A lesson in game management

Duke of York started steadily against a disciplined bowling attack on a slow wicket. The first wicket fell in the 12th over with the score at 72. The expected acceleration failed to materialise despite there being wickets in hand. The last 4 overs yielded only 8 runs. The final total of 104 looked to be light. All of the bowlers performed well, backed up by enthusiastic fielding and excellent catching.
The loss of two wickets in the first two overs proved that batting was, perhaps, more difficult than had initially appeared. 38-4 at the half way mark left work to do. The run rate was still below 7 at this point, but wickets continued to fall. The loss of both Turnbull and Hutton in the 15th over, with the score on 70, proved crucial. A late flurry of runs from Hughes (I) proved insufficient. The Nomads were all out with 10 balls to spare.
The old adage certainly applied here: you don’t know what is a good score on a particular pitch until both teams have used it. The Nomads probably attacked too hard too early. Only 10 runs were needed from the last two overs, having scored 42 from the previous 5 overs. Alas and alack!
[Disclaimer: Any offence caused by this article is unintentional, any praise is well deserved]

Date: 25 May 2022
Start time: 6:30pm
Venue: Kings Bromley
Competition: 20 overs Friendly
Scores: Duke of York 105 for x, Lichfield Nomads 98
Result: Duke of York beat Lichfield Nomads by 7 runs
Toss:
Scorers:
Umpires: Various
Report: K. Stanley
Weather: Fine

14 Jun 2022