Saturday saw the 3rd XI facing Dormansland 1st XI, who had come down from Div 6 with us last year and were sitting in 4th spot; so it was expected to be a good test.

The opposition won the toss and inserted us. We had lost one of our openers overnight, suffering from a longstanding case of emotional pique that rendered him unable to play any more on the South Ground, so the dependable Micheal English was joined by the less dependable “he needs to stop talking about the 2021 season” GCB. Their bowling was steady and we started well, before their opening bowler from the top end located the top of GCB’s off stump. Whilst the pitch was a bit slow and low, making it hard to be aggressive, the outfield was lightening quick ensuring full value for those shots that were played. Jamie P helped Mingles add 60 odd but after that there was a steady drip feed of wickets at the other end which made it hard for our very own [Ben Stokes][Bairstow][pick your own ginger hero] to tee off. He inked in his 100 (off 116 balls) to continue his fine run of form. YO provided good support (29*) and ensured that we set a decent but not invincible 213/7 off our 40 overs.

After a fine tea – top work team Gatting, many thanks – Faisal had us in a huddle. Time to clear our heads and focus another committed performance in the field was needed. Immy led us off with a lovely bit of nibble whilst Baashi was hitting the gloves really hard down the hill and was singularly unlucky not to pick up a couple of wickets. Their opening pair were struggling to cope, playing a high proportion of air shots, a statistic that Faisal was swift to notice and keen to ensure we were all aware of. It is hard to explain exactly what happened next but their opener was less than appreciative of these stats and “had a moment” that would have resulted in a red card on a football pitch for violent conduct. Unsavoury. But happily in the next over he ran his partner out and the rot set in. Jamie Patrick reminded us of his all round skills, honed during his 30th birthday week away. Then Felix Mansour joined the party; this boy can bowl. Left arm quick, accurate with swing. Far too much for their top order who at 83/2 had been making a fight of it. Felix finished with 5/21 off his 6.3 overs (across two spells) and challenged Mingles for Man of the Match. A nice warm up for the U15 cup game the following day. Dormansland ended 151 all out, Nomads winning by 62 runs.

Whilst there were two heroes, perhaps the most satisfying aspect of the game was the way the whole team pulled together. Everyone backed the bowlers up and we looked a strong team that is confident and expects to prevail in those key / difficult moments in a match. As Yo said afterwards this feels like one of the best 3rd XI sides / performances we have had for some time. With Palmers losing to Felbridge the win took us top of the league at the half way stage. Onwards.

Bowman says ‘ Micheal is making my job to pick the Press Officers Nomad Player of the 2022 Season very easy at this time. Can anyone compete as we go into the 2nd half???’