Lichfield Nomads Cricket Club : Match Reports 2006

Nomads draw at Sutton

An ageing Nomads outfit earned a creditable draw against Sutton on the Hill. Sutton scored 241 for 7 and Nomads replied with 178 for 6, including a half century for Mal Pinfield.

With old stalwarts Willis and Jennett making a rare appearance, it was an ageing Nomads side that took to the field against Sutton on the Hill. Despite the inclusion of 21 year old Rob Coleman the average age of the team was over 49. The match got off to the worst possible start as Greaves dropped a regulation catch at mid-off off Heslington in the first over. Opener Thomas rode his luck and went on to make a rapid 44, which set the tone for much of the rest of the innings. Generally the fielding was poor but there were some highlights. A superb low diving catch from Willis, some agile fielding and throwing from Rob Coleman and three stumpings for Gardner. Greaves picked up three wickets and Graham Coleman took two wickets. Heslington and Fearon toiled up the hill for just a wicket apiece. Johnson carried his bat for an undefeated 94 as Sutton posted a challenging 241 for 7.

Openers Gardner and Hoddy started well but Gardner was bowled by Milnes for 12. Pinfield then joined Hoddy and the pair contributed the main partnership of the innings, adding 73 before Hoddy (24) was bowled by the accurate Taylor.
Pinfield (56) and Fearon (21), who had nearly decapitated umpire Coleman, both fell for sucker punches as Brown bowled a mixed bag of teasing loopers and short stuff. Rob Coleman kept the momentum going with a breezy 14 and Dave Pickering picked up his second gonad of the season, trapped lbw. By now the chance of victory was gone and the Nomads comfortably switched to survival mode.
Willis relived his Dotmeister past before getting off the mark and edging two fours to third man to end 9 not out. Heslington hit 26 not out including 4 fours and the Nomads comfortably secured the draw scoring 178 for 6.