A triumph of youth over experience

Our opponents fielded what they called a development XI. The emphasis was on letting their young players have experience of the longer form of the game against older opposition. They may have been young, but they certainly did not lack in ability. The bowling was tight on a pitch that kept low, but with a fast outfield. After playing some typically stylish shots, Ghosal was bowled for 15. Gardner was caught off the first aggressive shot that he played. The Nomads batsmen continued to offer catches, most of which were accepted. The sole exception was Moss. He was dropped, but played with patience and skill to reach 40. Two gonads (one of them golden) and four scores of two made for a sorry scorecard. Bowlers 5 and 6, Finn Walker (6-3-4-2) and Hartshorne (4-2-9-3) returned particularly impressive figures. 105 all out, after 34 overs, was always going to be difficult to defend.
A good start was required. After a couple of loose deliveries, Lee and Davies bowled tightly. Spirits were lifted by a stunning slip catch by Moss. Just as one swallow doesn’t make a summer so one catch doesn’t make a victory. A fourth wicket partnership of 52 took the game away from the Nomads. Despite two late wickets in an over by Moss (who else?) Ashby reached their target by 4 wickets with 18 overs to spare.
The game was watched by a large crowd, enjoying sunshine, beer and cricket. The hospitality of Ashby Hastings was exemplary.
(N.B. Gardner only batted and Rolfe only kept wicket for the Nomads)
[Disclaimer: Any offence caused by this article is unintentional, any praise is well deserved]

Date: 12 Jun 2022
Start time: 2:00pm
Venue: Ashby Hastings C.C.
Competition: 40 overs Friendly
Scores: Lichfield Nomads 105, Ashby Hastings 109 for 6
Result: Ashby Hastings beat Lichfield Nomads by 4 wkts
Toss: Lichfield Nomads won the toss and elected to bat
Scorers: N. Bryars / P. Gardner
Umpires: Various
Report: K. Stanley
Weather: Warm, sunny

14 Jun 2022