Walsall Health 146-8 (40 overs) beat Lichfield Nomads 130-7 by 16 runs

The Elf had their 3rd successive game at home today against annual visitors Lichfield Nomads.
On an overcast day the Elf were put into bat by the opposing captain on a deck that Novak Djokavic and Stan Wawrinka would have been happy to play their French Open final on last week.

A steady opening partnership by Dave & returning brother Gareth Preece saw the Elf to 45-0 off the first 10 overs but then more disciplined bowling from the Nomads had the, peg the hosts back a bit until they got their wicket in the over after drinks (cue cricket clichés about drinks bringing wickets) when skipper D.Preece was triggered by Vice-Skipper R.Hewlitt for a well made 40. This brought Gort to crease who along with wife and daughter saved the day by spending their morning preparing an exquisite tea at short notice. (BIG HAND)

Gareth was out shortly after for 47 hard earned runs in the drizzle. This saw the Elf lose 6 wickets for 28 runs. Nathan Reeves was out for 3, Andy Gorton out for 15 followed by Rob Hewlitt and Gary Fitzpatrick out for 8 and 1 respectively. Rob being caught out to a super catch as well. Nathan ‘the headband’ Martin biffed a few fours before some Al-Queada esque running between him and aforementioned N.Djokavic look-a-like Chris Hall saw Nath’s departure for 9.

Before the innings terminated, Lyndon Billingham/Parker-Bowles scored his first runs for the Elf with a delightful leg side clip for three. The Elf finished on 146-7.

After the super last minute teas had gone down a treat, the away side began their chase just after 6pm.

With Nathan Martin and Rob Hewlitt opening the bowling, the latter wrapping up figures that you only usually see coming out of Stuart Slater’s bedroom in the early hours of a Sunday morning: 8-4-11-0.

The first wicket was a great run out from Matt Wright with a direct hit, which shortly followed Chris Hall getting the 2nd opener who looked dangerous caught behind with a great appeal to boot.
After that a bit of Freddie Flintoff like sledging from Tom Davies and Matt Wright saw the end of the Nomads’ dangerman, looping a catch to safe hands Hewlitt who then took another catch off Martin to see the Elf only needed 6 more wickets.

Matt Wright chipped in with a wicket off a full toss and not so Slater like figures 6-0-37-1 but a great effort nevertheless. The day finished where it started with the Preece brothers seeing the Elf home with the ball this time and bowling excellent spells to quell the Nomadic threat from Lichfield.

Batting		Runs
Preece, D	lbw Hoddy	40
Preece, G	b Fearn	47
Gorton, A	lbw Heslington	15
Reeve, N	b Moss	3
Hewlitt, R	c Bale b Moss	8
Fitzpatrick, G	b Moss	1
Martin, N	run out	9
Hall, C	not out	9
Billingham, L	not out	4
Davies, T	DNB
Wright, M	DNB
Extras		6
Walsall Health		146

Bowling	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets
Martin, N	8	1	29	2
Hewlitt, R	8	4	11	0
Hall, C	8	3	14	1
Preece, G	5	0	20	0
Wright, M	6	0	37	1
Preece, D	5	1	15	2

 

BATSMAN OF THE MATCH

Has to be the returning Gareth Preece who fell short of his first 50 of the season although he did go up for an appeal that was miles down leg side when we were bowling. Picking up those Aussie traits I see?

BOWLER OF THE MATCH

Tough to call between Martin, Hewlitt and Hall (8-3-14-1) all deserved of the award this week.

FIELDER OF THE MATCH

Hewlitt with more catches to the collection but also Wright for breaking the deadlock.

RACH’S POP SCENE

Mousse.
DAI WATCH

No Welsh wizardry this week but he was replaced by Neil Van Limbeek who took a break from injury duty to fill Dai’s boots capably in a rather fetching Tim Sherwood esque Gillet.

A last mention to Elf Hero JP who we have heard has recovered well from surgery on Thursday and is doing well and should be out of hospital by the end of the week. We love you JP!

 

Written by Tom Davies