Lichfield Nomads Cricket Club : Match Reports 2002

Hoddy and Gardner opened the batting and tight bowling from Steve George soon removed Gardner for 9, caught in the slips by Hurcombe. Hoddy was then caught off Blackburn for 5 and the Nomads batting line up was starting to look frail at 16 for 2. Fearon and Higginson both responded positively with Fearon punishing the bad balls and they soon rested the initiative back to the Nomads XI. Fearon (36) played some good looking cover shots and drives before he skied a wide long hop to point off Roberts (Ray's nephew) where Paul Smith took a good catch. Hussein joined the fray and was quickly into his stride. Pinfield set a 'leg-side trap' for Hussein who cheekily found the gap for 4 runs down to fine leg. Higginson fell next for a valuable 31, caught by wicketkeeper Ings off Roberts.
Cartwright and Hussein batted sensibly, took advantage of the bad balls and ran well between the wickets to put on a century partnership, before both retired with well earned 50's, Cartwright posting his maiden half century.
Ingley was suffering in the field as the ball repeatedly followed him and his fielding was a bit rusty after his long break.
Fellows was then given out lbw for 4 off the bowling of Willis and then Greaves  (15 n.o.) and Pickering (5 n.o.) had some fun at the end adding some useful runs with Dave Pickering scoring his debut runs in Nomads colours. The Nomads XI eventually posted a massive 231 for 5 at Tea.

The Presidents XI were immediately on the back foot as Hoddy's short leg plan worked straight away. Fearon got one to lift off a length and danger man Rob Ings gloved the ball to the helmeted Coleman who took the catch. The celebrations were prolonged, which gave some indication of the Nomads respect for Ings. It was soon 11 for 2 as Fearon clean bowled Steve George with an inswinging delivery. Hurcombe and Rowland then re-grouped and offered steadfast resistance. They built a solid partnership of 57 in 22 overs and this helped to make the match safe. Rowland was eventually caught by Hemmings off the bowling of Higginson for 24 runs. Hurcombe was then run out thanks to a superb piece of fielding from Neil Hemmings and good work from keeper Fellows. Paul Smith scored 6 before being given out hit wicket against the Norman Wisdom esque bowling of Gardner, who stumbled to the floor when releasing the ball. Roberts survived a confident run out appeal before being stumped for 12 off Hussein. With the overs running out, the Nomads XI sniffed a faint whiff of victory but Blackburn and Ingley defended the last two overs with ease and the match was drawn.

Amazingly, despite creaking bones and aching limbs there was only one injury to speak of as Kev Fisher took a nasty blow on the end of the finger attempting a catch. Phil Evans attempted to catch some of the action with his camcorder.

After the match, the teams retired to The Acorn for a few beers, followed by a curry at the Bengal where Chairman Ray Jennett toasted absent friends, the organising committee and all the players. The hardy drinkers then headed to the HQ aka The Queen's Head, the traditional home of the Nomads.