U15s ECB Regionals  Round 2.

22 talented young cricketers of Wimbledon CC and Preston Nomads CC produced a sparkling and enthralling T20 encounter which was in the balance until three balls from the end.  To the delight and deserved delirium of his Wimbledon teammates and home support Alexandre Cruickshank struck a huge straight six to break Nomad hearts.  

There was little to suggest the drama to come as both teams seemed a little nervous in the opening salvo. Under very warm conditions the Nomads opening pair stuttered their running lines as throws were going astray.  In the 2^nd over that indecision cost the visitors as ‘big hitting’ Felix Venter was left stranded mid-wicket and had to go, run out.  There was further dismay as Jack Bunday timidly chipped to the awaiting circle.  Wickets 3 and 4 were to follow quickly as the hosts threatened to run away with proceedings.  Nomads falling to 53 for 5.   However, you do not become Sussex Champions with out resolve.  Finley Coburn (42) and Matt Hawke (47 n.o.) slowly began to re shape the afternoon with some brilliant batting.   Finley hit five boundaries and Matt three glorious sixes as the Nomads were looking to post a daunting target.  With 143 on the board Wimbledon completed the inns with a brilliant ‘death over’ with just three runs conceded. 

Ethan Patel (2 for 29) and Shamir Shah (2 for 25) the pick of the bowlers.

Welcome drinks taken.

In reply an upbeat Nomads side were cheering in the 1^st over as Adam Fox was caught for a duck. Thomas Mead was quick to follow as the chase stalled on 43 for 3.   All the while though Man of the Match Oliver Hunt steadied the ship with a captivating 37 ball retired half century.  His inns put Wimbledon in the box seat as they cruised to 100 runs.   Then two stunning pieces of Nomads fielding got them right back in the game.  Suhaan Shaik, trying for a second was narrowly run out by Matt Hawk.  Then just moments later, off the bowling of Nomads Man of the Match Hawke, Venter rose like a salmon on the ropes take one of the grabs of the season.  Sparking wild celebration and stunned silence from the home balcony.

With 13 needed off the last over enter, Alexandre Cruickshank.

Many thanks to Wimbledon CC for hosting and good luck in the future rounds.  Your U15s are a massive credit to your club. 

To those watching on hopefully you will agree that game was played very much on the margins and sometimes beyond.  A thrilling spectacle that we were very lucky to witness.

By Colin Bowman   Preston Nomads Press Officer.