Elstow lacked real sharpness through the absence of attack-leader Steve Russell, but Phillips, in the first game in his tenure as 2nd XI skipper, and his charges gave it everything in pursuit of their first win of the campaign. Indeed, earlier the batsmen belatedly got their season off to a flyer as the top order all made decent starts. Lewis top-scored with a joyful 42 runs, Gary Flower hit 24 and Pete Burraway 28 as Guraj Galsin, batting at three, vitally provided the backbone to the innings with a resolute 29. Yet Ravi Kalyan’s cavalier knock of 34 caught the eye with a hefty six that wowed the thrill-seekers and a four through cover that pleased the purists; all sealed with an artisan’s flourish.

The smiles faded from the Elstow team as the afternoon progressed. The elation and hope provided by Tanswell’s opening spell was systematically and painfully ground down by the home team’s middle order. MK City emerged undefeated. The game of cricket itself, however, lost badly.

Horner Shearing Man of Substance of the Day: Jimmy Tanswell. Some lower order hitting, exemplary fielding and a spell that produced, according to the man himself, “my best bowling figures since middle school.”

Clag Nut of the Day: Ravi Kalyan. A wonderfully entertaining innings was curtailed by a daft run out which was then compounded by a dafter run out decision given in a two over spell while umpiring. He will score more runs, he will take more wickets. He’s never umpiring for Elstow again though.

The Sammon Pie Light Moment of the Day: Al Phillips was warmly welcomed to his new role by nearly being decapitated by his right-hand man’s wild throw. The new skipper, stood at short-mid off and seemingly out of harm’s way as the ball headed towards the mid-wicket boundary. Moments later he hit the deck as Lewy’s wayward shy thudded painfully into his upper back. Cue laughter, for probably the only time in the afternoon during the MK City reply.
Et tu Brute?

The drama began before the game even started with one player making himself unavailable to play around 4.30pm. Challenge No.1 was sorted thanks to Ben Wooding filling in at short notice. (Thanks Ben!) As if that was not enough Challenge No.2 came with another player dropping out around 5.30pm! Challenge No.2 was sorted thanks to Jack Flynn, and big thanks here to his Dad, Adrian, for making sure he got to the game in time.

Anyway on with game.

Elstow won the toss and Taz put Bedford in. The opening pair scored over 50 runs each in rapid time and things didn’t look too good. Miller Woskett came on to bowl a tidy spell of 4-0-22-0, putting the brakes on the opening pair. However a score of 200+ looked a possibility as both Bedford openers, Advait Vaidya & Emilio Gay, retired on 53.

Then came a spell of magical bowling from Jack Flynn taking 4 wickets for 20 runs which began to peg the score back. This objective was aided by some excellent fielding, including Taz running out one of the Bedford batsmen. Elstow were fighting back, still Bedford ended their Innings on a substantial score of 182 claiming the maximum batting bonus points.

Challenge no.3 presented itself at the break when one of our opening batsmen Sumit wasn’t feeling well. Again Ben came to the rescue and agreed to open up with Callum Gill. Following a quick team, talk along the lines of lets show Bedford what we can do in 20 overs, our innings got underway. And boy did we do that in style!
A quick-fire 16 from Callum took the fight to Bedford, then we had a mini collapse of 4 wickets. This called for a captain’s innings and we certainly got that from Taz, who scored a delightful 73 runs with a mixture of fours and sixes with the backing of his team.
The scorecard does not tell the real story here, huge credit should go to the team for providing valuable support their skipper.

Suddenly Bedford were starting to get nervous. It started to dawn on them they could actually lose this game, even after amassing a score of 182.

The Elstow lads were starting to believe the impossible, Bedford’s fielding started to get a bit ragged with an overthrow costing 5 runs, the tension was growing. Taz was eventually out. Sumit came to the fore, not feeling well, so it was left to him and Joe Harris. 14 runs were required in the last over and Bedford chose the impressive Joe Hempstead, one of their opening fast bowlers, to deliver it.

