Lichfield Nomads Cricket Club : Match Reports 2009

Twelve Stars: 348 for 7
Lichfield Nomads: 181

Nomads lose second Tour match
Sunday’s game against 12 Stars was on an artificial pitch. Not just an artificial wicket, but the complete playing area. Boundaries were short. Local knowledge was clearly a significant factor. Making his debut as captain, Blackburn (G) lost an important toss and condemned the Nomads to three hours in the field under a very hot sun. Ten overs in, the total appeared to be heading towards 400. However the attack stuck to the task on a pitch with a very small margin for error. The final total of 348 is a new Nomads record for runs conceded, but is hardly comparable with other totals. The Nomads ethos of playing cricket for enjoyment was exemplified by Ball’s delivery of a red apple. There was plenty of encouragement for the bowlers throughout. The opening partnership of 143 set the platform for later batsmen to play freely. Aniruddha went on to complete a disciplined century. Another player is said to have had involvement with the India Under 19 squad. Inevitably it seemed that good balls were hit for boundaries whilst lesser deliveries took wickets. The large hands of Westwood made two catches on the boundary look straightforward. He needs to give lessons.

The opening partnership of Hughes and Hughes started briskly. Hughes (I) continued to score well after the departure of Hughes (M). The arrival of Brannigan saw a stand of 63 compiled in 8 overs. Whilst quick by normal standards it still meant that the asking rate was climbing steadily. When both were out within four runs the run chase was effectively over. Wickets fell steadily thereafter. Blackburn (P) raised questions about his claim to be the new Bradman with his first gonad of the season. Stanley also chose to show a different side to his batting with 11 from only 7 balls. The final wicket fell in the 29th over. The margin of defeat was 167, the fifth largest in Nomads history.

There is only one thing to do after a hard game under a hot sun. Refreshments were duly taken. Initial re-hydration took place close to the ground, with further sampling in the vicinity of the hotel.