2010 is our 75th Anniversary Year

St. George's got off to a reasonable start as Tilt (18) and Sean Parkes had put on 27 before Tilt became the first of Liam Booth's two victims. Just four runs had been added before Booth struck again when he had Parkes caught in the slips by Ollie Griffiths. Tight bowling and sharp fielding prevented the visitors from scoring freely as wickets started to fall at regular intervals. Overseas player Godfrey Stevens (11) was brilliantly run out by Macey with the total on 43 and Jonathan Parkes (10) was clean bowled by Matt Spargue (1-35) just 16 runs later. The Griffiths brothers then joined the attack and removed the middle and lower order for the addition of just 56 runs. Charlie Griffiths (3-38) claimed his wickets and a catch in 12 overs, including having Waldron (26) stunningly caught on the boundary by Magage. Ollie Griffiths (3-34), bowling in tandem with his brother, tied the other end down and claimed his three wickets in 11.1 overs, including two catches and an LBW. The St. Georges innings closed in the 46th over with what looked to be an under par score of 140, leaving Old Elizabethans 64 overs to overhaul their target.

The north Worcester sides' reply got off to a slow start as Macey (31) and Boyle battled against some good bowling from Taylor and Parkes. With the score on 22, Boyle was trapped LBW and Sri Lankan Krishall Magage then joined his skipper at the crease. Having survived an early caught behind appeal, he started to construct a fluent half century that saw him score 51 off just 53 balls which included 11 boundaries. He lost Simon Macey with the score on 47 but then Magage and Ollie Flower added 71 for the fourth wicket in 11 overs. When Magage was caught by Ward with the total on 118, passing the 140 runs required looked to be little more than a formality. The reply wobbled as three wickets went down with the total on 128, still 13 runs short of victory. However, when Charlie Griffiths (10 not out) joined Phil Slade, the pair took Old Elizabethans past their target, claiming 24 points in the process and pulling a further 4 points ahead of local rivals Evesham.

Old Elizabethans now start the second half of the season with a tough trip to third placed Cannock next Saturday, looking to build up the momentum needed to mount a serious promotion challenge.

St George's (3 Points) 140, Ollie Griffiths 3-34, Charlie Griffiths 3-38, Liam Booth 2-29 Old Elizabethans (24 Points) 142-6, Krishall Magage 51, Ollie Flower 34, Simon Macey 31 Old Elizabethans Won by 4 Wickets

Old Elizabethans win well at Tamworth
Old Elizabethans continued their good run of form with a convincing 7 wicket victory at Tamworth on Saturday 26th June, a win that keeps them 13 points ahead of Birmingham Premier League Division 2. Skipper Simon Macey won the toss and invited the home side to bat first in glorious weather. Stuart Burrows (50) and Neil Orton (9) had reached 28 before Orton was caught behind off the bowling of Liam Booth (1-15). Grey became the first of ex-Test Match and County left arm spinner Richard Illingworth's four victims when he was trapped LBW.

The home side simply had no answer the the left arm spin attack of Illingworth (4-26) and Charlie Griffiths (4-25). This pair ensured that not only was the scoring rate pegged back but wickets fell with alarming regularity from Tamworth's perspective. The home side declined from 75-4 to 124 all out in the space of 27 hard fought overs. With catches being held and tight bowling the order of the day, Tamworth were prevented from posting a competitive total.

The Old Elizabethans' response got off to a solid start with Macey (31) and Jamie Boyle adding 40 before Macey was caught off John Manuel. 24 runs had been crafted by Boyle and Magage (13) before the overseas player spooned a catch to Fearn. The next wicket fell without adding to the total but Jamie Boyle (52 not out) and James Bull (30 not out) took the visitors past their target with 10 overs to spare, claiming an important 20 points in the process.

Tamworth (2 Points) 124, Charlie Griffiths 4-25, Richard Illingworth (4-26) Old Elizabethans (20 Points) 129-3, Jamie Boyle 52 not out, Simon Macey 31, James Bull 30 not out. Old Elizabethans Won by 7 Wickets

1st XI - Sat 19th June 2010

Old Elizabethans strengthen their hold on top position
Old Elizabethans extended their lead at the top of the Birmingham Premier League Division 2 by beating Warwickshire outfit Berkswell in a high scoring game at the Memorial Ground on Saturday. The Berkswell skipper Akhlaq won the toss and invited the home side to have first use of a good looking batting track. Captain Simon Macey (28) and Jamie Boyle (25) had put on 51 before Boyle was trapped LBW by Khan.

Macey fell 29 runs later when he was well caught by South African Hartslief off the bowling of ex Leicestershire bowler Dave Brignull. However, Krishall Magage and James Bull set about rebuilding the innings as they compiled an excellent century partnership. Magage (77) played with flair and occasional force as he scored 77 off just 88 balls which included 8 fours and one six. James Bull (62 not out) struck three mighty sixes and six fours in his unbeaten knock whilst at the other end Ollie Griffiths (27) and Charlie Griffiths (23 not out) helped to add 59 runs in the last five overs. Old Elizabethans closed their innings on a commanding 259-4 with Brignull (2-55) and B. Khan (2-86) being the only two bowlers to take wickets.

In reply, Berkswell got off to a promising start as the Neale brothers put on 53 in 13 overs before James Neale (19) became the first of Alex Bastable's three victims, caught behind by Jamie Boyle. Just 10 more runs had been added before Ollie Griffiths (3-57) bowled Phil Neale (35) and this was closely followed by an excellent caught and bowled effort by his brother Charlie Griffiths (4-56) When Zaman was trapped LBW, the visitors at 90-5 looked a long way off their target.

