The Elstow Indoor 1st VI finished off 2011 in impressive form. Two wins on the spin has lifted them up the table and with half the fixtures still to play gives them hope to take this momentum into the new year. A fine, fluent performance from Tom Wisson’s side saw them return to winning ways with a 35 run win over fellow strugglers Clifton in early December. Rani Thiarra was the architect of the batting with 33, while the returning Stuart “The Finisher” Robson’s 2-23 set up the victory by squeezing the life out of Clifton’s top order. Elstow made their highest score of the season in setting the opposition with a not improbable 170 runs to win. Openers Tom Wisson (24) and Thiarra got near to a century opening stand before the skipper was stumped. Debutant Ryan Gill looked assured and provided good support for the terrific Thiarra who was finally, bizarrely, bowled off his pads. As Clifton began to stem the flow of runs, stalwarts Matt Stevens and Robson provided the last few overs with some much needed boundaries. Recently anointed Player of the Year, Rob Tebbutt imposed himself in his three overs and was well supported by Robson’s two wickets. The first change bowlers lacked their earlier authority with the bat and strayed a little as Clifton sensed a way back but Gill produced a run out on the last ball to seal a much needed win for Elstow.
Elstow wrapped up the year with a deserved win over Blunham in an extras dominated encounter. Often criticised for their profligacy with the ball this season, Elstow were relieved to see their opponents also enter into the Christmas spirit as their successful run chase was aided by Blunham’s bowlers. All of Elstow’s bowlers got among the wickets and an undercooked Blunham limped to 119 all out and struggled against Tom Wisson’s pace (3-0-38-2) and Rani Thiarra’s accuracy (2.1-0-8-2). Erstwhile skipper Matt Stevens came in at three to propel Elstow to victory for the loss of one wicket inside eight overs finishing unbeaten on 24 while Thiarra did his average no harm by finishing 28 not out.
Indoor training resumes for all Elstow C.C. cricketers this month (How’s that hernia getting on Milney?), the sessions run from Monday 16th January until 2nd April at Marston Vale Middle School. Training for Under 10s and Under 12s is 18.00 until 19.00 and the Under 14s are on from 19.00 until 20.00. The senior teams, Development XI and Under 16s train from 20.00 onwards.
The cost is £25 per child for the twelve sessions, while for senior players it is £3 per person per session. We are anticipating a high demand, especially from among the junior ranks, and there is limited space available. So if you are looking to secure your place/ your child’s place please get in touch with Geoff Couling at elstowcricketclub@hotmail.co.uk or leave a message on this post. New players of all ages and abilities are very much welcome.
