Having made the journey around Wolverhampton, the Nomads assembled at Springhill CC for the first time in 3 years: the previous two fixtures had been scheduled for Aprils ’23 & ’24 but fell foul of the wet springs.
That was not a problem this time round however, the outfield resembling a dust bowl with the hot and largely dry spring and summer having reduced the outfield to straw and dust.
Winning the toss, Jon Loxley decided to bowl on what was perceived to be an unpredictable surface. As it transpired it was largely slow and low, and there weren’t any hidden terrors. Opening with himself and Ryan Clenton, the skipper took a wicket with his first ball.
Enter Dilawar Ali, a man who would leave his mark on all aspects of the match. After just 18 balls, Ali retired unbeaten on 50 - after 6 overs Springhill
were 66 for 1, lawks!
Thankfully things slowed down, with some decent bowling by the Nomads posse of six. However, the arrival of Big Bill Etheridge at number 9 saw
more carnage as he raced to 50 in 28 balls. Ali re-entered the fray with the fall of Zakariya Ridwan, but the wicket of Ryhan Patel saw Springhill declare
at 231-9 with ten balls remaining as Big Bill decided not to return to the fray. Jas Basi took 3-38.
The now settled opening partnership of Pete Gardner and Dave Rolfe got our reply solidly underway before Gards was bowled for 13 in the ninth over.
Refreshed from his holiday, Rich Bastable joined Rolfy and their partnership included several lusty blows.
Enter Dilawar Ali, this time as a bowler. He quickly got rid of Rich for 42, turning the ball a long way. Drinks saw us well placed at 100-2, but first ball
afterwards Rolfy ran himself out and the rot set in. Ryan Clenton (who won the MVP vote for his all round effort) managed a cameo of 22 not out, but
ultimately we fell well short of the target. Ali - perhaps inevitably - took 5 for 13 with his excellent bowling being backed up by some really good ground
fielding, including by himself: the final example saw Tony Jordan run out by a direct hit from 25+ yards.
The game was played in the right way, with a good spirit permeating through this parched piece of WV4. Onwards and upwards Nomads.
[Disclaimer: Any offence caused by this article is unintentional, any praise is well deserved]
Date: 24 August 2025
Start time: 1:00pm
Venue: The Ridge, Springhill CC
Competition: 40 overs Friendly
Scores: Springhill 231 (38.2 overs), Lichfield Nomads 173 (31.3 overs).
Result: Springhill beat Lichfield Nomads by 58 runs.
Toss: Lichfield Nomads won the toss and elected to bowl.
Scorers: n/a
Umpires: n/a
Report: T. Jordan
Weather: Cloudy, with some sunny spells, warm.
29 August 2025