First ball Joe scored a single leaving 13 off 5 balls, next ball the lads ran a tight 2 runs leaving 11 off 4 , Sumit scored 4 off the next, leaving 7 off 3 required for victory. You could feel the tension off the field as well as on. Next ball the lads managed to run 2 again leaving 5 off 2 balls, then another quick 2 runs. 3 runs required off the last ball was the wining equation; Bedford wisely took their time making sure their fielding places were set for the last ball.

Sumit made good contact, maybe too good a contact, as it went to a fielder on the boundary who coolly threw the ball in. The lads did manage to run one, which made for a valiant effort by the boys making us just 2 short.

What a fantastic effort; one very proud manager and eleven happy cricketers who’ve certainly shown they can play when the chips are down.

All credit to Bedford who cheered and clapped the Elstow lads off the pitch. The game was played in a good spirit and and both sides were a credit to the game of cricket. Over 360 runs scored, 12 wickets, some impressive fielding from both sides: What a game !!!

MW

This week captained by Ryan Lammin, Elstow fielded first and shared the bowling around all of the team in difficult conditions, conceding 70 runs including a large number of wides. Wickets were taken by Ben, Ruheet and Harry, all bowled, as QP gave few chances during their innings.

Elstow then chased the runs through each of the pairs with a final push by Euan and Luke needing 14 from the last two overs. These two were going well but a splendid catch by a QP fielder deep out on the boundary from an impressive shot by Euan cost the team 5 runs which effectively sealed their fate as Elstow lost by 12 runs. Nevertheless, it was pleasing to see a good all round team effort from the boys first up.

M.T.

Due to tea not being ready the players got out to play the final innings. Stuart Robson and Rob Tebbutt spearheaded the Elstow attack, Robson greeted by a few nicely timed cover drives by the opening bat of MK Village. Whilst at the other end Tebbutt had it swinging sideways which caused trouble for the batsman and soon had a wicket caught at 1st slip by Tom Wisson. Captain Matt Stevens chopped and changed with the bowling attack, using overseas player Matt Sampson and last week’s century hitting hero Wisson, while Robson held up the other end. Five MK wickets fell, including a catch at first slip by Sammo off of Robbo, but the home team proceeded to chase the total, losing 5 wickets along the way.

Ultimately, this was a tame performance from a decent looking Elstow side. In the end the real winner was the tea; fielding chicken selects which Rani Thiarra dug into immediately. Get in there big boy!

Horner Shearing Man of Substance of The Day: This week goes to Stu Robson for his bowling gaining a few wickets along the way backed up by some dynamic fielding with jungle cat like reflexes.
The Sammon Pie Moment of Success: Matt Sampson for a sharply taken catch at second slip. He joins the elite club of players who have actually taken a catch at slip from Stu Robson.
Clag Nut of the Day: Rani Thiarra with a poor shot getting out cheaply when he was looking good and for ploughing through tea like he wasn’t going to eat for a week.

Match Report Courtesy of CHB

Working in conjunction with the greatest Anglo-Kiwi combination since, erm, Andrew Caddick, The New Zealand Gourmet Pie Company (http://www.gourmetpie.co.uk/pies/); Elstow are proud to offer pies from the Newcastle based company’s range. Our menu has been adopted to suit local tastes and diners can choose from the following delicacies:

Milne & Cheese (see picture below)
Spin The Chicken & Mushroom
The Crowded House

Elstow CC offers discerning customers a choice of award winning pie along with a good selection of international beers as they take in the splendour of the Bedfordshire sunset. We now also boast an alfresco dining area in which to make the best of the summer evenings too.

Our new facilities will be officially unveiled next weekend as the club makes its debut in the Yorkshire Tea National Village Cup as we take on Preston of Hertfordshire on Sunday 5th May. The match starts at 13:00 and new visitors are encouraged to come down and experience for themselves our exciting new venture.

Firstly the prevailing arctic winds transforming Bunyan’s village into a tundra and secondly the white hot form of the indoor team captain Tom Wisson. His 109 not out here, his second Elstow century, plus the two wickets with the new ball confirmed Wisson’s return to his commanding best. Newport Pagnell chipped and chirped away at him early on, and had a chance to second slip been taken in the second over, their opening bowlers’ work would have been justly rewarded. As it was, Wisson made the away team pay for their profligacy.

