CHAMPIONS Elmley Castle started the 2001 Evesham Indoor League season with a hard fought 26-run victory over St Benedicts.

From 61-1, Elmley slumped to 72-5 and it was left to veteran Karl Sheward to give the score some respectability with a stubborn 29 not out.

Other rungetters were Cooper (12), Craig Sheward (14) and Ian Woodford (22).

Powell (2-9) bowled well for Saints.

Elmley put on pressure from the start of the reply to such an extent that all the wickets fell to run outs.

Powell enjoyed a fine all-round game with an excellent 38 but lacked support.

Dumbleton must be wondering how they made such a modest total after their first wicket fell at 49.

Boorman (25) and Piesse (37) got them off to a flyer. Three run outs gave the edge to Ashton-u-Hill in a total of 79.

Hudson-Wood (1-9) and Wood (1-21) were the best Ashton bowlers.

After making such a modest total Dumbleton put pressure on Ashton from the start and wickets fell at regular intervals.

It was left to Wood to win the game for Ashton with just one ball to spare. He completed a fine all-round effort finishing unbeaten with 39.

Results

Elmley Castle 100-5, St Benedicts 74 ao; Dumbleton 79 ao, Ashton 80-4

Fixtures for Tuesday

St Benedicts v Dumbleton (8); Ashton v Elmley Castle (9).