SCORECARD

Ton-smacking, run-cracking, leather-whacking Record Breakers

On a day when everything that could go right, DID actually go right, Old Moseley Arms Fitmen hit new heights against Lichfield Nomads and ushered a new member into the Centurion Club.

Their 353-4 was the highest ever total in Fitmen history, as they obliterated a weakened Nomads side by 248 runs at a baking Walsall Cricket Club.

And club veteran (ie, he's been with us for more than 5 years) Chris Jones scored his maiden century, supported all the way by Uncle Mo Azam, who also notched up his umpteenth century along the way.

Their opening partnership of 213 is also probably a Fitmen record, but the Fitipedia Database doesn't appear to have that on file.

The opening stand was actually unbroken, as both players retired after reaching three figures, with Mo spectacularly smashing an on-drive to the boundary, spinning on his heels, tucking his bat under his arm and marching off.

Jonesy's innings was chanceless as he methodically crushed the spirit of each bowler. Watchful and patient when the situation required, he had nevertheless raced into the 40s by the 8th over of the game, producing a string of trademark extra cover drives.

Skipper for the day Stevie Nicks (who appears to be referring to himself in the 3rd person) called heads to win the toss, considered the conditions for a tenth of a millisecond and chose to bat first.

He promptly ordered Jonesy to go out and get a hundred, before finding himself a nice seat where he could ruin another page in the scorebook, leaving Ian Nutt to navigate the electronic scoreboard.

Nomads are old acquaintances of the Fitmen and it's impossible to predict who will win our contests, as we are evenly matched sides. But there were one or two familiar faces missing from their XI this year, while we had managed to pull together a strong team.

By the first ball of the 28th over, both openers had departed the field but, by now, the fielding side were looking beaten. At least it couldn't get any worse for them.

Mouldy dashed to 11 runs before being bowled, but Wg Cdr Michael Ralph was not in a sympathetic mood.

In the Ralphiest of Ralphy innings, he smashed 74 in just 34 balls. He reached his 50 in just 20 deliveries.
It took the game away from the opposition, who were by now metaphorically and physically cooked.

Tony Thapar enjoyed a 17-ball 17, while Sam (8) and Jeets (7) both scored at over a 200% strike rate.

Tea was taken and, in fact, served in the wonderful Walsall CC clubhouse. Our hosts laid on a buffet of sandwiches (tuna, egg, ham), samosas, falafel, crisps and, for bonus calories, some excellent sponge cake. Or fruit salad for the cholesterol-conscious.

We still had to take wickets, or at least not give away 354 runs, so opening bowling duties were handed to Jeets and the returning Nutter.

Both bowled superbly. Jeets thoroughly deserving a wicket, but 4-2-4-0 is something to be very pleased with.

The Nutt, on a rare outing this season, found his rhythm very quickly after seeing the first over of the game go for 11. He found carry and a sizeable amount of turn, and ended with 2 wickets (Stuart Mould taking a catch from a mis-timed pull, and Richard Bice with a sharp stumping as another batter was outsmarted).

Sam Lockyer took a wicket with his first ball - only for the batter to complain about the bowler's cap falling off in his delivery stride. Dead ball was called.

But, after 5 very tidy and economical overs, Sam got his wicket as the left-handed opener (and top scorer) steered the ball into the skipper's hands in the covers.

Mouldy himself bowled an exceptional spell, deservedly grabbing two wickets, both courtesy of catches by the day's earlier centurions. Six overs, 2 for 20 is a good return for some hard work in that heat.

Then there's the enigma Sheriff. He cuts a languid figure in the field, and with his batting, but he'll weave his magic immediately when called upon. The game was beginning to drag, it was getting late, we were all knackered, so the ball was tossed to Sherif get us some wickets.

All that needs to be said here is: 5.1 - 2 - 3 - 2. This included the final wicket, inducing a thick edge to the skipper at gully.

Before that, the skipper picked up a couple of wickets, while Uncle Mo produced a stunning piece of fielding to run out (via Bicey) a batter who misjudged the abilities of our most senior player. Uncle Mo is an all-rounder of real quality and a valuable role model for all of us (*cough*) young Fitmen.

Nomads were, as ever, gracious hosts, smiling and sharing a drink and a chat afterwards. Jonesy got the centurion beers in and we headed for home in the gathering dusk.

And, remember:

If you want to be the best, and if you want to beat the rest, dedication's what you need.

A very wise man, that Roy Castle.

Just ask Uncle Mo.