Lichfield Nomads Cricket Club : Match Reports 2006

Nomads 213 for 9, D2CC 196 for 9.

Keith 'Razzaq' Greaves smashes 10th wicket record
The Nomads ran out winners against D2 C.C., otherwise known as Sutton Police, thanks to an awesome batting performance from number 11 Keith Greaves.
Just as Abdul Razzaq had destroyed England's bowling attack in the 4th one dayer against England at Trent Bridge on Friday. Greaves single handedly turned a good total into an impressive one, scoring 38 in an unbeaten partnership of 66 for the last wicket with Steve George. Greaves smashed 20 off the last over, including two sixes and picked up the MVP award.
Nomads batted first and both openers took advantage of the short boundaries and the late arrival of some of the D2 players. The run rate was always impressive but wickets started to fall as first Hussein (10) and then Pinfield (6) were dismissed. Pinfield was particularly unhappy with his lbw decision. Gardner was out in the same way (29) and Fearon was bowled round his legs for 15. Brannigan was bowled for 5, Graham Blackburn was bowled for 3 and Heslington was caught for an important 28. Despite the rapid start, Nomads were now reduced to 117 for 7 and in danger of not lasting much more than 30 overs. Steve George and Dave Forster set about rebuilding the innings and Forster had scored 18 out of a stand of 27 when he was bowled by Malcolm. Blackburn was caught off Malcolm for 1 and the stage was set for Greaves to make his match winning contribution. George batted sensibly and cut loose towards the end, as the overs drew to a close. He made a vital 24 not out in support of Greaves. The unbroken partnership for the tenth wicket of 66 is an all-time record for the Nomads. Greaves smashed his personal best to finish with 38 not out.

There was a quick turnaround as a barbeque was planned for after the match. Heslington and Fearon opened the bowling and both bowled tidily taking a wicket each in their first spells. George was unlucky and ended up wicketless. Brannigan was wayward and was becoming expensive, conceding 38 runs off his 5 overs. Davies and Lewis produced the biggest stand of the day for D2 adding 85 before Forster broke the partnership, not for the first time this season. Lewis was caught by Gardner for 39. Hazelwood (1) bowled Forster and Potter (0) bowled Heslington barely troubled the scorers. Forster also picked up the key wicket of the stylish Davies, stumped by Gardner for 63. By now Nomads were in control and the asking rate was rising steeply. Forster bowled SQ and Fearon had Pebb caught behind. D2 still had a slim chance of victory as Greaves and Blackburn bowled the last three overs. The Nomads fielders were spread to prevent any boundaries. Blackburn had Tierney caught by Hussein and Greaves safely delivered the last over with the opposition falling 17 runs short of the total.

After the match, there were barbequed sausages and burgers and cans of beer to toast the Nomads victory season in late summer sunshine.