Nomads win close game against Longdon

Nomads travelled to Gentleshaw to play Longdon on a sunny and windy afternoon. The ground offered spectacular views over to Barr Beacon and beyond and the pitch looked like a bit of a ‘green top’. Longdon batted first through mutual agreement. Bowser was first out to a good catch from Singh off the bowling of O’Brien. Kamal and Miller put on a partnership of 63 with both batsmen playing confidently and hitting boundaries. The Nomads ground fielding was fine but the bowlers were unlucky as several catches were spilled off competitive bowling (a total of 10 altogether in the Longdon innings). Gibson came on to claim the vital wicket of Miller, well caught by O’Brien, and then Shaw whose lofted drive was well held in swirling wind by Loxley on the boundary. Kamal was eventually out to Holmes for a well-constructed 63. Reddy’s spin claimed two wickets towards the end. Longdon did well to reach 175 particularly considering they only had nine players. But it left the Nomads wondering what the score could have been had all of the catches been taken.

Loxley was first out, the inswing of Beveridge’s delivery beating the inside edge of the bat. This brought the ‘in form’ Bastable to the crease who started to attack the bowling and increase the run rate. He and Gardner (playing more conservatively), put on 63 for the second wicket until he was out lbw for 38. Holmes was next in and almost straight away pulled a hamstring which meant Bastable was back in the middle acting as his runner. Despite Holmes’s injury he hit some fine shots, including a six, advancing the score to 111 until he was bowled by Adam for 26. Three quick wickets followed, bringing O’Brien(19) and Singh (34 n.o.) together in a partnership of 43 made up of quick singles and attacking shots (including a six from O’Brien and two straight sixes from Singh.) They brought the Nomads close to the winning total, which was reached with two wickets to spare.
It was a close game played in a friendly spirit with the Nomads putting in an all round team performance.


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

Date: 25 May 2025
Start time: 1:00pm
Venue: Buds Road, Gentleshaw
Competition: 40 overs friendly
Scores: Longdon 175 for 9 (all out) v Lichfield Nomads 177 for 8
Result: Lichfield Nomads won by 2 wkts
Toss: The toss was uncontested and Longdon agreed to bat.
Scorer: A. Gibson and Longdon
Umpires: Stanley, Parsonage, Loxley and Longdon
Report: P. Gardner
Weather: Sunny intervals and windy

27 May 2025