However, skipper Akhlaq (49) and Parker added 49 before Parker (40) ended his agressive innings of 9 boundaries in just 16 balls when he skied a ball to Matt Sprague. Another good partnership of 36 then took Berkswell within striking distance of the 260 runs needed to win. But a combination of the Griffiths brothers, supported by some good fielding and catching left the last two Berkswell batsmen trying to save the match when they came together in the penultimate over. With just four balls of the match remaining and a drawn game very much on the cards, Ollie Griffiths trapped Khan LBW with the visitors 29 runs short of victory.

Old Elizabethans now visit Tamworth next week looking to strengthen their 15 point lead even further with another solid team performance.

Old Elizabethans (24 Points), 259-4 Krishall Magage 77, James Bull 62 not out Berkswell (4 Points), 231, Charlie Griffiths 4-56, Ollie Griffiths 3-57, Alex Bastable 3-48 Old Elizabethans Won by 28 Runs

1st XI - Sat 12th June 2010

Old Elizabethans topple League Leaders Whitchurch
Old Elizabethans needed only five batsmen to beat League leaders Whitchurch at the Memorial Ground on Saturday and in doing so claimed top spot themselves following a very convincing victory.

Whitchurch won the toss and elected to bat first on a good looking batting track which had been skillfully prepared following mid-week heavy rain. The dangerous Hasnain (49) and Simon Gregory (25) got the visitors off to a promising start as they compiled 79 before Husnain became the first of youngster Alex Bastable's four victims when he was well caught by debutant Sri Lankan, Magage. With no addition to the total, Bastable then trapped Dimelow followed was followed just 6 runs later by Gregory, bowled by Bastable.

By this time, Richard Oliver was setting about consolidating the innings, partnering Ian Gregory to add 24 before Gregory fell LBW to Ollie Griffiths (3-53). Although few of his team mates stayed with him long, Oliver started to punish the Old Elizabethans attack on his way to a well deserved 103 which included 14 fours and three sixes in just 85 balls. Two sharp run outs by Bastable and Griffiths helped remove the lower order as Oliver was the last to fall, caught on the boundary by Mike Payne, the fourth of Bastable's wickets leaving Bastable with the impressive figures of eight overs, three maidens, four wickets for 22 runs. Although Whitchurch closed 2 overs short of their allocation, their score of 217 looked to be a challenging one for the home side to chase down.

The OE's reply got off to a shaky start when Boyle (15) was caught of Dan Bowen. This wicket saw the batting debut of Sri Lankan Krishall Magage, and he did not disappoint. Joining his captain Simon Macey at the crease, the pair added a very stylish 102 partnership in 21 overs before Magage (54) was caught by Simon Williams off the bowling of Ed Bowen (2-19). The next wicket fell cheaply and Macey needed someone to help steady the run chase. Mike Payne (19) played the foil to Macey's push for victory as the pair compiled a match winning partnership of 85 in 18 overs. Payne's watchful innings proved to be the anchor around which Macey posted an unbeaten 85 off 144 balls, including 11 boundaries. Old Elizabethans passed the target with 5 overs and 7 wickets in hand, claiming a solid and impressive result that leaves the north Worcester side 13 points clear of local rivals Evesham.

Old Elizabethans now play host to Warwickshire outfit Berkswell next Saturday, looking to extend their lead at the top of Birmingham Premier League Division 2.

Whitchurch (4 Points) 217, Bastable 4-22, Griffiths 3-53 Old Elizabethans (24 Points) 220-3, Simon Macey 85 not out, Krishall Magage 54 Old Elizabethans Won by 7 Wickets

1st XI - Sat 5th June 2010

Griffiths brothers nearly spin Old Elizabethans to unlikely victory
Brothers Ollie and Charlie Griffiths almost spun Old Elizabethans to an unlikely victory at Harborne on Saturday, finishing with all nine wickets between them.

Skipper Simon Macey won the toss and chose to bat first on a good looking track and fast outfield. Along with Jamie Boyle (9), Macey got the vistors off to a reasonable start before Boyle was trapped LBW by Iyer. Phil Slade and Macey then added 51 to the total before Slade became the first of three run outs. When Macey (63) had reached 62, he drove a ball and called debutant Flower (19) back for a second run but a good throw found the OE’s captain him short of his crease. Wickets then began to fall at regular intervals as the visitors struggled to post a challenging target for Harborne. Four more wickets fell for the addition of 42 runs, leaving Old Elizabethans on 138-7 with just nine overs remaining. However, Matt Sprague (23) and Charlie Griffiths (38) added 41 in good time and shortly after Griffiths was bowled, the innings closed on 186-9 off 55 overs.

The Harborne response got off to a very strong start as Gear (23) and Indian International batsman Das (83) posted an excellent opening stand of 113 in 26 overs. However, as soon as Das was caught behind by Boyle, the game took an extraordinary turn. Spin brothers Ollie and Charlie Griffiths tore through the middle and lower order with a stunning display of spin bowling. In just 21 overs, the home side had slumped from 113-0 to 145-9 leaving them on the brink of an unlikely defeat. With Ollie Griffiths (3-27) bowling tightly from one end, the batsmen had no answer to this form of attack as at one stage Griffith bowled 53 consecutive dot balls. At the other end his brother Charlie (6-56) claimed a double wicket maiden on his way to posting an astonishing return from his 17 overs. With the last two batsmen at the crease and with 5 overs remaining Macey and his team strived hard to claim the last wicket need to claim what would have been an astounding win.

In the end, the final pairing batted out the overs leaving Old Elizabethans to claim a winning draw, something that looked very unlikely when Harborne were on 113 without loss. Old Elizabethans now entertain table-topping Whitchurch at the Memorial Ground in what looks set to be their toughest test of the season to date.

Old Elizabethans (14 Points) 186-9, Simon Macey 63, Charlie Griffiths 38 Harborne (7 Points) Charlie Griffiths 6-56, Ollie Griffiths 3-27 Winning Draw for Old Elizabethans

3rd XI - Sat 5th June 2010
OE's 3rds Slump to another defeat

Having won the toss, Matt Tyrrell decided to put Barnards Green in to bat to see whether his own batsmen were able to chase a total rather than set a demanding one, something they had failed to do in each of the previous three games.

