Swallow family at the heart of Elsecar story

Almost every cricket club has one particular family at its backbone and in Elsecar’s case they have had wonderful service from the Swallow family, going back to their long-serving player and Secretary Geoff Swallow, back in the mid-90’s.

When the Armroyd Laners entertained Upper Haugh two more of the Swallow family steered the hosts to 216-6, Ainsley Swallow hitting 58 and Ian Swallow (41). Haugh were then whipped out for just 73, Luke Townsend (4-10) and Shahzad Rana (4-39).

Aston Hall, who got the better of champions Treeton the previous week, couldn’t follow up against Whitley Hall, who set a challenge of 189-8, Jim Tasker striking 49 and Chris Siddall (47). Aston were then sent back for 147, wickets shared by Tasker (3-28) and Tom Fletcher (3-40).

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Coal Aston batted first at Houghton Main, and came in at 170-7, Elliott Tye (41no). It proved enough for maximum points, Houghton back in the pavilion for 150, Tahir Nawaz unbeaten on 51, attackers for the victors being Nick Horsfield (4-25) and John Harrison (3-42).

Wickersley were in a hurry at the Norton Oakes ground, polishing off the hosts for just 79, damage done by Muhammad Naveed 
(4-21), and Shahid Hussain (3-36), to register a 10-wicket triumph, Khurram Javed (48no).

Treeton got back to winning form when getting rid of Wath for 110, wickets shared by Steve Foster and Irfan Mirza, then easing to 112-4, the Premier Division’s top all-rounder Foster cracking 62.

Hallam made their trip to Whiston pay off, laying down a 238-6 challenge, junior Harry Bliss making 74 and Jesse Hemingay (45), their fifth-wicket partnership of 84 the basis of the Hallam total. Whiston made a fine effort in reply, closing just short at 226-9, opener Andy Tomlinson slamming 10 boundaries in his 96 and Scott Jones adding 54.

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There were just two century-makers, Oughtibridge opener Joe Boyden belting 114 in the Division Two 10-wicket win over Treeton B, and Norton Oakes B opener Chris Baker also hammering 114 as Oakes declared on 290-6 in Division Three at Bradfield.