Good Things Come to Those Who Wait...

The Nomads arrived at Gentleshaw after a weekend of uncertainty around when the game was to be played. Originally scheduled for Thursday evening, Longdon CC believed it was Wednesday; thankfully, both skippers were able to find a solution that suited both clubs, and the game was on. The sunbaked pitch and parched outfield indicated it could be a high-scoring affair as both captains wished to bat first. Skipper Loxley ultimately lost the toss, and Longdon CC elected to bat.

Cogzell and Rylea Hughes opened the bowling for the Nomads and, despite conceding the odd boundary per over, kept things tight. S. Millar was the aggressor with some lusty blows, while G. Owen struggled at the other end.

Gibson and Ian Hughes replaced the openers and immediately started to make inroads. Gibson clean bowled G. Owen with a yorker, while Ian removed D. Rowles for a duck, with Cogzell completing his first of two catches - ably supported by his chest and beard!

S. Millar was still providing some impetus, but the tight bowling and excellent ground fielding on an uneven outfield meant the pressure was building on Longdon CC. Captain Loxley's tactic of constantly switching the bowling around was also working in the Nomads' favour.

Woolley and Mangukiya then entered the fray. Mangukiya darted his first delivery into S. Millar, who spliced his shot to point, where Rylea Hughes took a superb catch. In the next over, Woolley tempted Kendrick down the wicket, allowing Cal Tudor - making his Nomads debut - to complete a smart stumping.

Gibson and Ian Hughes returned and continued right where they left off. Ian finished his final two overs with consecutive wicket maidens, ending with impressive figures of 4-3-5-3 (even more remarkable given his first ball went to the boundary!). Gibson also picked up another wicket, with M. Millar caught in the covers.
S. Beaumont provided some much-needed runs for Longdon CC before he was caught off the penultimate ball by Ian Hughes at deep mid-on, off the bowling of his son, Rylea. Ian had surely been reminded of his drop in the previous T20 against Duke of York!
Longdon CC finished on 82-8 - somewhat below par - but credit must be given to the Nomads bowlers, who all returned excellent figures and were backed up brilliantly in the field.

Requiring a little over four runs an over, the Nomads knew they did not need to rush or take unnecessary risks during the run chase. The innings opened with skipper Loxley and Cal Tudor.
The Nomads ticked along at five an over in the early stages, despite Longdon CC skipper T. Bower providing some excellent pace and bounce. However, the Longdon CC bowlers could not cause the Nomads too much trouble as Loxley started to open up and find the boundary regularly.
Cal Tudor provided excellent support at the other end, confidently pulling and driving the ball as the openers constantly rotated the strike. Loxley retired having completed his half-century, finishing on 51* which included nine fours and one six.
Needing 17 to win, Sam Tudor went out to the middle to join his son. They both batted calmly and brought the win home with a boundary to finish - a lovely moment as the Tudors embraced after securing victory.
This was a comprehensive 10-wicket win for the Nomads, their first since 2005, after which the team retired to the nearby Park Gate Inn for much-needed celebratory refreshments.

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

Date: 22 July 2026
Start time: 6:00pm
Venue: Buds Road, Rugeley, Longdon C.C.
Competition: 20 overs friendly
Scores: Longdon 82 for 8, Lichfield Nomads 85 for 0
Result: Nomads won by 10 wkts
Toss: Longdon won the toss and elected to bat.
Scorer: T. Jordan
Umpires: K. Stanley, I. Hughes and Opposition
Report: J. Loxley
Weather: Warm. Sunny with cloudy intervals.

23 July 2026