Nomads get off to record breaking start

Lichfield nomads travelled to Allestree Cricket Club for the first match of the 2025 season. Early April was unusually warm with glorious sunshine but the forecast for today was for cloud cover and possible showers. We arrived at the ground and the weather was kind with cloud cover and and a light breeze.
Captain Loxley won the toss and elected to bowl on a greenish wicket.
The Allestree batsman played aggressively and were scoring at a T20 rate.
We managed to put down three catches before sharp catches were taken by keeper Rolfe, Gardner at slip and Bastable at mid-off.
The match was briefly interrupted whilst a large dog excrement was removed from the outfield.
Openers Mahmood (three wickets) and Lee (two wickets) were picking up regular wickets but this didn't force a change of tactics as the batters continued to attack the bowling.
There was a dangerous stand between Baker and Pote that threatened to take the game away from the Nomads. Pote was particularly explosive hitting several huge sixes into the neighbouring bowling greens.
Fearon cleaned bowled Pote for 49 to break the partnership. Singh and Clenton, on his debut, chipped away at the lower order. Clenton bowled Baker and Singh grabbed a couple of lbws.
Rajeev scored useful runs at the end but the innings closed on 209 in only 27.5 overs. If Allestree had used all their overs it could have been an unassailable total.

An excellent tea was taken early and Nomads began their reply with Gardner (in his 44th season) and Rolfe opening.
Rolfe fell to a superb catch in the covers. Gardner played patiently while Bastable was scoring more freely.
Gardner was adjudged lbw and this brought Mahmood to the crease. Both batters were in the groove and punishing the bowling and the score raced along at eight an over.
Bastable retired not out on a 100, his maiden hundred for the Nomads, in only 75 balls. This was confirmed as a record partnership for the third wicket.
Loxley was bowled for the second duck of the innings. Mahmood (88 off only 47 balls) hit the winning runs as the Nomads reached their target in just 27.4 overs.
An exciting match, played in a good spirit, that was over very quickly, leaving plenty of time for an after match beer. Also, possibly the most dogs watching a Nomads match ever.

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

Date: 13 April 2025
Start time: 12:00 noon
Venue: Allestree C.C., Robincroft Road
Competition: 40 overs friendly
Scores: Allestree 209 v Lichfield Nomads 210 for 3
Result: Lichfield Nomads won by 7 wkts
Toss: Nomads won the toss and elected to bowl.
Scorer: Unknown, Allestree Junior
Umpires: Keith Stanley, Tony Jordan, Pete Gardner
Report: P. Fearon
Weather: Cool, cloudy, slight breeze

14 April 2025