Cricket was the winner

An exciting and high scoring game decide on the penultimate ball of Ultimate Warrior's innings.
Our first-time opponents travelled all the way from North London on a lovely mid September day.
Batting first, Nomads lost Gardner early and, by the 7th over after the loss of the classy Barker, found themselves at 29 for 2 against a strong and quick opening bowling attack. However, with superb batting from Mark "Sir Len" Hutton, who carried his bat to 117*, Nomads formed a succession of quick-scoring partnerships all the way down the order - (60 with Weir , 60 with Loxley, 30 with Fearon, 44 with Scurlock and 35 unbroken with Mahmood) - the support from Loxley and Scurlock (on debut) being particularly impressive. Hutton was brilliantly supported by Barker and then Rolfe acting as runners after an early groin strain.
Chasing 259 to win might have seemed daunting for our opponents and after a solid opening spell from Lee and Mahmood, they found themselves behind the run rate at 28 for 1 from 8 overs. A second wicket partnership of 99, progressed the score to 123 in the 23rd over but at that point, new boy Jordan struck with only his second ball for the Nomads to swing the game very much in Nomads favour. Two further wickets fell in quick succession and still needing 105 in less than 13 overs, it seemed Nomads were going to tighten the noose, however, Jay, UW’s opening batsman had other ideas and well supported by Arif, they scored 29 off the last 15 balls to get over the line. Jay finishing with a magnificent 133*.
An enthralling game ended in near darkness but Nomads growing number of stars shone brightly despite a nail-biting defeat!

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

Date: 20th Sept 2020
Start time: 12:30pm
Venue: Gorway Road, Walsall
Competition: 40 overs Friendly. 12 a side
Scores: Lichfield Nomads 258 for 6, Ultimate Warriors 262 for 7
Result: Ultimate Warriors beat Lichfield Nomads by 3 wkts
Toss: Won
Scorer: I. Terry
Umpires: M. Heslington et al
Report: I. Terry
Weather: Hot and sunny

21/09/2020