Glorious sun, glorious victory

Scores: Lichfield Nomads CC 217 for 6, Strikers CC 197 all out.
Result: Lichfield Nomads won by 20 runs

A dry worn pitch at Hammerwich was the setting for another close game against Stafford Strikers. After losing the toss and being asked to bat, the majority of the Nomads settled down expecting Terry and Hughes (A) to continue the good work of the previous week (a partnership of 141). Within 25 balls both had been dismissed caught down the leg side by the keeper. The score was 13-2 after 7 overs. Muthu's opening spell was 4-3-2-1. Gardner and Moss played sensibly against tight bowling, taking the score to 83 in the 20th over. Moss failed to control a cut and was dismissed for 38. One Dan replaced the other. Gardner's steady accumulation ended in the 27th over with 38 from 52 balls. The combination of the heat and Brannigan's muscular hitting caused the fielding to wilt somewhat. Supported by Stanley, a partnership of 76 in 12 overs improved the scoring rate. Stanley was run out in a (successful) effort to keep Brannigan on strike. (Longer legs are clearly required!) A left/right combination was in place for all but the last 12 balls of the innings. This helped disrupt the fielding side. Hutton scored 9 in 5 balls before being bowled attempting another big shot. Rolfe managed to take 2 after hitting the ball about 15 yards. Brannigan was undefeated on 79 from only 60 balls. The final score of 217 appeared competitive. The outfield was fast, and the temperature barely dropped throughout the day, so a close contest looked likely.

After an excellent tea supplied by Pete Gardner, the Nomads opened their attack with Moss and Hutton. The breakthrough came in the 6th over when Rolfe took a catch off the glove from Hutton's bowling. The next ball saw a more comprehensive dismissal as the stumps were "rearranged". 16-2 after 6 overs. The symmetry between the two innings was to be continued throughout.

Moss bowled his 8 overs straight through, with no luck. The introduction of Cartwright broke a partnership of 49. After a wicket in his second over, he took another in his fourth. Eventually, and almost inevitably, Hoddy added to his tally of wickets. Heslington, returning after injury, took a little time to settle back into his rhythm. By this time the required run rate was over 7.5 so the batsmen were taking chances. A fine catch by Moss, off Hoddy near the long off boundary removed the dangerous Srikant for 40. Heslington reaped the reward of bowling straight ('they miss, I hit') with two men clean bowled. With 20 required from the last two overs, Cartwright completed the victory with 11 balls to spare after the sixth clean bowled of the innings. The Nomads retired to the bar to celebrate. Correction, the last sentence should have said: The Nomads retired to the bar to rehydrate.
Statistical quirk: The Strikers 'worm' (showing runs against overs) was just ahead of that of the Nomads throughout almost the entire game, even up to the end of the 38th over. The main difference lay in the wickets fallen.

[Disclaimer: Any offence caused by this article is unintentional, any praise is well deserved]

Date: 20th July 2018
Start time: 2:00pm
Venue: Hammerwich
Competition: 40 overs Friendly
Result: Lichfield Nomads won by 20 runs
Report: K. Stanley
Toss: Stafford Strikers won the toss and elected to field.
Scorer: J. Hoddy
Umpires:
Weather: Sunshine, scorchio.