Cover driving with customary élan, Wisson warmed the cockles of the frozen Warren regulars hearts as well as the breast pocket of the umpire with his smiting. Where once upon a time would have been a cigarillo case, now sits a mobile phone and thankfully this was the only damage done to the official from a searingly vicious drive down the ground. Danger money in addition to appearance money may well now make up the umpire’s fee in future weeks. Let’s hope the league committee aren’t reading this.

Once past fifty there seemed little doubt of a three figure score as Tom accelerated through the gears taking his team through the points barriers as his boundary count continued through a variety of bulging sixes and crafted fours. He was helped firstly by an assured knock from Phil Johnson (27), who may well have gone on to some big runs himself but for a sharp return catch, then Matt Stevens and Chris Richards who both made decent starts. It was Wisson though who dominated the home side’s innings, leaving Elstow 233-5 from 44 overs at tea.

Wisson’s two early wickets put the jitters among Newport Pagnell and with a spritely looking Rob Tebbutt powering in from The Abbeyfields End, Elstow sensed an opening day win. Captain Stevens threw everything at the opposition using his bowlers well in pursuit of the thirty points but Pagnell, as they have done so effectively down the years, dropped anchor to secure a draw.

Late drama by way of four quick wickets gave Elstow grounds for optimism. Two wickets apiece from firstly the returning Tebbutt from the Wilstead Road End then debutant Matt Sampson set up a grandstand finish. Elstow needed one wicket from the last fifteen balls after Queenslander Sampson’s first two wickets caused a panic in the Pagnell ranks.
The last over, bowled amid lengthened shadows, looked like a Phoenix From The Flames replay from the first Ashes Test in 2009; an Australian bowler bounding in expectantly with nine round the bat in pursuit of a crucial victory. The English, memorably, prevailed that day in Cardiff. Frustratingly for Elstow yesterday, they did this time too.

Horner Shearing Man of Substance of the Day: T.W. Wisson. Brilliant all round display. He looks in the mood. Get him in your Fantasy Cricket Team.
Play here: http://elstowcc.easyfantasycricket.com/

The Sammon Pie Moment of Success: Geoff Couling’s pulled six in front of square leg as Elstow quickened the tempo in the last overs rivalled anything that may have been shown on ITV4 at a similar time. Bombastic!

Clag Nut of the Day: R.S. Thiarra. No runs and a rather chastening afternoon in the field. We all have days like these. Indeed, some of us have made a career out them.
Plenty of cricket to come this year still… Head up fella!

‘Course you do.

Here it is. The official Fantasy Cricket competition of Elstow Cricket Club for 2013.

http://elstowcc.easyfantasycricket.com/

Just click the link and get busy picking your team(s). The rules are available here; http://elstowcc.easyfantasycricket.com/Rules.aspx 

Check out the club’s Fantasy Cricket page for more information too; http://www.elstowcc.co.uk/fantasy-cricket/

Closing date for entries is 18th May. Let the banter begin….

It was fitting that arguably the two most progressive ‘village cricket clubs’ in Bedfordshire should play out the final game of the indoor season. Both clubs, have made giant strides in recent years, with emphasis placed on ‘community’, ‘youth’ and ‘facilities’ and at the heartbeat, dedicated lovers of the game ensuring both clubs continue to develop apace to try and emulate the powerhouses of Bedfordshire cricket.
The division was extremely tight; four teams equal on points going into the last round of games, with Elstow leading on net run rate. Many a calculator and abacus had been deployed during the day’s preceding games especially as both Flitwick and Biggleswade Town won handsomely. After much algebraic logarithms, the mathematic equation was simple:
If Elstow win they win the league.

Elstow welcomed back Stu Robson, to ensure Elstow VI had their most balanced and experienced side out for the league decider. The opposition were Blunham and, following a poor start to the season, were probably the league’s in form side. With the addition of Shabz Hussain returning to Blunham’s starting line up, the teams looked evenly balanced.
The gallery had swelled with predominantly Elstow spectators to make for a lively atmosphere. Spectators arrived from far flung corners of Manchester, Bletchley and Hulcote as well as our traditional heartlands of Wilstead, Elstow and Bedford, meanwhile our secretary was glued to Twitter, in a far flung ‘cheese infested’ dormitory in Dunedin, New Zealand. The game was set up nicely.

