Ructions at Retford

A game in Nottinghamshire for the lads from the Test match was a bit of a trek for the boys travelling from home. However we all made it on time to an attractive ground set on the outskirts of Sherwood Forest. The team was aided by guests, who have appeared before, Dan Lee and Luke Turnbull. Nomads batted first, opening with Gardner and Stanley. We got off to a steady start but a slightly quicker run-rate would have been useful. Gardner was out first clocking up yet another 50 in his long and illustrious career. He looks set to once again being leading run scorer for the season. Stanley was not run-out for a change but was caught. Brannigan and Rolfe started a partnership which speeded things up before Rolfe was caught. Turnbull scored a quick 5. Basi lasted one ball for a gonad and then Hutton accumulated 7 to give a final total of 151-5.

It would have been good to score a few more against a team who bore little resemblance to the picture of the Sunday XI appearing on Bothamsall Exiles website.

Lee and Hughes opened and Lee bowled particularly well without getting any wickets; only 12 coming off his 8 overs. The bowlers chipped away getting the first 3 batsmen in their 20s. However then an unfortunate incident occurred which must be mentioned. Turnbull bowled a wide delivery which the batsman swished at. A noise was heard which caused the entire Nomads team to appeal. Much to their shock, the batsman did not walk, claiming he had not felt anything, and the umpire did not give him out. There were words spoken in the heat of the moment and the captain thought of walking the team off. However he did not and the game continued with the opposition winning in 34 overs.

The game had been played in a good spirit and it is to be hoped that that batsman and umpire were sincere in their actions. With such a solid appeal it might have been sensible for the batsman to walk after his initial response which would have gained the respect of the Nomads. It is to be hoped that if a similar occurrence happened with our batsman, he would walk. A compromise might be no wicket recorded but the batsman retires and does not return.

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

Date: 25th August 2019
Start time: 2:00pm
Venue: Retford
Competition: 40 overs Friendly
Scores: Lichfield Nomads 151 for 5; Bothamsall Exiles 155 for 3
Result: Bothamsall Exiles beat Lichfield Nomads by 7 wkts
Toss:
Scorer: J. Hoddy
Umpires:
Report: J. Hoddy
Weather: Hot

05/09/2019