OLD Elizabethans' excellent run of form continued with a crushing nine-wicket defeat of Berkswell at the Memorial Gr-ound.

Following long periods of heavy rain, players joined with groundstaff, determined to ensure that at least some play was possible after water had seeped on to the pitch.

All their efforts were re-warded as the home side ro-mped to a victory that sees them head the Birmingham League Division Two table by 15 points.

Skipper Sean Cairney won the toss and invited the visitors to bat. Matt Sprague (1-34) struck first when he had opener Khan caught by Griffiths with the total on just two.

With 16 runs added to the total, Stuart Lockwood (1-22) had Pedersen brilliantly cau-ght by Sam McNally at slip.

The next pair had compiled a 33-run partnership before Griffiths was instrumental in a sharp run-out of Threlkeld.

At 51-3, Berkswell looked set for a reasonable score in the 42 overs available but, the introduction of Ollie Griffiths (3-5) and the ever-accurate Stuart Phillips (4-16), tore the heart out of the remaining batting order.

The visitors lost their next three wickets without adding to the total and, although 21 was added for the seventh wicket, Berkswell were all out for 79 when Griffiths had Parker stumped by Cairney.

Excellent bowling, coupled with some sharp fielding and an all-round team effort saw Old Elizabethans in a very strong position at tea.

In response, although Boyle fell early, there were no more alarms as Simon Macey (38 not out) and McNally (40 not out) saw the home side past their target inside 22 overs.

Old Elizabethans entertain third in the table Attock on Saturday.