V Peopleton CC (13/05/18)

Walsall Health CC 203-4 (37.3 overs) beat Peopleton CC 199-8 (40 overs) by 6 wickets

The Elf made their usual springtime journey down to the village of Peopleton to play away for the first time in the 2018 campaign.

The Elf were fielding first on a warmish day in the countryside with Dan Armstrong and makeshift opener Tom Davies opening up proceedings for the Elf. Tom had a couple of catches go down but it wasn’t until Elf icon Chris Hall replaced Armstrong at the ‘cow end’ that the Elf were on the board.

Davies was replaced by Chuck who toiled away for no reward as Peopleton’s 2nd wicket

partnership of Deeprose and Blatherz piled on the runs almost getting a 100 run stand but Chucky bowled a corker in his penultimate over to knock back Blatherz’ off peg for an excellent 71. Within the massive partnership, JP took a bit of tap from Blatherz and his three overs went for 44

Dan Armstrong got Deeprose for 30 when Greg Phillpott (or Phil Pot as he was in the oppo’s book…brother of Pol) and the Elf reigned the hosts back in with some tight bowling. Greg came on and took two wickets in his two overs to boost his bowling average with Alex Nunns taking an excellent catch at long off to get Greg his second wicket. With the game evenly poised Rob inserted Tom Davies back into the game and Davies produced a jaffa to get Peopleton skipper Smith out for an excellent 28 which included a couple of lusty blows into the cow field.

In his next over Davies got two wickets in two balls but didn’t manage to deliver on the hat trick ball. Trig and Chall kept things tight until the end but Peopleton would have been disappointed to set 200 for victory after being 128-1 in the 25th over. After Tea and picnics were demolished (see tea/picnic review) the Elf looked to chase down the 200 run target for victory. Two youngsters opened up for Peopleton who kept things relatively tight and the Elf were 48-0 after 10 overs with very few chances to speak of. Gort was going along nicely and Chuck was looking to get some big runs on the board after failing in his first hit of the season. The boys brought up the 100 partnership in the 19th over and the outfield was very quiet until Smith steamed in and trapped Gort LBW for 49. The Elf legend will be disappointed to have not raised his bat today as he batted well very well in tricky conditions to see the Elf to a wonderful start. Alex Nunns came in at three and needed a score after he average of 0.5 so far this season was not giving the man from Wednesbury the confidence with the bat. Al and Chuck saw the visitors past 150 but Chuck having not given a chance all game, spooned a tame shot up to cover when he was on 99 to get out one short of a deserved ton. The Elf nerves were jangling when Nath Reeves was out for a duck and skipper Hewlitt out for 5 but with Al providing good resistance at the other end he looked comfortable to lead the Elf home. Greg Phillpott did just that after hitting two boundaries in his 10 not out to see the Elf to victory with 15 balls remaining. Alex Nunns also finished with 30 not out including a six over fine leg to give him some much needed confidence with the willow. First win of the season boys! Get in there! The lads travel to Lapworth next week to hopefully get their win/loss record at even par going into the second May Bank Holiday.

Tea/picnic review

Much better teas at Peopleton this year, with some wonderful cheese sandwiches and Swiss Roll to boot. HOWEVER. Gail was on chief picnic duties in the sunshine and delivered a spread of champions. Three words – Olives, strawberries, mustard. Eat your heart out Aldridge. Lizzie (Mrs Chuck) who was also on chief photograph duties, provided two superb key lime pies that athletes Rich Fell and Chally tucked into several times (see pic) and also some homemade sausage rolls which I believe did not get the credit they deserved, sensational. 11/10 picnic.

Shower club update

Decent showers today but only two of the three could be on before the pressure subsided. Chuck found some ‘Ginger anti-dandruff’ shampoo which Al and Tom denied any knowledge of. This was after Al did his best Torvil and Dean impression on the way for a shower. With Dan Armstrong turning 18 in the week, the boys are already discussing what shower gel he is going to bring on debut next weekend in Lapworth.

Tokyo update

Tom smashed through the 500m barrier in the gym this week posted 1.35.2 to leave Chall metaphorically eating his dust. The Elf ironman declined to comment on such an achievement accept from saying ‘I need to work harder’.

Written by Tom Davies