Wow! Bit of a shock to the system, that! So, all good things really do come to an end. What am I talking about? Elstead's Stevens Cup run, of course!

Not since 2004 has the club lost a Stevens Cup game, winning the I'Anson League's premier knock-out trophy three years running. That is, until Cranleigh St Andrews managed to sneak past our brave lads in this year's second round. After a straightforward win against Hindhead in round one, some loose bowling simply prevented Elstead defending a slightly less than adequate total.

So, into the Pope Cup, the 'plate' competition, where we're through to the semi-finals already by beating Badhsot Lea and Bramley (on a forfeiture). Witley next up!

In the League, the Ones took five excellent points off high flying Grayshott. Elstead's 181 didn't really look enough, despite an excellent hard hit 58 from Mark Gibbons. However, Mubarak Ahmad's 5 wickets ensured that Grayshott would struggle to get the runs and Elstead hung on for the winning draw.

Thanks largely to 72 from Josh Berry and 51 not out by Owais Khan Elstead amassed 230 for 5 the following week at Harting's picturesque ground. The home side gave chase but came up short finishing on 208 for 6. So, another five points to Elstead. The wheels came off slightly on Chiddingfold's small pitch. Traffic problems saw Elstead's batting order take on a slightly unusual look and the lads struggled to just 144 all out. Nevertheless, some tight bowling almost stole the game, the home side eventually sneaking home by just one wicket.

A 'dead' pitch at Elstead in early June saw the bowlers' efforts go disappointingly unrewarded as Grayswood racked up 202 for 2. The home batsmen also found the track to their liking. Dave Tye, normally a bowler and hard hitting middle order batsman, found himself promoted to open the innings and justified the move with a rapid 57. He was ably supported by 16 year-old Josh Berry as the pair scored 100 off just 16 overs. Josh took over the senior role upon DT's dismissal and notched up his maiden I'Anson century, finishing on 109 not out as Elstead took the win by seven wickets. There was no more delighted man in the whole of Elstead.

The 2nd X1 have had a mixed time of it. A heavy defeat at Milford was followed by a lack of players which forced the side to scratch from their game against Fernhurst. A five point draw in a turgid affair against Lindford followed, and then another blank week, this time pre-planned on the fixture list.

Not half way through the season yet and both sides are around mid-table. There's lots to play for yet!