The father and son partnership of Martin and Pete Johnson opened the bowling and both enjoyed the hard, fast surface of the Neel Park track, with Pete in particular generating significant pace and bounce. However, it was Martin who got the first wicket when opener Hill turned one straight into the waiting hands, stomach, knees and, eventually, thighs of young Callum Young. There was no similar mistake with the second wicket as, this time, Young held on to the other opener, Scullion, as he parried a sharp lifter from Pete Johnson. Wickets then fell regularly and Barnards Green looked to be in trouble at 64 for 5. However, that brought Lewis Loader to the wicket and, after a nervous start, he began to hit the ball all over the ground, being particularly strong through the midwicket area. With able support from Dave White (28) and Roger Thompson with a quickfire 31, Loader helped take the total to a respectable 228, finishing with 64 not out. Martin Johnson finished with a well-deserved 5 for 47 having seemingly overcome the shoulder injury which has blighted his bowling for the past two seasons.

The Old Elizabethans batsmen were hopeful of chasing down such a total on the fast wicket and outfield but needed a solid start. This they got with Richard Price and Mark Walker putting on 78, with Price (49) in particular looking extremely confident and taking the attack to the bowlers. However, after the partnership had been broken, a familiar story unfolded as the next four wickets fell for only 40 runs to a mixture of injudicious shots and sharp fielding and catching by the opposition. The Johnson clan was yet again needed to steady the ship which they did with a partnership of 48 for the 7th wicket, Pete hitting an excellent 41. This took the score to 185 and there was still an outside chance of OEs snatching victory with 44 runs needed off 8 overs with 3 wickets in hand. A few lusty blows from James Hodgkins (20 not out) took the score to within 16 runs of the target, but unfortunately there just wasn't sufficient support to see the team home.

Barnards Green (24): 228 all out. Martin Johnson 5 for 47, Pete Johnson 2 for 31. Old Elizabethans (8): 212 all out. Richard Price 49; Pete Johnson 41.

1st XI - Mon 31st May 2010
Old Elizabethans grab win in thriller at Bridgnorth

Old Elizabethans came away from their Bank Holiday visit to Cricket Meadow, Bridgnorth, with a hard-fought win that was not secured until the penultimate ball of the 56th over. Skipper Simon Macey won the toss and invited the home side to bat first on a good looking batting track.

With the score on 20, Matt Sprague (3-30) had the dangerous Jono Whitney well caught by Bastable and 27 runs later, Sprague repeated the feat against Edwards, this time the catch falling to Alford. On the same total of 47, Matt Sprague was involved in a run out that removed Exhall before he had faced a ball. He bowled at Lockley who hit the ball powerfully back towards Sprague who managed to half stop the ball and deflect it onto the stumps with the unfortunate Exhall out of his ground.

Hockley was bowled just eight runs later but then Thompson and Tom Whitney (50) set about rebuilding the innings with a valuable 97 run partnership over a period of 28 overs. Thompson reached his half century first, only to be bowled by Charlie Griffiths (2-20) and this wicket marked the start of a remarkable collapse. Andy Stephens (4-44) became the main tormentor as the Bridgnorth innings subsided from 152-5 to 160 all out in the space of just 7 overs. This left the home sides' innings on 160 from 54 overs, the extra over being given to Old Elizabethans and would prove to be a great significance later in the encounter.

In reply, Simon Macey (31) and Jamie Boyle got the visitors off to a solid start as they added 49 before Macey drove a ball straight to Tom Whitney. Only 5 runs had been added before Cairney fell and then James Bull joined Boyle to add just eight runs before he was caught by Lockley. The spectators then witnessed the second collapse of the contest as the middle order had no answer for some tight bowling and sharp fielding.

Old Elizabethans lost 5 wickets for the addition of 20 runs in the space of 10 overs. With the score on 92-7, the target of 161 looked a long way off. However, Matt Sprague (16) then joined Boyle at the crease and the pairing added a critical 42 before Sprague was caught by Jono Whitney off Lewis. Jamie Boyle continued to anchor the innings but hope of a victory faded when he was dismissed for 74 off 158 balls, caught behind off the bowling of Jono Whitney.

Old Elizabethans were still 5 runs short of their target with their last two batsmen in the middle. However, Liam Booth had struck a timely two singles and a boundary but at the end of the 55th over, 4 runs were still required. So started the over which had been carried forward from the first innings. Booth struck a single off the first ball and then Alex Bastable blocked the next three deliveries before timing an excellent cover drive for 3, taking Old Elizabethans to their target with just 1 ball of the match remaining. Old Elizabethans now visit Harbourne next weekend looking to build on this impressive and dogged performance.

Bridgnorth (6 Points) - 160 all out, Andy Stephens 4-44, Matt Sprague 3-30, Chralie Griffiths 2-20. Old Elizabethans (20 Points) - 161-9, Jamie Boyle 74, Simon Macey 31, Matt Sprague 16 Old Elizabethans Won by 1 Wicket

1st XI - Sat 29th May 2010
Rain at the Memorial Ground leads to a controversial result

The result of the Old Elizabethans versus Evesham game will be reviewed by the Cricket Sub-Committee of the Birmingham Premier League as soon as possible, after Evesham claimed a winning draw in controversial circumstances. The Sub-Committee will consider the Umpires’ Report before making a decision on the result. Rain prevented a start at the scheduled time and having won the toss, Evesham invited Old Elizabethans to bat first in a game reduced to 38 overs per side.

