Into the Valley

Trent Valley put the skids under the Nomads with a nail biting two wicket victory.

The day couldn't have started any worse with the A51 closed and only 9 Nomads at the ground. The previous days celebrations at Marc Hutton's stag 'do' led to the non-appearance of vice captain Mahmood.
Mo Thakur was left stranded waiting for his lift and the Chairman sped back to Walsall to go and fetch him. Meanwhile Jules Ellis arrived to walk his dogs and was quickly press ganged into playing.
It was agreed that the Nomads would bat first and Bliss was surprisingly bowled in the first over without scoring. Loxley came in and steadied the ship. Gardner was caught hitting out for 11. Bastable was bowled for 5. Fearon hung around for a while in a useful partnership but failed to trouble the scorers for the second week running to take control of the annual Gonad trophy.
Loxley reached a well earned 50 and then was bowled. Dan Lee batted well for his 21 as did Cogzell for 16. Mo Thakur finally came to the crease and looked in good nick and made 32 not out in quick time but we were running out of overs, Ellis came in and struck two boundaries in a vital ninth wicket stand.
The total of 176 for 8 was respectable but didn't look enough on a fast drying outfield.

The hosts provided a proper cricket tea with excellent quiche and cakes, which was appreciated by the players on both sides.

The threat of further rain subsided as TV took to the field in reply. Opener Thakur struggled with his rhythm conceding 17 from his opening over but improved to pick up three of the first four batters.
Lee bowled well without success. Number 3 Ethan Sheriff was marshalling the strike well and the score ticked over at 6 or 7 an over. Loxley bowled Jayaweera and Cogzell bowled well without luck.
When the skipper turned to Jordan and Fearon the game seemed destined for a hasty finish but things changed when Fearon had Brandon Sherriff caught by Gardner in the slips. Then Jordan tempted Ethan Sherriff and he was stumped by the classy Bliss for 74.
The scoring slowed dramatically and Fearon took two further wickets to ramp up the tension. But Trent Valley survived the scare and Ayland and James saw the hosts home to a two wicket victory.



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

Date: 10 Sept 2023
Start time: 1:00pm
Venue: Westfields Road, Armitage C.C.
Competition: 40 overs friendly
Scores: Lichfield Nomads 176 for 8 v Trent Valley 177 for 8
Result: Trent Valley won by 2 wickets
Toss: On agreement Lichfield Nomads batted first
Scorer: T. Jordan
Umpires: D. Rolfe, P. Fearon, J. Cogzell, C. Bliss
Report: P. Fearon
Scorecard: T. Jordan
Weather: Very humid, odd shower, sunny intervals later

12 Sept 2023