Bereft of much of the side that started well enough against Wolverton last week, vice-captain Nigel Ryall’s first misfortune of a chastening afternoon was to lose a vital toss- the early rain and overcast conditions proving an additional test for the inexperienced home side. The flip side of this meant that the Olney bowlers tore into Elstow; Olli Knowles obliterated the top order finishing with 4-20 while Joe Rice ended with an impressive 4-9. The other bowler to make inroads was Iain James; two wickets and two catches in the innings for the good doctor. Michael Dickson topscored with 24 for Elstow while Pete Burraway blasted a quickfire 20 as Elstow succumbed to 72 all out within twenty overs.
No pancakes at tea for the visitors but an abundance of gherkins and silverskin onions. An ironic reminder of the pickle Elstow found themselves in.
Kane Hamilton-Boyle shared the new ball with Phil ‘Bear’ Southwell as, in the week that saw sport lose ‘Whispering’ Ted Lowe, the home side needed snookers from the start. Bear, hostile as ever, caused Olney some initial discomfort but led by Dave Hurley, Town got through the first ten overs unscathed.
Luke Griffin replaced his U-16 team mate and promptly picked up his maiden senior wicket; Ben Cadigan (21) the man out, a mighty six over square leg the highlight in a useful knock. After a brisk ten, Jack Jewson departed in comic fashion lobbing up a return catch for Griffin’s second wicket. Then Hurley, deservedly, panned the winning runs to inflict Elstow II’s first reverse of the summer.
M-o-M: Remember the name(s)- Luke Griffin and Kane Hamilton Boyle, promising youngsters both. The two allrounders did well on debut but Griffin nicks the award for his two wickets.
D-o-D: Adrian Bailey. Get up off your sofa man. Your cricket club needs you……