Openers Simon Macey and Jamie Boyle (17) compiled an opening partnership of 42 before Boyle was trapped LBW by Cheslin. Sean Cairney then joined his captain and the pair made Evesham pay for two crucial dropped catches as they retured an impressive 116 partnership in 24 overs. Sean Cairney (45) was run out with the score on 158 and with just two overs left, every run could make a significant difference if further time was lost to the weather. Macey fell in the final over for an excellent 91 scored off 108 balls and including 9 fours. Brothers Ollie and Charlie Griffiths then saw the home side to the close of innings with Old Elizabethans posting a very respectable 173-3 from their 38 overs. In reply, Evesham set off a a reasonable pace but Liam Booth (1-27) struck when he had Patel well caught by Charlie Griffiths in the slips.

Rain then forced the players off the field for 10 minutes and then again after just 3 minutes. Matt Sprague (1-17) removed Suckling without scoring but with Sam Cheshire playing aggressively, Evesham were making reasonable progress. Having reached an important 48 off just 49 balls, Cheshire was then caught and bowled by Ollie Griffiths. Wickets continued to fall as Old Elizabethans tried to restrict the runs and defend the winning draw target. The innings closed on 115-6 off the 28 overs with the result now being the subject of review and clarification by the Birmingham League administrators.

Old Elizabethans 173-3, Simon Macey 91, Sean Cairney 45 Evesham 115-6, Ollie Griffiths 2-30, Charlie Griffiths 2-33

1st XI - Sat 22nd May 2010
Old Elizabethans Crash at Water Orton

Old Elizabethans good run of form came to an abrupt end when they went down by 4 wickets in a low-scoring encounter at Water Orton on Saturday. Skipper Simon Macey won the toss and elected to bat first on a track that looked as it it might offer assistance to the bowlers. The innings got off to a poor start when Boyle fell cheaply and became the first of Dawes' five victims. Just eleven runs later, Mike Payne was adjudged to have been caught by a close fielder and he was followed 12 runs later by Phil Slade who was unfortunate to be out Hit Wicket.

The innings never really gained momentum as batsmen struggled to consolidate the visitor's position. Top scoring Simon Macey (24) was caught behind and although James Bull (13) played a dogged, lengthy innings, the middle and lower order subsided to 88 all out in just 34 overs with Dawes (5-33) and Lesroy Irish (2-28) the pick of the Water Orton bowlers. With such a modest target to defend, a good start gave the only realistic prospect of putting Water Orton under pressure in their quest for 89 runs. With just seven on the board, Liam Booth had Showell caught behind by Boyle. Water Orton Captain Harris (11) and Dawes (16) added 19 before Dawes was brilliantly caught by Ollie Griffiths in the slips. Overseas player Louw (16) then added 21 brisk runs with his skipper before he fell to a good caught and bowled effort by Ollie Griffiths. When tea was taken after 14 overs with the score on 47-4, Old Elizabethans were still in the game if they could force two more wickets straight after the interval.

However, 26 was added before the fifth wicket fell and although Charlie Griffiths (2-25) then claimed his second wicket, Water Orton passed their target with 4 wickets in hand. Old Elizabethans must now turn in a far better performance when they host local rivals Evesham on Saturday before travelling to Bridgnorth on Bank Holiday Monday

Old Elizabethans (2 Points) 88 - Simon Macey 24, James Bull 13 Water Orton (24 Points) 89-6 - Ollie Griffiths 2-11, Charlie Griffiths 2-25, Liam Booth 2-35 Water Orton Won by 4 Wickets

3rd XI - Sat 22nd May 2010
3rd XI Thrashed by Old Vigornians

On the first truly glorious afternoon of the cricket season, 3rd X1 skipper Matt Tyrrell did the decent thing by winning the toss and electing to bat on a good surface. However, this proved to be the last time OE's was in the driving seat for the rest of the afternoon. Price and Walker opened with a solid partnership of 32 against some lively bowling by Smith and Lucas before Walker got a thin edge to the keeper off Lucas.

The introduction of Cullen and Riaz to the OV attack soon after marked the turning point of the game. Both were extremely accurate and gave little away. While Price held up one end with a typically dour display of batting, there was a steady procession of players back to the pavillion as the bowlers asserted their supremecy. Nobody was able to master them and they were aided by lively outfielding and great catching, especially in the slip cordon. Only Price (26) and Martin Johnson (12) managed double figures as OE's capitulated to an all out total of 119 in only the 34th over. Riaz finished with the excellent figures of 7 for 28.

The OV opening pair of Weston and Major immediately set about the bowling when it was their turn to bat. Matt Brown got several balls to go past the outside edge, but apart from the odd moral success, the OV batsmen looked in little trouble and put on a partnership of 92 before the wiley old-stager Dave Rouse managed to get one past Weston and bowl him for 39. Major went soon after for 47 as young Callum Young floated one up and got him to drive it straight into the safe hands of Martin Johnson at mid-on. However, there was to be no late surge by OEs and a few lusty blows soon saw the target overhauled, the winning runs coming with a 6. A number of factors contributed to this drubbing: quality bowling and lively fielding by the opposition; poor application by the OE's batsmen and aggressive batting by OVs.

Old Elizabethans (0) - 119 all out (R Price 26; A Riaz 7 for 28) Old Vigornians (24) - 125 for 2 (T Weston 39; N Major 47)

4th XI - Sat 22nd May 2010
4th XI Hang on for Draw

On a day that finally saw the arrival of summer the battle of the acronyms saw OEs taking on top of the table OVs in a game that made bowlers wilt in the hot conditions, with 552 runs scored in the day. The sunshine made a pleasant change but at the toss it was no surprise when skipper Nick Pullen again failed to call correctly. The OVs captain decided that the weather would prove a major factor and took this into consideration when electing to bat, strange decision when he admitted that they had found it difficult to bowl sides out.

The OVs innings started briskly with the openers scoring freely on this batsman friendly strip. The short boundaries on two sides of the square did not help, and the score began to race away with the score advancing to 40 off 7 overs before the first wicket fell. At 88 the second wicket fell and at last OEs seemed to be finally making inroads. This however proved to be a false dawn as this brought to the crease Tom Lea of the OVs, for whom obviously this was to be a winning lottery day. Having been dropped in the thirties he made light work of the ridiculously short boundaries to finally finish unbeaten on 135. The innings raced to 291 for five with one ball to go when the opposition captain decided to declare! (Who knows)?

