Nomads end losing run

After three successive defeats the Nomads travelled to leafy Cheshire to take on regular opponents Audlem.
The forecast baking temperatures didn't quite materialise but the humid, overcast conditions suggested there might be something in it for the bowlers. With very little rain in June, the outfield was lightning fast to aid the batters.
The sides agreed that players should retire at 50 but could return if needed.

Audlem batted first and captain Hughes and O'Brien opened the bowling. Hughes was sporting new boots but had to change them after one over when the sole of one boot shattered.
Wearing his old boots Hughes dismissed Howard, caught behind by Parsonage and then snaffled Shaik caught and bowled. Both departed without troubling the scorer.
Burton was looking dangerous. He was dominating the strike, scoring the bulk of the runs, and was nearing his 50.
O'Brien bowled well but was wicketless and was replaced by Gibson, who bowled his usual miserly spell.
Fearon replaced Hughes and took a wicket in his first over. Removing Burton (45), substitute fielder Cartwright taking a good catch at point. Gibson trapped Ellsmore (23) lbw but then the young Audlem batting started to accumulate runs at a good rate and pushed the score along. Jake Topping and Bertie Hardy both reached their 50s undefeated and retired not out.
Clenton dismissed young Alfie Hardy who batted really well for his 31. Another fine catch for Cartwright. Hughes returned and bagged another wicket after a fine catch by Mangukiya. In the end the Nomads did well to restrict Audlem to 229, which was probably 20 or 30 runs fewer than they would have liked.

A fine traditional tea was served and appreciated by all involved. Fresh raspberries and home-made chocolate cake topping the bill.

Gardner and Rolfe opened the Nomads batting and Rolfe soon got into his stride and scored his first 50 of the season and retired not out to make way for Bastable. Gardner (28) passed 22,000 career runs for the Nomads in another solid innings that helped lay the groundwork for the run chase. He was run out risking a quick single, falling to a good pick up and throw to the keeper.
O’Brien joined Bastable and the pair scored at a healthy rate before Bastable also retired on 51 not out.
O’Brien and Clenton continued at the same rate until O’Brien (32) was bowled by Alfie Hardy. Hughes (6 not out) and Clenton (21 not out) reached the target with 5.1 overs to spare to give the Nomads victory by 8 wickets.

It was an enjoyable match played in a good spirit and Audlem’s younger players showed that the club has a bright future.
[Disclaimer: Any offence caused by this article is unintentional, any praise is well deserved]

Date: 29 June 2025
Start time: 1:00pm
Venue: Audlem
Competition: 40 overs friendly
Scores: Audlem 229 for 6 v Lichfield Nomads 230 for 2
Result: Lichfield Nomads won by 8 wkts
Toss: Audlem won the toss and elected to bat.
Scorer: Darren Cartwright and Audlem
Umpires: Hughes, Fearon, Gardner, Rolfe, Gibson, Parsonage and Audlem
Report: P. Fearon
Weather: Very warm, humid, cloudy overhead.

30 June 2025