Lichfield Nomads Cricket Club : Match Reports 2005

Nomads grab first win of the season
A dramatic collapse saw Sunseekers score 154 and fail to complete their 40 overs. The Nomads measured response was timed to perfection with the winning runs coming with 5 balls to spare.

With skipper Blackburn and vice-captain Pinfield away for the last matches of the footy season, Forster resumed the captaincy for the day. The toss was duly lost and Sunseekers elected to bat.

Both openers looked dangerous and there was relief when Hughes removed Carpenter for 13. Greaves took a good catch at mid-on to remove Nicholl off Moss and Heslington bowled Hawkesworth for 6. The opener Wenn was bowled by Heslington for a disciplined 37 just before the drinks break. (Robinsons strawberry flavour, very welcome on a warm sunny May afternoon.)

Forster had to go-off due to severe back pain and Hoddy completed his over and Fearon took over the captain's duties. Sibson and Bull then added some impetus to the innings.  Bull treating Greaves to some bullish big hitting. Three balls were lost in the mid-wicket field but Greaves got Bull to play on to wreak his revenge.

Fearon came back into the attack and dismissed Sibson with his first ball, Moss taking the catch at extra cover. He then bowled a full toss that Downes gloved to Hoddy at square leg but he spurned the chance. A disgruntled Fearon had briefly missed out on his 300th career wicket for the Nomads. He didn't have to wait long, clean bowling Downes with a well pitched up delivery. Moss then had Evans trapped lbw.

Sunseekers were somewhat rattled at this point as what looked like a 180-200 score was fizzling out under the barrage of wickets. Bennett attempted a risky run and was run out by Heslington at short cover. Hughes then took the final wicket as Hiscock was caught behind by Gardner.

Gardner and Hussein opened the batting and they started slowly as Ashford in particular bowled a tight line and length. The pair gradually  built up the run rate, saw off Ashford and built their partnership to 49 when Gardner (22) was caught out in the covers off a leading edge off the spinner Downes. Hussein (23) was also caught off Downes before the match winning partnership of 96 between Moss and Heslington saw the Nomads home to within touching distance of victory.

The pair batted patiently and sensibly and never let the rate get above 5 an over. Moss reached his fifty and was eventually out for 60, caught trying to force the pace as the end was in sight.

Heslington then hit a four to take the pressure off and Ashford returned for his second spell. Fearon duly despatched a widish delivery to the covers to secure the victory with 7 wickets and 5 balls to spare.