With captain Pullen’s tactics of “nothing to loose boys, have a go see what happens”, ringing in their ears, openers Boyle and Bayliss took to the field. After blocking out the first three balls of the opening over, all hell broke loose. Boyle set about the opening bowling with glee and sent the ball to all parts of the ground. The score accelerated reached 164 off 30 overs. It was at this point that the OVs captain began to get a little worried. Boyle had smashed 14 sixes and the worry was he may not have enough replacement balls! However with the score well on track Bayliss was removed by that man Tom Lea. The middle order of the OEs batting could not muster the same aggression as the openers and the score slumped to 208 with Boyle finally being dismissed for a mammoth 141 by, yes, that man Lea!

The score had reached 208 for six with 8 overs to go. This brought Rees to the crease with the advice of captain to “block out”. Before departing that man Lea again struck again but this left the OVs captain with somewhat of a dilemma. With six overs the penultimate pair of Rees and Donaldson were at the crease. Opening bowler Mendham returned from the ‘tump’ end, with a tight spell of bowling, but this left the pavilion end with two part time bowlers, one of whom bowled the highest beamer ever seen, nearly going for six on the furthest boundary. Rees made hay while the sun shone (sorry) reaching 31 before being caught off the second ball of the last over. This brought to the crease Tony (red inker) Neel, and despite an uncomfortable rap on the thumb saw the innings out, finishing on 161 for 9. Again the OVs were unable to bowl a side out and their captain was maybe left to rue the decision not to have declared earlier. The ‘Tigers’ remain unbeaten and move on to a home match with Ross at home next week.
Donaldson 2 for 90, P Boyle 141, S Bayliss 48, C. Rees 31

1st XI - Sat 15th May 2010
Macey leads the way as Old Elizabethans retain top slot.

Old Elizabethans pulled off an impressive 3 wicket win when they defeated local rivals Ombersley at the Memorial Ground on Saturday. Skipper Simon Macey won the toss and invited the visitors to bat first on a good looking batting track. Liam Booth (2-38) struck early when he bowled Robinson with the score on just 8. Wicket Keeper Young (32) and Duncan Catterall (54) then compiled 55 before Booth bowled Young. Marcus D'Oliveira (23) then joined Catterall and the pair added a further 52, aided by some average ground fielding and catching.

However, the introduction of two left arm spinners pulled the scoring rate back and put the Ombersley batsmen under pressure. Ollie Griffiths (3-48) trapped Marcus D'Oliveira and then had Ted Baylis stumped by Jamie Boyle. Richard Illingworth (4-54) then joined the party and removed the middle and lower order with some impressive turn and bounce that challenged most of the batsmen. Wickets fell at regular intervals and the innings closed on 208 for 9 off the 55 overs.
OE's reply got off to a shaky start when Boyle fell early to Fiaz with the score on 20. Sean Cairney (12) then joined Macey at the crease to put on 44 in reasonable time. When Cairney was caught behind off Baylis, Pearman went without adding to the total. With the score on 64-3 off 20 overs, the target of 209 looked a long way off and consolidation was called for.
This was provided by Phil Slade (22) who added 43 with his captain before he was trapped LBW by Rawnsley and when Bull (17) fell just 28 runs later, Ombersley appreared to hold the upper hand. Two more wickets fell in quick succession and with the total on 157-7 with 10 overs remaining, Simon Macey needed some solid support. This was provided by Matt Sprague who hit his way to a critcal unbeaten 37 off just 31 balls.
With skipper Simon Macey nearing his century, he focussed his attention on winning the game rather than achieving a personal milestone. Having opened the innings he made the most of being dropped twice in the twenties as he compiled a very accomplished 91 not out, including 13 boundaries, off 153 balls. It was fitting that Macey hit the winning boundary with three overs to spare, meaning thar he carried his bat in what was truly a captain's innings.
Old Elizabethans now travel to Water Orton next weekend looking to consolidate their 8 point lead at the top of the Birmingham Premier League Division 2.
Ombersley (6 Points) 208-9, Richard Illingworth 4-54, Ollie Griffiths 3-48, Liam Booth 2-38
Old Elizabethans (20 Points) 211-7, Simon Macey 91 not out, Matt Sprague 37 not out.
Old Elizabethans Won by 3 Wickets 

2nd XI - Sat 15th May 2010
2nd XI Beaten by Majestic Batting Performance at Old Hill

