Key Partnership downs Nomads

A chilly afternoon saw the Nomads play a “home” game at Old Hill against Martins CC. After winning the toss, the Nomads elected to bowl. A hostile spell from Mahmood, ably supported by Davies, saw Martins reduced to 16 for 3 in the 6th over. A double wicket maiden from Bryars (S) kept up the pressure. Nomads’ hopes were high when the score reached 60 for 6 in the 16th over. Nauman, coming in at 8, proceeded to score freely against all comers. His partnership of 96 with Gohar was pivotal in the outcome of the game. Hutton finally put a brake on the scoring, dismissing both batsmen and then wrapping up the tail. The final total of 208, made with nearly 6 overs remaining, looked to be a challenging target. And so it transpired.

Gardner and Weir found scoring difficult against a skilful attack. After 10 overs the score was only 18 for 1, with Weir being run out by a direct hit. Even the normally fluent Hutton was kept in check. At the halfway point the score had advanced to 54. Gardner, on the occasion of his 69th birthday, retired unbeaten, but unable to keep pace with a much younger partner. Brannigan and Mahmood, in their contrasting styles, increased the scoring rate, putting on 69 in the next 10 overs. Going for one big hit too many, Mahmood was bowled for 31 off only 18 balls. Despite the best efforts of Bryars and Brannigan, who completed a well-deserved run-a-ball half century, the run rate dropped slightly at the end. The Nomads finished on 185, just 23 short.

The game was played in a good spirit. An excellent tea, provided by the queen of the Victoria Sponge and doyen of the drizzle cake (Steph) was totally demolished. Vocal encouragement was provided by the travelling supporters club. Thanks go to Nick Bryars for scoring during the Martins innings. We go forward, hoping for warmer weather and that elusive win.


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

Date: 29 May 2022
Start time: 2:00pm
Venue: Old Hill C.C.
Competition: 40 overs Friendly
Scores: Martins 208, Lichfield Nomads 185
Result: Martins beat Lichfield Nomads by 23 runs
Toss:
Scorers: N. Bryars
Umpires: Various
Report: K. Stanley
Weather: Cool

31 May 2022