For the second year running, the 4th XI are Champions of their league. What a tremendous achievement and congratulations must go to skipper Pete Suthons and the whole of his team.

In 2008, the 4th XI were Champions of West Midlands League Division 2 and gained promotion to Division 1.

In 2009 this young side under the care and direction of Pete Suthons and his senior pro, John Hough, have guided them to a second Championship. Unfortunately there is no promotion for them as the clubs 3rd XI are in the Premier Division above, and no club is allowed two sides in the same Division. As it happens the 3rd XI were runners-up in the Premier Division.

In todays game Solihull Blossomfield tested the young side. But despite some mighty blows and quick scoring Olton caught several key catches including a big one by Tom Cullen and then Charlie Suthons took two in short succesion before JOhn Hough held on to mighty blow at mid wicket.

John Bosworth returned to form and took 4-18 as did Charlie Suthons 4-41

Chasing 186 openers Matt stait and youngster Tom Lilburn (following on from his 92 the previous week) got off to a good start making 66 for the first wicket. Then Andy Spowage in a welcome return to form smashed the Bloss bowling around to score a rapid 76* (12 fours and a six) and with Tom Lilburn ably supporting him for 59* Olton romped home in just 31 overs. to return to the club for celebrations to begin.

Phil Williams - 29/08/2009

Olton's 4th XI found the going tough against Four Oaks Saints but were saved by an outstanding performance by Tim Joiner.

Olton batted first with Tim opening with his son Chris who had been in fine form but was dismissed early on. Meanwhile, to his son's chagrin, Tim piled on the runs and went on to make a great 80. Assisted by good supporting knocks from David Adams (20) and Tom Cullen (38) Olton's innings came to an end at 189-7.

Four Oaks Saints batted confidently and got the score to 107-4 but then that man Tim joined the attack and in a devastating spell of 8.3.18.5 reduced Saints to 140-9. Try as they might the final wicket could not be taken and the match ended in a draw with Saints on 149-9.

Still drinks all round from Tim with 80 runs and 5 wickets and I bet poor young Chris was reminded of dad's great day endlessly!!!!!

The fourth XI beat Aston Manor very convincingly at Tudor Grange.

Olton scored 227-5 off their 50 overs with Chairman Phil Vann scoring 103 which is believed to be his maiden century. In his earlier days Phil had been a big in swing bowler but as he matured he became a better batsman. His previous bets knock according to the website was 84 v Southam in Aug 2006. As he made his maiden ton he was accompanied at the wicket by his step son David Adams who made 41.

Aston Manor could not compete and were bowled out for 74. Olton's young bowlers all under 17 were just too much to handle. Charlie Suthons took 4-10, John Bosworth 4-21 and karim Ullah 2-19

Phil Williams - 14/06/2009