Nottinghamshire Law Society v NHS Medics Cricket 2026

NLS 'v' NHS QMC Medics: The Battle for... Well, Whatever We Decide to Call It!

On Wednesday 19 August, the Nottinghamshire Law Society cricket team once again dusted off their whites, stretched muscles they hadn't used since the last fixture, and headed to Regatta Way for the annual clash against the NHS QMC Medics.

Last year the lawyers emerged victorious. The question on everyone's lips was: could NLS retain the title?

Actually, there was a more pressing question. What title? This annual fixture still doesn't have a trophy name. Suggestions are welcomed. The Trinity Trophy perhaps? Representing law, medicine and sport? It certainly sounds more impressive than "that cricket match we have every August."

The Lawyers Take to the Crease

Medics captain Malin Wijeyratna won the toss and elected to field first, demonstrating either tactical brilliance or a desire to avoid batting pads in the August heat.

Opening for NLS were Aaron Singh and Jak Ward. Ravi Gouni took the ball for the Medics.

At this point, we should confess that identifying all the bowlers proved somewhat challenging. For much of the match they were affectionately referred to as Bowler 2, Bowler 3, Bowler 4 and, most notably, Grey Trouser Bowler, who was eventually revealed to be Ashish Bhalla.

Aaron quickly got into his stride, striking the first boundary as NLS reached 14 runs from 2 overs without loss.

There was also some excellent umpiring banter when Paul Westbury called a wide. George Neville immediately shouted:

"See, you can do it!"

This apparently referred to a previous fixture and delighted everyone within earshot.

Aaron soon raced to 20 runs and all seemed well.

Then Jak Ward was run out.

Slow and Steady... Mostly Slow

Milan arrived at the crease as another mystery bowler took over. We think it was Bowler 2. It may have been Bowler 3. Cricket historians will debate this for years.

At 36 runs for 1 wicket after 6 overs, the game settled into a cautious rhythm. I was repeatedly informed that Bowler Number 4 was bowling exceptionally well and had nearly produced a yorker, which Michelle nodded knowingly about, despite only recently learning what a Golden Duck is!

Milan departed after scoring 1, while Aaron steadily accumulated runs before retiring on a well-made 30.

Paul Wakefield joined the action as the Medics continued to impress with disciplined bowling, sharp fielding and constant encouragement. Frankly, they looked annoyingly competent.

On the neighbouring pitch, meanwhile, Browne Jacobson were also in action and when Kassra was caught out, applause broke out from nearby spectators.

Sportsmanship at its finest!

Boundaries, Near Misses and Grey Trousers

As the innings progressed, the Medics continued to bowl tightly. Paul was dismissed for 3, Shiv Nand came in and promptly survived a near catch when the ball slipped through a fielder's fingers.

The collective sigh of relief from the NLS camp was audible across Nottinghamshire.

At the halfway stage, NLS had reached 50 runs for 3 wickets.

Shiv added a useful 4 before departing, and Andrew Edwards arrived at the crease. Meanwhile, Grey Trouser Bowler (Ashish Bhalla) continued his excellent spell.

George Neville was now in full flow, peppering the boundary and keeping the scoreboard moving. Another catch opportunity went begging and NLS accepted this gift with tremendous gratitude.

Andrew was dismissed and Saifal Khan made his debut appearance for NLS.

With George continuing to find the boundary, NLS moved from 66 to 81 runs in what felt like no time at all.

Saifal was run out for 5, Ian Gill followed and was also run out shortly afterwards, proving that NLS had perhaps become a little too enthusiastic between the wickets.

Alastair Rose arrived late in the innings while Benedict Wills, making his inaugural appearance, fully padded up and waited eagerly for his moment.

Sadly, cricket can be cruel.

The innings ended before Benedict faced a ball.

He may officially hold the record for "Most Prepared Player Never Used."

NLS finished on 97 runs from 18 overs for 7 wickets, although there were rumours the electronic scoreboard and reality weren't operating from the same rulebook.

The Medics Reply

The NHS response began with Habib Harder and Jacob Chocko opening the batting against some excellent bowling from Alastair Rose, with captain Aaron Singh behind the stumps.

Milan followed with the second over and after two overs the Medics sat on 6 runs without loss.

Then the scoring accelerated.

Jacob fell for 4, leaving the Medics on 22 for 1, but incoming batsman Zubair Nasim clearly had other plans.

Boundary followed boundary.

Then another boundary.

And another.

By the time everyone had finished saying "good shot," he'd hit the next one.

Zubair retired on a superb 30 and was warmly applauded by both teams.

Enter Rohan...

Ashish Bhalla joined Habib before Habib retired to allow another batsman a chance.

Then Rohan Shenoy walked to the crease.

The collective reaction was immediate:

"Uh oh."

Anyone who had seen Rohan bat before knew exactly what was coming.

Paul Wakefield bowled. Rohan hit.

Ian Gill bowled. Rohan hit again.

Jak Ward produced some remarkably athletic fielding involving what spectators generously described as a "forward roll" and cynics described as "falling over with style."

As the light began to fade the Medics were cruising.

George Neville bowled.

Ashish was run out.

Ravi Gouni arrived.

Then Rohan hit his first six.

And another.

At this point the result felt inevitable.

A Clinical Victory

The Medics reached and passed the NLS total in just 11 overs, finishing on 97 for 2.

A superb batting display, particularly from Zubair and Rohan, secured victory for the NHS QMC Medics and earned them bragging rights until next year's encounter.

Congratulations to the Medics on a deserved win.

Pizza, Pints and Cricket Lessons

After the game, players from both sides retired to the pavilion to enjoy the traditional Domino's Pizza supper and a well-earned pint while discussing the match with the accuracy of fishermen recalling the size of the one that got away.

The Nottinghamshire Law Society would like to thank Bradley and everyone at Gedling & Sherwood Cricket Club for their hospitality, along with umpires Paul Westbury and Neil Dudley for officiating.

Thank you also to all players who have represented the team throughout the season. It has been fantastic to welcome so many new faces and see the continued enthusiasm for NLS cricket.

As for Head of Operations Michelle, she leaves the season considerably wiser. She now knows what a Golden Duck is, can almost follow the LBW discussions, remains slightly confused by a certain "squirt" reference heard during the match, and successfully mastered the electronic scoreboard.

Which, some might argue, is the most impressive achievement of the entire season!

Here's to next summer, another excellent fixture, and perhaps by then we'll finally have decided on a name for the trophy.

The Trinity Trophy has a nice ring to it... 🏏🍕🍺