Lichfield Nomads Cricket Club : Match Reports 2002

The Nomads won a remarkable match against Church Eaton by 1 run. The Nomads batted first and scored a record 277 for 2, beating the previous record of 271 for 2 against Four Oaks Saints. Church Eaton had not read the script and outscored the Nomads until the very end of the match when they needed four off the last ball but could only get two and finished with a massive 276 for 9 from 40 overs.
A lack of variety and poor discipline from the Church Eaton bowlers, accompanied by some slipshod fielding saw the Nomads batting rest the initiative on the fast outfield. Gardner and Heslington opened and they put on 60 before Heslington was dismissed for 17. Hussein joined Gardner and both batsmen showed supreme concentration to build a huge partnership of 186 and both were rewarded with personal best scores.
Hussein swept with great success and Gardner's pull shots and cover drives were working well. Hussein finally fell for 63.  Gardner rode his luck after being dropped four times but went from strength to strength and was unbeaten on 156 after carrying his bat for the full 40 overs.

The total of 277 seemed far in excess of what Church Eaton could get, especially with a strong Nomads bowling attack on display. But the gentle drizzle and heavy cloud cover seemed to lull the Nomads into a false sense of security and Church Eaton set about the formidable total with gusto. They scored at above the required rate of 7 an over and the Nomads bowling was uninspired. Pinfield's departure saw the Nomads reduced to 10 men in the field and the batsmen made use of the gaps. Opener Guest Snr was finally trapped lbw by Hoddy for 88. With only 16 required off the last 4 overs and with 7 wickets in hand it looked as if the left hander Sim had the match won if he could bat out until the end. Fearon then changed to round the wicket and had him caught behind by Gardner for 95. Heslington then tore into the tail as what seemed easy became more and more difficult as wickets fell and the pressure mounted. Church Eaton needed 4 off the last ball and with all the fielders on the boundary the last pair could only run 2 to give the Nomads a memorable victory. The players came off at 8:55pm after having seen an amazing 553 runs scored in 80 overs.