A HIGH-scoring match and an improbable victory for Nomads 1st XI in their league fixture against Romsley at the weekend, saw them keep pace with the league's top sides.

WORCESTER NOMADS v ROMSLEY & HUNNNINGTON

Romsley won the toss and elected to bat, and despite two early wickets to Ian Jinks looked to be well on top. Nomads made life difficult for themselves with a below-par performance in the field, conceding unnecessary runs.

D Morgan (52), Lennon (61) and Beaumont (54no) all found the conditions and the fielders helpful to the cause, and some aggressive batting, particularly in the latter overs, laid the foundation for a big total of 277. Ian Jinks again bowled throughout, demonstrating again his value to the side, taking 4-100, supported by Ollie Griffiths with 3-113.

Nomads reply began very well, with both openers taking every opportunity to keep the score ticking over. Simon Harris in particular finally found his touch, completing a century, with some superb cover driving. Malcolm Jones fell for 71, but Harris found support from Lakin with 27, before both fell in quick succession to spark a Nomads collapse.

The home side still needed 26 from four overs, with only four wickets left, and 18 from three with three wickets left.

Two overs to go and youngsters Blake Raymond and Ollie Griffiths needing 12 took the game by the scruff of the neck. Raymond took 10 from the first five balls of the penultimate over, before Griffiths launched a massive six over deep mid-on to complete the victory with six balls remaining.

Pickering was the pick of the Romsley bowling, taking 6-61, but Nomads were clearly delighted to claim all 24 points.

ROMSLEY & HUNNINGTON II v WORCESTER NOMADS II

NOMADS second XI also defeated Romsley on a generally poor pitch.

Romsley were invited to bat first, and struggled against some accurate bowling. John Goodreds in particular continued his rich vein of form, with another five-wicket haul, taking 5-24 as Romsley collapsed to a paltry 136 all out.

Romsley may have been forgiven for thinking they were going to complete the victory, with the visitors reeling on 68-6, but key performances from Neil Harding with 28, and skipper Anton Madzarevic unbeaten on 30 turned the game back in Nomads favour, and they duly completed the win by two wickets.