As preseason days go Preston Nomads CC would of been quietly satisfied with how three friendly matches panned out in sunny Sussex 24/4/2021. Our 1st team notched up their 2nd straight victory against a strong Three Bridges side on the South Square (SCMG). New 2nd team skipper, James M was pleased with his batters as they took victory away at Three Bridges. While it was a loss for 3rd team skipper David Symes at Plumpton there was a lot’s of positive notes in his post match interview.

Catches win Matches

Never underestimate the effect of catching dolly’s! After a brilliant win against Weybridge CC our 1st team were in action again against Three Bridge 1st team in a 45 over friendly. The overwhelming feeling is a sense of deep team spirit with-in the squad and a willingness to get the boring basic’s right. You can look towards Adam’s three for 13 off 9 overs and Dan Ibrahim’s useful knock of 40 runs and Nav’s explosive back to back 6s to win the game. However, for me the game turned when four regulation catches were snaffled with confidence with in an hour. Take a bow Nav, Dan I, Dan P and Owen well done guys!

These catches were instrumental in suffocating the Bridges top order and allowed Nomads to restrict them to 150 off the allocated overs. That was never going to be enough!

If we can continue to take virtually all of our easy chances in the field then victories will follow close behind!

Balaaj Ton Put Smile on Faces

Our 2nd team played out a comfortable opening 2021 friendly at Three Bridges when winning by 90 runs. In a powerful batting display it was Balaaj who lead the way with an unbroken ton in a score of 244 off 45 overs. As news filtered through there were many Nomads with smiles for Balaaj and messages of congratulations. Tony Doctors said on social media ‘ well done Balaaj, fine effort, Tony’

That score was never in doubt during the reply as Bridges came up short. James summed up ‘2s comfortable winners by 90 runs. Bridges gave up the chase when 8 down. 3 for Ajaz up top, 1 for Muadh and 2 keys batters for Ravi. Balaaj MOM, very pleasing!’

New faces, Youngsters and Returning Players key for the 3rd Team

David Symes lead out a fresh looking 3rd team at Plumpton who proved very competitive in a very entertaining encounter.

Newcomers Malorie Short and Adam Rowland (4 for 26) opened the bowling with pace and vigor. However wickets were hard to come by as the Plumpton opener and skipper George Martin made a convincing ton. Stewart Fuller made a nice half century as the hosts rested on 235 for 6 off 40 overs.

In reply it was brilliant to see Joey and Luke Appleton plus Micheal English back where they belong. Joey wont remember his comeback knock with much fondness but first Luke (44) and Micheal a rapid 63, nearly changed the game. Both batters were aided by very accomplished knocks of 22 and 30 from the Nomad youth production line Ziggy Agar and Adam Ibrahim. As Michael dispatched to all parts with 10 overs to go there was a feeling that victory might be on the cards. However good catches by the host team thwarted the late charge by English and the skipper to leave us just 50 short.

After the game David was full of praise for his team and Micheal seemed buoyed up with his inns and looks to become a regular for the season.

Many thanks to Plumpton for looking after us at your wonderful ground. Hopefully you will agree a brilliant and entertaining afternoon of preseason cricket. Good luck as the season continues.

Bowman says ‘it was fantastic to get involved in such a brilliant day, many thanks to all for involved for making it such an entertaining and enthralling experience. As the serious stuff kicks in next week I am really looking forward to watching all our teams over the coming weeks. Its the explosive vibe of competitive T20 cricket up next!’