83-1 by nine wickets

AFTER the previous week’s washout, Elton returned to Longstone League action at Ashford.

With each of these teams boasting a perfect record to date, this was something of a crunch match.

Something had to give. The question was who would blink first.

Bathed in evening sunshine the beautiful Ashford ground was a sight to behold.

But the actual playing strip was clearly affected by the previous day’s downpours and would pose more than a few riddles of its own.

Elton's successful campaign to this point has had its foundations in tight bowling and fielding.

Perhaps they had endured a particularly difficult day at work or even lost money on the horses but, on this occasion, the Elton bowlers were even more miserly than usual.

Craig Elliott, bowling better than he has for several seasons, was Scrooge personified as he racked up 1 for 11 in his four overs.

Paul Carson (3-17) and Robert Lightfoot (3-23) then made hay as the Ashford batsmen tried in vain to up the pace.

Ben Carr (26) has enjoyed his recent outings against Elton and was soon into his stride again here with a number of cleverly improvised shots.

But just as he was threatening to do serious damage to the visitors’ cause, he chanced his arm once too often and fell prey to Jack Stone's expert legside stumping.

When Elton replied, Ashford were soon celebrating Stone's early dismissal, but that was as good as it got for the hosts.

Lightfoot attacked from the outset and soon had the scoreboard ticking over to such an extent that his partner Elliott was afforded the luxury of playing himself in – a rare experience for any batsman in the usual frenzy of the 15 over game.

Lightfoot secured victory for his side and at the same time reached his own fifty when he hoisted his fourth six.

The steadier Elliott finished unbeaten on 20, but both of these players could be well pleased with their evening’s work.

Australian paceman Rob McIntosh (1-21) was the successful Ashford bowler but the pick of the home attack on this occasion was Jamie Carrington – the youngest player on view.

Most unfortunate not to take at least one wicket, the youngster reeled off his four overs for only 11 runs.

No mean achievement this with the aggressive Lightfoot champing at the bit.

But it was the visitors who deservedly returned to the hills with the points.





Fixtures for Wednesday June 18 (6.30pm).