OEs settle for rain-affected draw (From Worcester News)

OEs settle for rain-affected draw

8:10pm Sunday 12th July 2009 in

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OLD Elizabethans secured some valuable Birmingham League Division Two points against Staffordshire side Tamworth in a rain-affected winning draw at the Memorial Ground.

The result saw OEs consolidate their position in the top five of the table. The start of play was delayed by 45 minutes due to rain, before Tamworth won the toss and put the hosts in to bat.

Captain Simon Macey (74) and Jamie Boyle (68) struck up a fine total of 135 for the opening partnership, which included another delay when rain interrupted play.

Denovan Ekstraal then consolidated the innings with a quick-fire 50 off 44 balls.

Ollie Griffiths and Tariq Jamil both fell victim to stumpings in the push for runs, which left Phil Slade five not out as OEs posted 226-4 off 49 overs.

Tamworth’s reply began in shaky fashion as both of their opening batsmen were dismissed by Esktraal. Orton was caught by James Bull and Taylor (five) was caught by wicketkeeper Boyle.

A further two wickets were taken by Liam Booth, who bowled Flower for eight and then claimed Breakspear’s scalp for 14, again caught behind by Boyle.

After 30 overs, the players left the pitch when rain interrupted play again and the game was subsequently abandoned. Tamworth were on 98-4 off 30 overs, which left Old Elizabethans with a winning draw.