November 2011 won’t rank especially highly in the annals of the club’s indoor cricket history. Played three, lost three. The 1st VI were outclassed by Ampthill A, despite Tom Wisson’s side giving a good account of themselves, Ampthill exhibited their collective strength and won by six wickets. The early optimism offered by Dan Wisson and Rani Thiarra’s opening partnership evaporated as Ampthill’s bowlers got amongst the rest of the team, pressuring Elstow in to two run outs and drying up the scoring options. It was fun while it lasted though as Wisson (47) looked at his bombastic best hitting a trio of maximums and accumulating the threes as his partner Thiarra showed further glimpses of his huge potential with a well paced 39. In reply, Ampthill’s batsmen blunted Elstow’s toothless attack sauntering to victory without losing a wicket.
A grim picture from the basement division as the 2nd VI hold the unenviable record of coming second in all four of their matches so far. Against league leaders, Kempston Hammers, they were denied success in the last over, having posted 113-5 earlier. Batting hero Chris Richards unwittingly became the bowling villain as the opposition reached the total with some arm-chancing big hitting getting the necessary 16 runs for victory. Elstow were similarly unfortunate in the next match against Potton. Geoff Couling starred with the bat and Will Wisson with the ball but Potton exhibited greater control in their run chase and got to the required 125 with two overs to spare.
Despite the doom and gloom in the sports hall, there were celebrations to be had away from the disappointments of the indoor season. At The Devonshire Arms, following the earlier cancellation of the original event, members gathered to recognise the stellar performances of the 2011 season at the annual Elstow CC End of Season Presentation Evening. A convivial night enjoyed by all who attended, Vice President Martin Bartlett and his partner Naomi put on a very good do. Rob Tebbutt capped his meteoric rise from 2nd XI first change bowler to go to 1st XI game changer with the 2011 Elstow CC Player of the Year award. Tebbutt’s dependability with the ball, energy in the field and occasional heroics with the bat prompted his peers to resoundingly add his name to the coveted trophy. The departing Hikmat Waqar was chosen as both the 2nd XI Player of the Year and the Young Player of the Year. The youngster made a huge impression on the club in his short time at The Warren and was deservedly lauded for his epic performances with bat and ball.
A day or so later, at Bedford College Elstow’s Ali Milne and Phil Johnson were honoured for their amazing efforts on behalf of the club and the local game at the annual Bedfordshire Cricket Outstanding Service to Cricket Awards. Ali was given the ‘Behind the Scenes’ award in recognition of his tremendous, all encompassing service to Elstow Cricket Club while Head Coach Phil won the ‘Building Partnerships’ OSCA for his work in helping grow community cricket through his season playing for Bedford Pakistanis.
