Wow! We've done it again! Yes, Elstead have won the Stevens Cup for the fourth time in five years. A semi-final against Division One table toppers, Frensham, suggested a stiff test. As it turned out Elstead's gung-ho batsmen rattled up a hugely impressive 180+ total in 16 eight-ball overs and a weakened Frenhsam side were never in the hunt.

So, to Grayshott, on a baking hot evening, to play Dogmersfield. Batting first once more Elstead rattled along with a fine 55 from Mark Gibbons, including four huge sixes, setting the tone. Chris Mude and Sam Barker added useful runs and Elstead finished on a daunting 175. Dogmersfield fell behind the asking rate from the 'off' as wickets fell. A fantastic over from Josh Berry, bowling lightning fast, in which the first seven balls were 'dot balls' and the eighth almost saw a run-out, dampened Dogmersfield hopes. A marvellous low running catch in the deep from David Tye pretty much sealed the deal and Elstead bowled out the chasing side in the fifteenth over with 40 runs still required.

In the league the Ones followed up the Stevens Cup win with a fine victory at Chiddingfold, a fellow struggler at the bottom of the table. On the home side's small ground Elstead did well to restrict Chiddingfold to 181 all out in 40 overs. Josh Berry and Mark Wycherley operated as the classic fast bowling duo, Josh bowling ferociously fast and having the batsmen in all sorts of difficulties while Mark, apparently the easier option, bowled line and length to pick up 5 wickets for 38 runs. Elstead's reply stumbled early on but youngsters Chris Terry and Josh steadied the ship with an unbroken partnership of over 120. As each scored a half century Elstead took the winner's laurels in convincing fashion. This was an important victory and keeps alive the team's hopes of staving off relegation come September.

The 2nds, too had an important win at Fernhurst. Having bowled out the home side for 101 Elstead knocked off the runs for the loss of just three wickets, Paul Smith top scoring with 51. This was the Twos' first win since the first three games of the season and was invaluable is arresting a slide down the table. Two subsequent heavy defeats to the runaway top two, Blackheath and Wrecclesham, have put the side on the back foot once more but there are games coming up against other lower table sides. We need points from these as the Blackheath / Wrecclesham combo looms again in August.

Finally a word of congratulation and commiseration to the Under 11s. Elstead's is a young side, with a number of Under 10s and Under 9s, and some younger still, regularly making up the side. To be drawn in a Two Counties League group comprising large town clubs such as Alton, Farnham, Guildford and Woking must have been dispiriting and results have reflected those initial misgivings. These are vastly stronger clubs than Elstead with huge junior sections, teams made up entirely of genuine Under 11s and a smattering of county players to boot. We've have been called upon to play Guildford twice and have been handed a cricketing masterclass on both occasions.

That said, the Elstead lads are an enthusiastic bunch, have tried their hearts out and have got close on more than one occasion. They've won once, against Bourne, and have recently come extremely close to seeing off Grayswood in a nail biting finish. Well done, guys! I know it's no consolation but it is more than useful to experience top level cricket to help improve your own game. With application, practice and determination you, too, can be as good as any of the fine players you've come up against. It's a cliché to say that this is a leaning curve but you'll be a better team for it next season.

Elstead has a fantastic junior section and the enthusiasm of the managers, coaches and parents is a joy to behold. I know how hard it can be at times and I congratulate you all.