| Lichfield Nomads Cricket Club: Keith's 2009 Tour Diary |
2009 Tour Diary
There is a well-known saying, “What goes on tour stays on tour.” Not as
far as the Nomads are concerned it doesn’t. Anything that you say or do,
or don’t say or don’t do, may be broadcast widely and used in evidence at
the least convenient time.
As a tour virgin, I had only a vague idea of what to expect. I now realise
that this condition is quite common, because many of the tour veterans
only have a vague idea of what has gone on in the past. Whilst it is
referred to as a cricket tour, the reality is somewhat different. It was a
four-day experiment in alcohol tolerance, with the cricket matches used to
develop a thirst and provide some hooks for the memory.
All agreed that the travel arrangements via Eurostar and local public
transport worked well. Cars may get lost, but trams and trains don’t.
Drinks can, and were, taken before, during and after train journeys.
Saturday’s game against Royal Brussels highlighted certain differences
between the two teams. The most notable differences were in terms of age
and ability. Batting first, the Nomads found scoring very difficult
against an attack that combined pace, lateral movement and bounce. Even
the normally free scoring Gardner was restricted although he contributed
23 to an opening partnership of 28 that took 12 overs. The 50 only came up
in the 23rd over as Westwood and Stanley struggled to pierce the field.
Having exerted a virtual stranglehold, Royal Brussels introduced variation
into the attack using a total of 9 bowlers. Pinfield top scored with a
typically busy 30. Blackburn (P) was the only other batsman to reach
double figures. The final total of 122 was seen to be just about
defendable. However the traditional problem of dropped catches (including
one in the first over) hindered any chance of a fight back. Runs were
conceded steadily against a batting line up that seemed of equal quality
to their bowling. Maclear, who made a half century, was given three lives.
The Nomads fought on (and as the game was played only a few miles from the
battlefield of Waterloo this was only fitting) but the total was passed in
the 20th over for the loss of only two wickets. Wellington famously
referred to Waterloo as “the nearest run thing you ever saw”. He would not
have said the same about the 2009 battle.
After the game a barbecue was enjoyed (to line the stomach) before further
research was undertaken into the qualities of establishments purveying
alcoholic beverages.
In the minds of some, time spent eating is time not spent drinking, and is
therefore wasted. Starvation is a real danger. However the hotel offered
an excellent breakfast. It is pleasing to note that no one had a DNB (did
not breakfast) recorded against their name. There was one instance of DNS
(did not sausage) when the plate was left relatively untouched.
Sunday’s game against 12 Stars was on an artificial pitch. Not just an
artificial wicket, but the complete playing area. Boundaries were short.
Local knowledge was clearly a significant factor. Making his debut as
captain, Blackburn (G) lost an important toss and condemned the Nomads to
three hours in the field under a very hot sun. Ten overs in, the total
appeared to be heading towards 400. However the attack stuck to the task
on a pitch with a very small margin for error. The final total of 348 is a
new Nomads record for runs conceded, but is hardly comparable with other
totals. The Nomads ethos of playing cricket for enjoyment was exemplified
by Ball’s delivery of a red apple. There was plenty of encouragement for
the bowlers throughout. The opening partnership of 143 set the platform
for later batsmen to play freely. Aniruddha went on to complete a
disciplined century. Another player is said to have had involvement with
the India Under 19 squad. Inevitably it seemed that good balls were hit
for boundaries whilst lesser deliveries took wickets. The large hands of
Westwood made two catches on the boundary look straightforward. He needs
to give lessons.
The opening partnership of Hughes and Hughes started briskly. Hughes (I)
continued to score well after the departure of Hughes (M). The arrival of
Brannigan saw a stand of 63 compiled in 8 overs. Whilst quick by normal
standards it still meant that the asking rate was climbing steadily. When
both were out within four runs the run chase was effectively over. Wickets
fell steadily thereafter. Blackburn (P) raised questions about his claim
to be the new Bradman with his first gonad of the season. Stanley also
chose to show a different side to his batting with 11 from only 7 balls.
The final wicket fell in the 29th over. The margin of defeat was 167, the
fifth largest in Nomads history.
There is only one thing to do after a hard game under a hot sun.
Refreshments were duly taken. Initial re-hydration took place close to the
ground, with further sampling in the vicinity of the hotel. There is some
doubt about the time that the last stragglers retired to bed. The
estimates range from 06:45 and 06:50. Years of training come to the fore
at times like this. The recovery periods from all night drinking sessions
seemed to be remarkably quick.
The trip back to Blighty was punctuated by further refreshment breaks. The
touring party fragmented on reaching London.
So what lessons can be drawn from the 2009 tour? Firstly the Nomads seem
to be well and truly stuffed every time they venture very far from the
West Midlands. Secondly no one should think of trying to keep pace with
Mr. Pinfield when he is sampling beer. Thirdly a tour is great fun.
KPS
June 2009
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Web page prepared by Paul Fearon (c) Lichfield Nomads Cricket Club 2009