Nomads swept away by Broomleys

On what was possibly the hottest day of the year so far, Nomads travelled (socially distantly in their own cars obviously) to a new opposition for 2021 in Broomleys, who we knew nothing about.
Thankfully captain Rolfe won the toss and decided that we’d bat first. Having looked at the wicket prior, it was noted to be extremely dry and cracked. Gardner & Ghosal batted steadily and responsibly without too much fuss putting on 53 for the 1st wicket after 14 overs. Broomleys opening bowlers were on the money & bowled very little to take advantage of and the ones that were seemed to find a fielder! The fall brought in Barker who’s 1st ball was a text book ‘thou shall not pass’ front foot defensive. He was quickly joined by Bastable and then soon after Rolfe, who set about upping the run rate. By the time Barker was out stumped for his 2nd 50 for Nomads, the score had moved onto 158, so we were looking good with the experienced Rolfe joined by Lee. Wickets tumbled all too regularly then however to leave us with a total of 184, which we thought might have been a few short, but not really being sure.
Interesting all wickets to fall were bowled, stumped or run out. Unusual?
In usual COVID times, we ate our own teas before heading out to defend our total.
The first few overs were calm and the opening partnership was broken in the 5th over by Sam Bryars – a lovely LBW after an appeal had been turned down a few balls prior. Runs then started a to come a little easier as the ‘tired’ Smith decided he’d had enough of running! Once he’d reached 50, Smith was out, bowled by 1st change Hughes, by which time the score was 62 in over 12. Whilst ahead of the run rate, Broomleys weren’t running away with it. Cartwright was then brought on and bowled tidily, bringing pressure on the batters. Hughes then picked up his 2nd wicket – another bowled – when Broster was out. Wickets fell at regular intervals with Cartwight picking up 3 including a catch in the deep by Barker when Memsah tried 1 big hit too many and a neat c & b off Hyland. Jordan bowled Santu for 35 in a tidy spell. By this time they were 7 wickets down & Nomads thought their toil in the sun was over… however, Simpson & Ratcliffe had other ideas! Needing 43 to win, they got there with 6 overs to spare.
A valiant effort, with Nomads only conceding 13 extras in what were really hot conditions.
We live to ride again…
[Disclaimer: Any offence caused by this article is unintentional, any praise is well deserved]

Date: 13th June 2021
Start time: 2:00pm
Venue: Broomleys C.C.
Competition: 40 overs Friendly
Scores: Lichfield Nomads 184 for 7, Broomleys 188 for 7
Result: Broomleys beat Lichfield Nomads by 3 wkts
Toss: Nomads won the toss and elected to bat
Scorers:
Umpires: Various
Report: I. Hughes
Weather: Baking hot

15/06/2021