It seems that the above combination of fine clubs have the evil eye over us Nomads this season and lets hope we never have the same order ever again!  Its hugely unusual for us to suffer a reverse clean sweep but on Saturday 21^st May 2022 that feat was inflicted both here at the SCMG and on the road. Fast forward to 23^rd July 2022 and it happened again!  

On a day where, let’s face it, precious little went right for the Nomads there were some highlights that we shall focus on with in this report.

Arjun Kolani (U15) Nomad Star of the Day.  98 not out!

Arjun, one of our U15 Sussex Champs, turned out for his 2^nd Senior match in the 4s at home against top of the table Smallfield in division 8.  Against a full and positive Smallfield attack Arjun showed test match qualities to patiently ride out the storm and then calmly pick off the runs. As opener he amazingly carried his bat all through the 40 over inns to score 98 not out.  Although he was disappointed not to pick up his ton he was delighted with how the inns went.  You can see a full interview with him on the club whattsapp site and there is a full report to come from Andy Garth.  

One of the Smallfield opening bats said ‘Arjun has batted beautifully, he is very patient at the crease and waits for the ball perfectly, it has been a pleasure to watch!’

Kash and Adam Bat Together.    Twos at the SCMG

There was a lovely moment when Adam (13) strolled out to the north square crease to join his dad in two’s action, Sussex div 3 east.  With Nomads in a spot of bother the boys dovetailed wonderfully to produce an unbroken 75 run partnership.  Dad went on to score 63 not out including a 6 while junior made a commanding 24 not out. Adam looked very comfortable out there including nudging a thrilling boundary backward of square. 

Baalaaj Khan Continues to Impress.    Highest score for the ones.

All rounder Baalaaj is having a very good season here at the Nomads with 25 wickets and 312 runs.  He impressed again at Horsham for the 1^st team when making a quick 41 including two 6s batting at six.  Keep it going Baalaaj there could be more 1^st team selections just around the corner!

Third Team Rocking despite Loss at Horsted Keynes.  Div 7

I spoke with skipper Faisal on Sunday who told me that his squad were buzzing even after a loss the day before. He said ‘ they are working hard for each other and are very much enjoying their cricket’

Jamie Patrick was probably man of the match with 3 for 32 and an opening 44. The skipper made nice half century while Ombaashi scored 41 as the team nearly chased down the 243 required.

League Tables

With just seven league matches to go in 2022, yes that’s right just 7!, four losses hasn’t really affected league positions too much.

The Threes are well ahead of the curve in Division 7 and the 15 points gained at Horsted came in very handy indeed.  The team are nicely on top of the league a cool 24 points ahead of third placed Felbridge.   They face relegation threatened Cuckfield at the SCMG on Saturday.

After three straight wins in Div 3 East the Twos had put themselves in prime promotion territory.  And despite the loss they are still bang in contention.  As we have always alluded too this league is so tight where one of 6 clubs could still take the title.  There are just 11 points between the top and us in 5^th!.   The squad have yet another humdinger ‘cup final’ on Saturday as they travel to 2^nd place Buxted Park.

Our 1^st Team were proud Sussex Premier League Champions in 2021 but it’s looking increasingly unlikely for a repeat in 2022.  The squad, who are 7^th in the table, will need to gird their collective loins to allay a 5^th consecutive loss at the SCMG against Middleton on Saturday.   A win, by any means, would settle a few nerves and send us into the business end with renewed vigour.

Our wonderful 4s under the guidance of Stephen Oliver are still nailed to the foot of Division 8 but there is light if they can pick up several wins. The team are playing well and are close to getting over the line. They have a massive chance on Saturday when they travel to relegation haunted Copthorne.

Lastly, just wanted to publicly say a massive thanks to my incredible wife Jan for the way she tackled the tea project on Saturday.  I may have washed up a bit of cutlery but Jan was the brainchild of buying, making and serving on the day.  We hope all home connections enjoyed the fair on offer.

Lets Go Nomads !

Cobo