OE’s 2 XI travelled to Old Hill on the first sunny day of the league season, with a weakened side thanks to availability and injury issues. Old Hill won the toss and invited OE’s to bat, which didn’t perturb captain Kev Tipper too much, as conditions looked suited to batting.
Openers Mike Payne and Dave Truby got the innings off to a solid start, taking the total to 35 without loss after 11 overs, before Truby was caught off the bowling of Hunt (2-37) for 9, followed three balls later by Payne (20). The innings began to wobble a little at this point, with the loss of Robin Downward - who forgot his running spikes - and Graeme Norton, who just wasn’t at the races. The score had struggled on to 54 for 4 after 18 overs, and it was up to Dave Phillips and Tipper to steady the ship. With a combination of stout defence and aggressive hitting, they took the score past the hundred mark before Tipper was dismissed by leg-spinner Daniels (2-46) for 17. Tipper was closely followed back to the pavilion by James Hodgkins, allowing the Phillips show to begin.
Phillips was joined at the crease by his namesake Stuart, and the pair batted with verve and application to build a partnership of 97 in just 14 overs, before Stuart (44) was dismissed trying to post one first class shot too many. Sharafat Hussain (13 not out) joined Dave Phillips at the crease and the pair ensured a competitive total of 231-7 was posted at the end of the allotted 50 overs. Phillips ran out of overs and was unlucky not to secure a well deserved century. Although he was carrying no fewer than 32 injuries, he completed the innings 95 not out from 106 balls; an innings of glorious strokeplay which included 16 fours and 1 six.
OE’s confidence in their score soon evaporated. Old Hill’s opener Shoaib took a liking to the bowling of Sharafat Hussain (0-74), and, having dispatched his first ball into the rapidly growing crowd, continued to attack with a faultless display of aggressive strokeplay. With the run rate more akin to the IPL than the Birmingham League - at around 9 runs per over for the first 8 overs - Shoaib became more patient thanks to some tight bowling from Stuart Phillips (0-58) and allowed his partner Wood (54) to take centre stage.
Wood’s innings was one of true class until Kev Gwynne (2-59) enticed him into looping a catch to Hussain at long-off. The opening partnership had compiled a massive 131 from just 23 overs. The next delivery, however, gave OE’s even greater hope when Round was given out LBW first ball. The decision was easy for umpire Al Roberts, but it was to be the final success of the day for OE’s. Number four Fisher (71 not out) joined Shoaib at the crease, and despite some accurate bowling from Gwynne and Ryan Cowan (0-39), the pair cruised home with 9 overs to spare. At one point the pair were battling over the strike as Shoaib was nearing his century, however he managed to pass the landmark with just 5 runs needed. Shoaib’s innings was perfectly balanced – early aggression ensured that the required run rate was brought down significantly, allowing him to manoeuvre the ball for singles later in the innings. His 103 not out came from just 110 balls, and if he remains in the side throughout the season Old Hill will be a real promotion contender.
OE’s welcome Water Orton to the Memorial Ground next Saturday hoping to resurrect their promotion charge.
Old Elizabethans (3 Points) 231-7, Dave Phillips 95 not out, Stuart Phillips 44
Old Hill (20 Points) 233-2, Kevin Gwynne 2-39
Old Hill Won by 8 Wickets 


3rd XI - Sat 15th May 2010
3rd XI not strong enough for Tenbury.

Following a week where distinct lack of commitment by a number of the club's premier players had left the 3rd X1 severely depleted, a fighting performance was needed against a full-strength Tenbury 1st X1.
After losing the toss, OEs were put in on a flat but slow track. The Tenbury opening bowlers, George Pearson (2 for 33) and Dave Gordon (2 for 26), made scoring difficult and wickets fell regularly as the batsmen gave in to frustration and played a series of poor shots. With the score on 47 for 4, Matt Tyrrell joined Mark Walker, who had stood firm during the early fall of wickets. Tyrrell immediately set about the bowling forcing Tenbury to remove Gordon from the attack after he conceded 16 runs in one over. Walker and Tyrrell then put together a partnership of 83 before Tyrrell chopped on to his stumps having made a fine 41. Walker soon followed for 45 and, apart from some token resistance from Pete Johnson (17), the rest of the batting collapsed and the team was all out for 163 in the 43rd over.
The Tenbury opening pair of Gervis and Thompson immediately set about the OEs bowlers until Callum Young caught and bowled Thompson. The introduction of Colin Rees (3 for 37) saw the scoring rate pegged back and a steady fall of wickets. With the score on 111 for 5 there was just the chance that OEs could have snatched a victory, but Tenbury's T Rawlings (46 not out) played a sensible innings and saw his team home by 4 wickets in the 39th over.
Old Elizabethans (4 Points) 163 - Mark Walker 45, Matt Tyrrell 41
Tenbury (20 Points)167-6, Colin Rees 3-47
Tenbury Won by 4 Wickets 

1st XI - Sat 8th May 2010

Old Elizabethans top the table
Old Elizabethans climbed from 5th place to top the Birmingham Premier League Division 2 table with a convincing 6 wicket win at Aston Manor on Saturday.
Rain delayed the start of the fixture until 3.50 which meant a curtailed match of 26 overs per side. Skipper Simon Macey won the toss and invited the home side to bat first on a pitch that looked as if it could offer assistance to his seam bowlers.
Matt Sprague (2-18) struck first when he bowled Whittock with the score on just 8. Seven more runs had been added before Jamie Alford (1-9) had skipper Evans caught by Ollie Griffiths in the slips. Sprague then trapped Baker LBW and at 17-3, Aston Manor knew they had a fight on their hands if they were to post a challenging target. However, their cause was not improved with the introduction of former Test Match and Worcestershire left arm spinner, Richard Illingworth.
With only wicket keeper Prichard (41) offering resistance, Illingworth ripped out the Aston Manor middle and lower order, claiming six wickets for just 21 runs in his nine over spell which included 3 maidens. Aston Manor were finally bowled out for 83 in 24.2 overs with Ollie Griffiths (1-22) claiming the final wicket.
In reply, Simon Macey (8) was adjudged to have been caught behind with the total on 23. Jamie Boyle (29) then fell to a good catch in the deep by Khan with 47 on the board. The dogged Chris Pearman (10) moved his side slowly towards their target but at one stage reaching the 84 required looked as if it could be challenging.
With two wickets falling to overseas paceman Van Niekerk in the 21st over with 73 on the board, the innings required a quick push to get Old Elizabethans over the line. This was provided by the Griffiths brothers, Charlie Griffiths blasting 17 off just 11 balls and Ollie Griffiths smashing an undefeated 11 off 6 balls.
Old Elizabethans passed their target with 4 overs remaining and six wickets in hand to claim an important victory on a day when many other games had fallen victim to the weather. They now entertain local rivals Ombersley at the Memorial Ground next weekend, looking to consolidate their table topping position.
Aston Manor (1 Point) 83 - Richard Illingworth 6-21, Matt Sprague 2-18
Old Elizabethans (20 Points) 84-4 - Jamie Boyle 29, Charlie Griffiths 17, Ollie Griffiths 11
Old Elizabethans Won by 6 Wickets 


