ELWORTH visited title chasing Little Stoke last Saturday but slipped to a 37 run defeat.

Little Stoke batted first and were unable to make any headway. After 14 overs the total had reached only 24 for 1. A careful second wicket partnership between skipper Dutton and Patel was eventually broken by Phil Cross who also removed Dutton, but only after he had collected a valuable 56 out of a 42 over total of 114 for 3. The scoring rate quickened in a stand of 66 between Butters and MInshull before the former was superbly stumped down the leg side by Russ Cope off the persevering Jim Higgins. Crompton dismissed Minshull and Little Stoke declared on 194 for 5.

Yet another new opening batting pair was tried with Roddy Lovell partnering Ryan Hudson. Although Hudson went early, Lovell batted for nearly an hour controlling his attacking instincts while Jeff Maynard settled in. Jeff had lost his next three partners by the time the total had reached 84 at the start of the final 20 overs. Jeff's counter attack produced 35 runs in 7 overs before he was bowled by Palmer for 59. Phil Cross and Kevin Underwood took the total to 140 before they were both out in quick succession. The tail squeezed out another batting bonus point but Palmer took his haul to 5 for 54 as he removed skipper Jim Higgins to win the match. 157 all out from 49 overs was a disappointing total on a good pitch.

Next week the local derby against Crewe is sure to attract a large crowd to Elworth.

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