Lichfield Nomads Cricket Club : Match Reports 2002

The Nomads rounded off probably their most successful playing season with a victory away at Blythe Bridge. In a picturesque setting, a strong Nomads side arrived in confident mood despite the previous week's defeat at Highcroft.
Nomads batted first and most of the top order contributed as Captain Hoddy shuffled the batting order in an effort to get Gardner's season average above 50. Moss arrived late, not for the first time but was at least sober.

The highlight of the innings was Higginson's personal best 43. With a bit more luck and good concentration he will surely score his debut fifty next season.

The general concensus was that 220 was probably enough but maybe should have been 240. With only 35 runs coming from the last 10 overs.

Discussions on the best tea of the year were prompted by a sumptuous spread including Trifle, Home made Cakes and Apple Pie and Cream. The Nomads bowlers were heavily weighed down when the Vikings began their innings. With Fearon, Heslington and Hoddy all on 21 wickets for the season there was a competitive edge to the bowling. Hoddy gave all the main bowlers 5 overs each to give everyone a fair chance of getting in amongst the wickets. Hemmings and Higginson opened the bowling and had no joy with their opening spells. The Viking openers, Simcock and Whiston, made a positive start and put on 72 before Heslington removed Whiston for 33. Hoddy failed to add to his number of wickets. Forster and Fearon added to the mounting pressure as the Nomads exerted control on the match. Forster had Bradbury caught for a duck and Smith caught by Greaves, his 15th catch of the season. Fearon then removed the dangerous opener Simcock for 63, who chipped a catch to Heslington at mid on. Vikings then mounted a rearguard action as Mirze and Ainsworth built a partnership and gave them a hope of victory. Greaves was hit out of the attack after only one over and Moss was expensive but somewhat unlucky. The returning Hemmings completed his spell with three overs, two wickets for 19 runs as the Vikings strived to keep up with the rate. Simcock and Jones were left at the end to try and win the match for the Vikings. Higginson bowled the final over with 14 required. Only 7 runs were conceded and the Nomads finished the 2002 season with a victory by 6 runs.