2nd XI - Sat 8th May 2010

2nd XI Get Back To Winning Ways
Having been beaten by Coventry & North Warwickshire in the first game of the season, Old Elizabethans 2nd XI were looking to kick start their season at home to Himley.
On a damp and dreary day captain Kev Tipper won the toss and invited the visitors to bat. Alex Bastable secured the early wicket of Wright, caught behind by Mike Payne, but thanks to some wayward bowling early on Himley cruised to 30 for 1 after 8 overs. The rain then became too heavy for play to continue, so play was suspended for an hour, resulting in a loss of 17 overs. It was now up to OE’s to take early wickets as the lost overs would be deducted from their innings. Bastable (2-13) ensured the perfect start after the interval, cartwheeling Whitaker’s off-stump with the very first ball.
With further rain in the air getting through the overs quickly was imperative, so off spinner Andy Stephens was introduced to the attack immediately, to bowl in tandem with Stu Phillips. Stephens had almost immediate success, clean bowling Price and Shah early in his spell. Thanks to a simple catch at point from Kev Tipper, Stephens had quickly taken 3 wickets and restricted the run rate dramatically. Meanwhile Phillips (3-39), removed Turner, Kapasi and Heathcote with deliveries that gripped the damp pitch and nipped back, leaving Himley reeling 8 wickets down and yet to post 100. Enter Bilal Hussain (45 not out), who, with a combination of aggressive hitting and clever placement, nursed the tail through to the 43rd over before they were eventually bowled out for 123. Stephens finished with figures of 4 for 57 from 15 overs, while it was left to Kev Gwynne (1-14) to take the final wicket.
With 41 overs to chase their target, OE’s got off to the perfect start, Mike Payne and Steve Burgoyne propelling the score to 39 without loss after just 7 overs. By this point the pitch had started to dry out and became a little two-paced, and Burgoyne (14) was found out by a short delivery from Bilal Hussain (3-26) which he topped edged to fine leg. Matt Day and Dave Truby followed in quick succession and the score had limped to 50-3 after 10 overs. Payne and Dave Phillips then steadied the ship before Phillips (10) was also caught trying to pull a short ball, leaving the score at 76 for 4 after 20 overs. Andy Stephens then approached batting in his usual aggressive manner, making a quick fire 19 before being dismissed with just 9 runs needed for victory. It was left to Kev Tipper (6 not out) and Payne to see the side home. Having been bowled out cheaply chasing a similar target in the previous week, OE’s were grateful for Payne’s patient innings of 51 not out, including 8 boundaries, which ensured victory.
OE’s travel to Old Hill next week hoping to build on this success.
Himley (5 Points) 123 - Andy Stephens 4-57, Stuart Phillips 3-39, Alex Bastable 2-19
Old Elizabethans (20 Points) 124-5 Mike Payne 51 not out, Steve Burgoyne 14
Old Elizabethans Won by 5 Wickets


3rd XI - Sat 8th May 2010

Tyrrell's Ton not enough to overhaul Martley
Old Elizabethans' 3rd XI went down by 63 runs at Martley despite a blistering maiden century from skipper Matt Tyrrell.
In far from ideal conditions and with a player short, Tyrrell won the toss and invited the home side to have first use of the track in a game reduced to 40 overs a side due to rain. The OE's bowlers struggled a little to contain some agressive batting from the Martley batsmen, particularly Ganderton (81) and Birchley with an undefeated 108.
Dave Rouse (2-53), Ryan Biggerstaff (1-51), Pete Johnson (1-49) and debutant Callum Young (1-8) were the only successful bowlers as Martley racked up 257 for 6 off their 40 overs.
If a serious assault on this testing target was to be launched, it was essential to get off to a strong start. However, with the score on 21, Robin Downward fell to a catch and two further wickets fell for the addition of just two runs. Graeme Norton (16) offered some resistance but he was bowled with the total on 36-4. Matt Tyrrell then came to the crease and launched an astonishing assault on the Martley attack.
He reached his fifty in just 37 balls as he dispatched the Martley bowlers to all parts of the ground. His scoring rate increased when he passed his half century, his second fifty taking just 21 balls. Ex Old Elizabethans' player Chris Dale tried to stem the flow of runs but conceeded 21 off his only over as Tyrrell deposited three balls clear of the boundary. Matt Tyrrell finally fell to a catch with his score on 105 which included 10 sixes and 6 fours in his 59 ball century.
Although Ryan Biggerstaff (29) and Martin Johnson (12 not out) offered some lower order resistance, Old Elizabethans fell 63 runs short of their target.
Martley (24 Points) 257-6, Dave Rouse 2-53
Old Elizabethans (5 Points), 194, Matt Tyrrell 105, Ryan Biggerstaff 29
Martley Won by 63 Runs

4th XI - Sat 8th May 2010

4th XI beat Martley to top the table
Who said cricket is a summer game? In temperatures of 6º OE’s fourths took to the field for the second match of the new season. After a delayed start for rain, captain Nick Pullen lost the toss and was invited to bat. There was no doubt that the opposition, Martley, were under pressure in this match following their opening match where they were skittled out for 47.
The weather conditions played a great part in this match with the wicket, as Tony Neel called it, “a sticky dog”. It certainly made batting difficult, and the openers of Bayliss and Price found the going slow as they tried to eek out runs against some tight Martley bowling. Opener Price however proved to be a stubborn obstacle to the spin attack, and amid the steady flow of OE’s batsmen to the crease he slowly made his way to 54; top scorer on the day. No other OE’s batsmen had an answer to the testing conditions, second highest scorer being extras at 26. The total had faltered to what was a very unimpressive 115 all out in 37 overs.
The conditions seemed to improve slightly over the interval but the opening attack of Rees and Neel bowled their usual tight line and length and the Martley batsmen seemed to have no answer. The score reached 8 off 7 overs, and then the carnage began. Martley lost 6 wickets with the score on 8 runs; two to Neel and 4 to Rees, in the space of a further 7 overs. The Martley innings then began to rally and although it was slow progress it was a cause for concern. It was left to the spin partnership of Donaldson and Martyr, and some excellent catching, to polish off the innings with the score reaching 78, a victory by 37 runs and 24 valuable points, putting OE’s proudly at the top of the Division four south 2nd XI league.
Well-done Tigers!
R. Price – 54 C. Rees – 4 for 12, T. Neel – 2 for 17, E. Martyr – 2 for 20, D. Donaldson – 2 for 24
Old Elizabethans Won by 37 Runs

