Nomads get over the line at Darley Abbey

Another Sunday, another set of rules. Dazzler's late withdrawal meant that we took twelve to Darley Abbey, with Tony Jordan bowling and Rich Bastable batting. Plus rolling substitutes, obviously, as well as batters retiring at 50!

Wayne Straw won the toss for our hosts and elected to bat. The game had a lively start, with both runs and wickets coming early on: Paul Fearon bowled a really good opening spell to help put us in a strong position.

However, once they were four down Darley kicked on with knocks by Asim Bhatti and Ben Riggott putting pressure on the Nomads. The introduction of John Hoddy, whose great run of form continued with 3-30 off 8, and also Tony Jordan helped pull things back and our opponents were all out for 167 with six overs remaining.

In reply we lost both openers cheaply, but this brought the two Dans to the crease. They proceeded to attack the bowling with great gusto, especially Dan Moss who reached his 50 in just 45 minutes by way of some glorious stroke play.

Following Mossy's retirement Dan Bran stepped up the pace and his departure for 37 didn't seem problematic as Aneek Mahmood was looking at his threating best. The loss of Neeky for 26 was, however, part of a remarkable over bowled by Darley's young seamer Stan Robinson which saw us slip from 139-3 to 139-6.

Calm heads were needed, and these came in the shape of Jas Basi and Paul Fearon, and ultimately we got across the line for a three wicket win. Dan Moss was voted MVP.

It's a pleasure to play at Darley Abbey as they are always great hosts, and we look forward to battle being rejoined in 2023.

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

Date: 18th Sept 2022
Start time: 1:00pm
Venue: Darley Abbey C.C.
Competition: 40 overs Friendly
Scores: Darley Abbey 167 v Lichfield Nomads 168 for 7
Result: Lichfield Nomads beat Darley Abbey by 3 wkts
Toss: Darley Abbey won the toss and elected to bat.
Scorer: Jordan / Hoddy/
Umpires: Stanley et al
Report: T. Jordan
Weather: Cloudy, occasional sunny intervals 14deg

18 Sept 2022