Lichfield Nomads Cricket Club : Match Reports 1998

Meriden 184 for 8 v 173 all out. Nomads lost by 11 runs

Meriden batted first and posted a competitive 184 for 8 from their 40 overs. Heslington bowled economically, with 4 maidens in his figures of 0-24. Greaves made the early breakthrough, dismissing opener Sherington and taking 1-30. Hoddy trapped the other opener Mason in his 1-36. Cartwright (2-29) and Fearon (2-39) both picked up two wickets apiece and Tungate grabbed a late wicket (1-6).
Grewer and Fearon opened the batting and the pair laid the foundations for a strong reply. Fearon was soon dominating the bowling and scoring well and Grewer was solid in support. The pair celebrated a century opening stand and the partnership finally came to an end after an impressive 121 runs with Grewer falling for 36, lbw to Shields. After such a promising start the stage was set for the Nomads to take advantage but the self-destruct button was pressed and Hussein (1), Cartwright (0), Heslington (1) fell for two runs between them as the Nomads stuttered to 132 for 4. Fearon tried to up the rate and added 16 with Hoddy before he was bowled for 1 to take the score to 148 for 5. After being joined at the crease by Paul Smith, Fearon reached his debut century for the Nomads. He was finally caught for 105, a magnificent effort including 16 fours and two sixes but there was little joy as he knew that the chance of victory was receding. With the score now 157 for 6 it was left to the tail to chase a run a ball for victory. Smith batted with courage and hopes were still high that a victory could be snatched from the jaws of defeat. Credit to Meriden who never gave up and bowled well throughout the innings. Once they had a sniff of victory they upped their game and the Nomads tail was put under severe pressure. Shohet(2), Willis(0), Greaves(5) and finally Tungate (1) succumbed and Smith was left not out on a personal best 14. Meriden had won by 11 runs with two balls to spare. A game that the Nomads could and probably should have won but it will be remembered for Fearon's debut century.

Heslington 8-4-24-0; Greaves 5-0-30-1
Hoddy 8-0-36-1, Fearon 8-0-39-2
Cartwright 7-0-29-2, Smith 2-0-17-0
Tungate 2-0-6-1