1st XI - Sat 1st May 2010

Old Elizabethans 1st XI off to an encouraging start.
Old Elizabethans marked their opening match of their Birmingham Premier League Division 2 campaign with an encouraging Winning Draw against Cannock at the Memorial Ground on Saturday. The visitors won the toss and invited Old Elizabethans to bat first on a good looking batting track. Skipper Simon Macey (57) and Jamie Boyle (8) had compiled 43 before Boyle was caught behind. Chris Pearman (9) then joined his captain to add 33 more before Pearman was stumped trying to force the pace.

With the score on 84, Macey edged a ball to the keeper but Phil Slade (49) James Bull (29) Charlie Griffiths (29) and Ollie Griffiths (31) moved the total on to a very creditable 220 from their 55 overs. Mike Talbot (3-49) and Dave Womble (2-42) were the the pick of the Cannock attack. The Cannock response suffered an early setback when Matt Sprague (1-24) trapped Salom LBW with only 12 on the board. With Mike Talbot (69) playing the lead role, the middle order had no real answer to three left arm spinners who pegged the scoring rate whilst removing batsmen at regular intervals. Skipper Liam Hickey (21) and Townsend (12) offered some resistance as the home side pushed hard for the final few wickets.

However, with the last pair at the crease, the Old Elizabethans' bowlers were unable to claim the tenth wicket, leaving the visitors on 154-9. OE's now visit Aston Manor next week, looking to build on this encouraging performance.

Old Elizabethans (17 Points) 220-6, Simon Macey 57, Phil Slade 49 Cannock (5 Points) 154-9, Ollie Griffiths 4-30, Charlie Griffiths 3-23 Winning Draw for Old Elizabethans

3rd XI - Sat 1st May 2010

3rd XI off to a flying start
Old Elizabethans new 3rd XI captain, Matt Tyrrell, marked his debut with a good win against Harvington at Neel Park on Saturday. OE's won the toss and invited the visitors to bat first on a good looking track but with rained promised later in the day. Martin Johnson (1-38) soon removed Gage and this marked the start of a good all-round bowling and fielding performance. Seb Wilkins starred behind the stumps with four catches and all the bowlers were well supported in the field by sharp ground fielding and sound catching.

With the score on 176 off just 39 overs, Harvington skipper Simon Price took the surprising decision to declare, a decision that he was later to regret. Harvington were hoping for early wickets before the tea interval, but Old Elizabethans reached tea for 35 without loss. The resumption saw no breakthrough for the visitors as Ivor Biggerstaff (40) and Graeme Norton (42) put on an impressive 96 for the first wicket. The rain and poor light then started to close in and at one stage Simon Price was offered the chance to go off, but he elected to continue his defence of 176. Seb Wilkins (29) and Pete Johnson (21) then chipped in with important innings. Concern must have been felt by Tyrrell and his team with the loss of three wickets at 161 as the OE's attempt to reach the 177 required started to falter.

However, some resolute batting from Martin Johnson (10 no) and Ryan Cowan (6 no) saw the home side across the line in 53 overs in very poor playing conditions with a good all-round team effort.

Old Elizabethans (20 points) 177 for 7 - Graeme Norton 42, Ivor Biggerstaff 40 Harvington (6 Points) 176 for 9 Declared, Pete Johnson 3-42, Dave Rouse 3-46 Old Elizabethans Won by 3 Wickets

4th XI - Sat 1st May 2010

4th XI Crush Harvington
The opening match of the season for the OE’s 4th XI began at newly promoted side Harvington. It was time to get the whites out of the attic and dust the spiders out of the box. The 4th XI captained again by Nick Pullen contained its usual blend of youth and experience.

After weeks of glorious sunshine, OE’s took to the field, having won the toss, under glowering skies. The opening bowlers, Rees and Neel bowled their usual tight spells and reduced the hosts to slim pickings from the first fifteen overs, with Tony Neel capturing his first two victims of the season. This then saw the arrival of spin twins, Martyr and Donaldson. The wickets began to tumble with Harvington having no answer on a green turning wicket. The innings faltered towards its close at 118 all out, E Martyr finishing with 5 – 42, and D Donaldson 2 – 33. It was left to Colin Rees to finish off the innings with the first ball of his second spell.

In reply OE’s made light work of this modest total and completed this first victory of the season and 20 points in the 37th over. Sam Bayliss carrying on where he left off last season with 50 not out, R Price 36 and A Bolton 15 not out. A great start to the season, and a good all round performance.

Cricket Force Day - 12th April 2010

A big thankyou to everyone who attended the Memorial Ground on Saturday to help get things ready for the beginning of the season. Your efforts were much appreciated and the ground is looking good for the opening match this weekend.

Junior Practice Nights

Junior practice nights start Friday 9th April at The Memorial Ground (for more details please contact Pete Boyle on 07763774186)

All age groups from Kwik Cricket to Under 17s

Senior Outdoor Nets

Senior outdoor nets start on Wednesday 7th April at The Memorial Ground.

Sessions will run from 18.30-20.30 

Captains for 2010

Subject to formal confirmation, the following have been appointed Captains for 2010.

1st XI - Simon Macey

2nd XI - Kevin Tipper

3rd XI - Matt Tyrrell

4th XI - Nick Pullan

Our website

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