Lichfield Nomads Cricket Club : Match Reports 2009

Classy Church ton counts for nought

An impressive 134 from Church Eaton's Smith (D) ultimately counted for nothing as the game was abandoned after just four and a half overs of the Nomads reply. After a late start and the threat of rain to come later, the match was reduced to 35 overs. Church Eaton batted first and posted a massive 244 for 4. The Nomads reply started healthily and reached 29 without loss before the rains came and the match was abandoned as a draw.

Heslington opened the bowling with Hoddy and Church Eaton were quickly into their stride. Hoddy made the first breakthrough, removing Greaves for 22 caught by our Greaves. But then he lost a skier that bounced a few feet away from where he was stood and the chance to remove Smith was spurned. He took full advantage and played some aggressive shots. Hoddy proved he could catch by removing Harris off the bowling of Blackburn. Greaves was subjected to a couple of switch hits and by now the 15 year old Smith was well on his way to a century. The only no ball of the day (and allegedly of Snapper's career) was called just as the stump was cart wheeling out of the ground. The bowler was suitably gutted but picked himself up to finally remove the danger man for 134, thanks to a good catch from Gardner.
Fearon picked up a couple of late wickets. Brereton (0) played across a straight one and Hughes was clean bowled for 46.
The Nomads generally gave a poor performance in the field but the plaudits must go to an excellent batting performance by the visitors. Especially considering the damp, dark conditions.

In reply Gardner and Fearon opened and the run rate got off to a flyer with fourteen conceded off the first over. Smith bowled with some pace but the extras were racking up. The rain brought an end to proceedings and the Nomads would have had a tough task on their hands to reach their target but in the end, honours were even.