Tom Wisson lost the toss and Elstow were asked to bat first. This put a different complexion on Elstow’s outlook, always the chaser in this format, it was now down to Elstow to set a target and defend it.
The usual opening pairing of Dave Riddle and Tom Wisson strode to the wicket, to be greeted by a testing Nick Harding opening over. Nerves were evident from Elstow’s opening pair but by the end of the over, their feet were beginning to move and the score had ticked to nine without loss. Michael Pickard took the second over and although he didn’t seem to work the batsmen over as much as Harding, only seven was came from it and this low rate of scoring pretty much set the tone for the first half of Elstow’s innings.
Dave faced the majority of the bowling and intermingled a few lofted sixes amongst the scrambled threes. As is customary in this form if the game, Dave retired on 40 not out. A very decent effort considering the total was only 55 runs. However, this score had come midway through the fifth over; Blunham had certainly put the shackles on Elstow’s generally free-scoring opening pair.
Matt Stevens replaced Dave at the crease and with Tom Wisson, the scoreboard started to tick over more regularly, as Harding’s fine spell of 3-0-30-0 was replaced by Shabz. Deryn Fowler was the last bowler into the attack. Back of the length bowling became the stock Blunham ball but extras crept into Blunham’s bowling in the second half of the game, which assisted Elstow in starting to gather some momentum. The over run rate managed to increase from a miserly 8 an over to over 15, just what Elstow needed with the standings so tight at the top of the league. Tom Wisson was caught by A. Mears off the bowling of Shabs for a well guided 27 (117 for 1) and Dan Wisson joined the fray, his legendary (??!!) pace helping him to avoid a run out.
The bowling became even more back of a length, with Elstow humour of ‘mind your toes when bowling’ being the most satirical jibe of the afternoon. Dan Wisson (12) was caught on the back wall, trying to guide a six (143-2) and was replaced by club chairman, Jonty ‘No Gloves’. The last nine balls saw Elstow reach 157 for 2, with Matt Stevens lofting the last ball for a six.
At the turn around Elstow strongest suit had been played and we reflected on what this season for us was a below par score, albeit against a good bowling performance from Blunham.
The statistics were:-

Dave Riddle 40 (retired)
Tom Wisson 27
Matt Stevens 32 no
Dan Wisson 12
Phil Johnson 5 no

As Elstow gathered into a pre-bowling huddle, the pressure was to contain the opening Blunham pairing of Armitage and promoted Shabs, whilst trying to force openings and build pressure.
El Capitano took the first over and his mirrored his opposite number’s first over with testing deliveries, which saw two balls squirm between second and third slip. Blunham reached 10 without loss at the close of the first over, despite a vociferous appeal for a Shabs run-out, following a clean field and throw by Robson. The second over saw Elstow’s bowling talisman Stu Robson deliver an extremely tight and fast over, only 7 runs were scored (3 from the bat) but the pressure was beginning to build, with some fantastic close fielding, led by the 40 year old, 40 not out man, Dave Riddle. On the last ball of Stu Robson’s first over, a smart pick up and direct throw saw Shabs, the danger man, run out. Shabs had obviously wintered very well and was unable to make his ground against the lightning Riddle.
Connor Heaps joined Armitage at the middle and Tom Wisson’s second over was probing albeit a little more expensive but the pressure was mounting and with Elstow fielders on the prowl in the field, another potentially chance was created for a run out. Blunham’s batsmen picked arguably Elstow’s premier fielder (on 10th March 2013 only) and soon Elstow had their second run out victim. Again a smart collect and accurate throw by Dave Riddle saw Heaps run out for seven.

