Lichfield Nomads Cricket Club : Match Reports 2006

Nomads 239 for 9 v Blythe Bridge 156 for 7

Caygill century sees off Blythe Bridge
A dominant batting display from Rich Caygill, watched by his parents, ensured a tenth victory of the season for the Nomads. A superb debut century helped the Nomads post 239 for 9. Blythe Bridge were restricted to 156 for 7 with Fearon bagging 3 for 6. Graeme Blackburn edged ahead in the Gonad stakes after being run out for a duck.

Nomads batted first and Heslington struck a 6 from the first ball he faced, losing the new cherry in the field of nettles next to the ground. Gardner was caught for 5 and Caygill repeated Heslington's trick, hitting a 6 off his first ball. Heslington was bowled for 11 to reduce the Nomads to 25 for 2. Fearon joined Caygill and they moved the score onto 58 before Fearon was adjudged to be lbw off the appealing bowling of Burke Senior. Graeme Blackburn was run out for his third duck of the season. Edwards scored 14 in a brisk 35 run stand. Caygill reached his fifty and began to bat with increasing confidence. He dominated the strike and was looking for every scoring opportunity. The pair added 63 before Brannigan was caught for 16. Ian Hughes continued the momentum with 19 runs in a partnership of 73 for the seventh wicket. Caygill was eventually bowled off his pads for 116, his first ever century, by the persistent Barlow. Hoddy added 4 and Pete Blackburn eked out another five runs to use up the final balls of the 40 overs. Nomads finished with 239 for 9, a commanding total given the bowling line up of the Nomads.

Heslington & Hoddy opened the bowling for the Nomads and each removed one of the openers. Barlow was bowled for 12 by Heslington and A. Prime was bowled by Hoddy for 13. Ian Hughes was economical and had Bradbury caught behind by Gardner for 10 runs. Coleman and Brannigan bowled tidily for no return. Fearon bowled Ainsworth (18) with his slower ball and then got the youngster Heathcote to play on. Edwards only bowled two overs but picked up theimportant wicket of Rowley for 55. Fearon's third wicket was a bizarre dismissal. G. Prime edged to the keeper, the ball hit Gardner on the shoulder and ricocheted to Hoddy at slip who took the catch.
By now Blythe's chances of victory were slim. A fascinating battle ensued as the father and son combination of Pete and Graeme Blackburn bowled at Burke Senior and Junior.

Blythe completed their allotted 40 overs on 156 for 7 and Nomads finished the season with an 83 run victory.