Two huge hits into the Stingers!

After a tough 2023 Sussex T20 campaign 1^st team Captain Nav Patel found themselves in yet another scary away tie at the pretty but relatively unknown surface of Div 3 leaders Findon. We got quite the welcome with tents neatly erected around the outfields and the whole club seemingly in full party mode.  Findon were ready to stick one on Premier League Nomads and rock their way to the Hove final.  However, we stood the challenge!!

Having been slung into bat our two Sussex CCC boys Danny and Zach opened. Zach celebrated his recent Sussex ccc debut with a towering straight six in the first over.  Daniel Lategan, with proud parents from Cape Town watching on, quickly got on with things hitting 22 with a strike rate of 137.  However, wickets were falling as Findon made some excellent grabs. None more so than when Johann De Jager scooted around the boundary to collect Jonty Jenner for 10.  63 for 4 quickly became 78 for 6 as Findon cheers and horns rang across the ground. It could have signalled a white flag, but Nomads are made of stern stuff as Ammad and Jaedyn quietly stood firm. We then enjoyed a match turning 4 overs as J quickly found his stride.  A huge pull into the stingers for six was a painful one for Findon especially as he repeated the dose just a few moments later. The game temporally delayed lost ball. Ammad also found top gear with a beautiful six on route to 26 not out.  The pair had taken us out of a hole and on the road to victory. A brilliant 50 plus partnership.

Drinks taken.

Nav said in the huddle, ‘Mani J that was class.  They took their catches, and we can do the same, lets do this!!!’

Nomads got off to the perfect start with Zayn bowling the dangerous Jager for just 4 runs.  However, those horns and cheers were ringing out again as Bridson 23 off 23 and Felix Jordan 33 off 35 got the Findon batting machine up and running. At 87 for 3 the hosts were looking very dangerous leaving the Nomads needing inspiration.  THEY GOT IT !  First up Ammad completed an excellent match for him with a superb catch off the skipper to remove the dangerous Jordan.  The ground held its breath as big hitting Jabe Rogers was sent in to go and win it. However, our Jersey wonder kid Jenner, with proud dad watching on (he was on a day trip!) produced the champagne moment.  As Rogers went back for a second Jonty aimed at the stumps and from 30 yards sending the middle stump wheeling. A stunning run out.  Que wild delight amongst the travelling team and away fans. With that the game was up Findon falling 24 runs short.

Nav said later ‘Its brilliant, mission accomplished getting to Hove. We set the target at the start of the season. Findon were outstanding today, but we stood up and executed our skills. J and Mani gave us the momentum which we needed. We were clinical with the ball and Jonty always gets a run out he doesn’t seem to miss. I am a proud Captain!

Bowman said ‘huge thanks to Findon for hosting at your beautiful ground, the club produced a carnival atmosphere for the occasion which I hope you all enjoyed.  Good luck with your 2023 promotion drive on Saturday.  Also, a huge thanks to all the travelling support who rocked up in big numbers. Your attendance was appreciated by the players and perhaps we were the 12^th man on the day!’

Make no mistake Findon played well and there were times when we were buckling.  However, the Nomads have real strength in depth. You marry that with a professional execution of skill sets and two massive pulls into the stingers you have a winning combo.  J, you keep producing the goods for us here at the SCMG and long may that continue.  You are the Man of the Match, Well done!!

Next up Hove 24/9  6.30 Start v Mayfield sounds good doesn’t it Nomads !!