Blunham were now 29 for 2 off the first three overs. A much healthier run rate than Elstow at this stage but early wickets were beginning to stifle the momentum and as is the key in this short format, getting batsmen retired early in the shed, is paramount.
Harding, the old stager, joined Armitage to rebuild the Blunham innings. Johnson replacing Robson came into the attack. the latter being held back for the final salvo of the Blunham innings. Phil followed both and Stu’s opening over, with some tight bowling and fashioned a chance for Dan Wisson at short mid on. Dan clung onto a sharp opportunity, and Armitage was the latest victim, created from tight bowling but backed up by excellent fielding (30-3).
The next batsmen in was Pickard, which resulted in Dave Riddle joining the Elstow attack. Again the first over from the Elstow bowlers was tight, Riddle going for only eight, three of the balls were dots. The pressure was relentless from the bowlers.

Phil continued and with his second chance and scoring chances being kept to a minimum it wasn’t long before more smart fielding from Stu, with one stump to aim at, saw a direct hit and Harding (8) was the third Blunham batsmen to be run out. The gallery were beginning to sense a famous victory.
Fowler, the penultimate Blunham batsman joined Pickard but the wily fox, Riddle, with his gentle left arm tweak, saw the latter caught and bowled. Blunham were reeling at 55 for 5. Fowler was left with the task of scoring a 100 to win the game. The only blemish to an outstanding fielding display came in the 8th over, when Dan Wisson’s diving effort dropped Fowler, it was a sign of how high the bar had been set that this was the only misnomer in the field.
Suitably the last Blunham wicket fell to man of the moment, Dave Riddle. A well guided delivery had Fowler stretching, a play and a miss and Stevens did the rest as Fowler’s foot went beyond the popping crease. Riddle had snared another victim.
Blunham had finished on 71 for 6, Elstow were victors by 86 runs.
The bowling figures were as follows:-

Tom Wisson 2 – 0 – 22 – 0
Stu Robson 1 – 0 – 7 – 0
Phil Johnson 3 – 0 – 22 – 1
Dave Riddle: 2.3 – 0- 19 – 2

Before the main trophy was presented, a few more awards were due:-

DoD: Our secretary has awarded himself for this award. Not sure if it was because of the silly traveller beard, walking along the grassy knoll between balls during an over at the Test Match in Dunedin, or for not being present for the final game or a combination of all three…

MoM: The easiest decision of the day. Dave Riddle – pure and simple. 40 not out, two run outs, two wickets and a ridiculously low number of runs conceded off his bowling. If that is what 40 years of age does for you, the rest of us cant wait to get there!

However, the triumphant season was a squad performance, every person contributing and thanks must be extended to the players that were not playing today but have assisted us in becoming Champions. Rani Thiarra, Ed Wisson, Rob Tebbutt, Will Wisson and Rob Leddy and of course to our long standing scorer, President and all round good egg – Ali Milne and to the throngs of supporters present at any game whether 9am sharp or missing their Sunday Roasts (even on a Mothering Sunday!).
As always, though its the players that do the easy bit, it is thanks to the ‘behind the scenes’ hardcore of dedicated volunteers that helps to make Elstow – ‘Elstow’ and give us the platform to develop and grow. Huge indebted thanks to Phil, Ali, H, Ben, Jacko, Geoff and Will – amongst the growing youth network and support (too many to mention) that makes our ol’ club special.

The Blunham Phoenix will rise again but the day belonged to Elstow. Lustily cheered below a packed gallery, little ole Elstow (who dared to dream) had somehow ascended the elite Bedfordshire Indoor League and become champions.
Elstow is now etched alongside Bedford Town, Dunstable, Flitwick and Biggleswade to mention a few, as winners of this league – esteemed company indeed. Tom Wisson lifted the trophy amongst the Elstow faithful after some kind words from League Chairman, Phil Gurney.
Next stop…. the nationals…. crumbs!

Report and analysis courtesy of The Bury Avenue Bugle, or Dan Wisson as you know him. If runs continue to flow from his bat like words from his keyboard, we’ll have a summer to remember too. Well done that man.

Match report and further reaction to follow.

A 10am start saw Elstow play Eversholt B, the two ECCs at opposite ends of the table. Elstow elected to bowl first. Stu Robson was still unavailabe, out went Will Wisson, to be replaced by…. well…. an obligatory Wisson. Ed in this case.

Phil Johnson opened the innings with a steady spell, with the Eversholt batsmen ever weary of the inswinging hooped delivery. Meanwhile, Tom Wisson took the second over of the day, a steady over was ignited by a Phil collect, spin and throw which dismissed the youngest of the Garrett dynasty. The run out was made even more impressive by him being completely off balance. Both opening bowlers were then replaced by the spin twins.
Yes… its been a while since this Cannon and Ball duo had performed in tandem, maybe not the 80s, but that said it had been a long time. Matt Stevens and Dave Riddle took the middle overs, and to be honest, the Boars batsmen simply fed off the deliveries. The Eversholt juggernaut was gathering apace, and to make matters worse the wide count was steadily increasing – something Elstow in the last few games had kept to a minimum. Wides and consistent 3s with the every increasing repitious 6′s were accumulating and Eversholt began to mount a more than respectable total.

Finally however the second Eversholt wicket was taken, Phil getting his geometry correct, by ajudging the angles off a miss timed Singleton drive (29), which saw a good catch being taken off the second sports hall wall. One thing Elstow can rely on though is our fielding. This was impeccable, Ed Wiss setting the example, reminiscent of a lamb in the full gaiety of spring.

Tom Wiss took the last over, the first three overs were all played and missed, albiet one took a snick but Dan Wisson was unable to snaffle the chance behind the stumps. Sadly the first part of the over didn’t match the second. The achilles heel of wides again crept back into the game and Elstow ended on a low ebb – with Eversholt achieving 22 off the final over to finish on 184 for 2.

Top scorer for Eversholt was erstwhile Elstow player Darren Ward – a very well made 42 not out, but the real help was Elstow’s benevolence of 60 runs through extras. The bowling statistics read as follows;

Tom Wisson 4 – 0 – 44 – 0
Phil Johnson 4 – 0 – 43 – 0
Matt ‘Cannon’ Stevens 4 – 0 – 53 – 1
Dave ‘Ball’ Riddle: 4 – 0 – 44 – 0

The target was challenging but Elstow had surmounted scores of this total thus far this season. The usual partnership of Tom and Dave opened up – a steady start pursued with a nudge and nurdle. McMillan’s first over saw Tom drive straight into the midriff of Lawson at mid-on as Elstow finished the second over at 19-1. Stevens joined Riddle and both batsmen dissected the field to ensure nearly every single was worth three runs.
The contagious business of gifting wides had been caught by Eversholt and the 4s and the wider wides (5) had assisted in Elstow posting a mid way score of 109-1. Elstow had found their way into the box seat, with help from the Eversholt bowlers. With 2 points at stake and run rate probably deciding the title – it was imperative Elstow kept continuing at this impressive rate.
Riddle soon retired (42 not out) and Dan Wisson joined Stevens. The pace continued, to such an extent that Stevens and Wisson achieved a double single (worth four in this format of the game) which is no mean feat in that Bunyan centre I tell you…

Eversholt were on the rack and this partnership added to their pain with some hefty 6′s. Stevens sadly wasnt there to finish the job as he had to retire but Chairman Phil joined the fray to see Elstow comfortably cruise to victory with the loss of only one wicket and eleven balls to spare. Elstow’s batting statistics were:-

Dave Riddle 42no
Tom Wisson 11
Matt Stevens 43no
Dan Wisson 39no
Phil Johnson 3no
Ed Wisson dnb

DoD: With Ed Wiss and Dave Riddle in the side, the bookies favourites must have been a shoo-in for this one but Dan Wiss with a dropped catch just about scoops (pardon the pun) the award – as this was the only real blemmish in the field (wides excluded!). Very bizarre indeed considering those two jokers were in the side!

MoM: Normally an easy award to give but nobody really stood out in the bowling department and the batting scores were shared. However, it was Dave Riddle’s knock at the start of the innings that laid the platform for the win, although both Matt Stevens and Dan Wisson ran Dave close for the man of the match award.

So there we have it, Elstow march on. Still top of the tree – there to be shot at. One game to go and the unthinkable could happen. Elstow could finish above the powerhouses of Bedfordshire cricket – unthinkable really but shows how far this little village club has come!

Match Report courtesy of The Bury Avenue Bugle