At the start of play this morning Preston Nomads CC were looking forward to four massive opportunities to make positive Sussex League progress. For differing reasons our Senior teams were looking for 30 points with the club hankering after its first clean sweep of 2021. Alas a huge summer rain surge barreled in across our region and within a blink of an eye all that planning and anticipation was swept away.

At the SCMG Dan Phillips and the 1st team were hosting Hastings in the Sussex Prem. As the game settled into rhythm with the hosts batting monsoon rain turned the out-field into a lake which resulted in a very quick and sudden abandonment ten points a piece. That same rain also wiped out the South Square which meant that our Third team and Dormansland in Sussex Div 8 didn’t even get a start. At Copthorne there was early rain around but the 1st inns did take place. It was looking good for Stephen Oliver and his 4th team when Luke Owen took 4 for 19 as the hosts settled on 175 all out. However with just a couple of balls into the chase heavy rain turned up and you guessed it. 10 points a piece. So our 1st Team are still 30 odd points clear at the Sussex Prem summit, our Threes remain bottom of Div 6 and the 4s are mid table of Div 8. What about the 2s ????

1st Team, get Prepare for the Regis Oval in 2022! Bognor go top of Div 2 after victory against Nomad 2s

For most of the season I have referred to Bognor as the surprise package of Div Two after their brilliant start. Mayfield and Horsham were the bookies favs but Bognor are re writing the odds. After spending the afternoon at the Oval it’s very clear that these guys are a well drilled outfit with 10 lads emerging through their youth policy. They have an excellent team spirit and work hard for each other.

Writing on the wall came quite early in the piece when Kamran tried to force the issue after 6 balls. He pushed at one which nibbled away and 1st slip took a great catch. Fin looked a little unbalanced when taking an LBW decision on just 5 runs. Hashim looked in good nick but then mistimed a drive and was caught deep for 18. When both the skip and vice skipper went for a run between them it was 36 for 6. Your press officer did a little rain dance and the piter pater of a shower duly turned up. Unfortunately, it soon passed which allowed Bognor to complete the demolition for 62. Ammad Khan proved the best Nomads batter with 24 off 39 balls.

In reply Mike Harris 20 and Nicholas Ballamy 15 took the game away with a 40 opening stand. Ajaz Noorzai then took two wickets for 11 but as the Title suggests a frustrating end at the Oval.

Speaking after the game skipper and Nomads legend James M said ‘ we have a brilliant bowling attack but we need to get some runs on the board to allow them to have a chance. I don’t think any of our batters made any rash shots today but we are all finding ways to get out. Ammad Khan is a quality batter and showed that today and Hashim showed some attacking flair which we are happy for him to do. Ajaz is a real athlete and showed intent with his spell. We all need to work hard in the nets this week!’

He then revealed (which I whole hardheartedly agree) ‘ I think staying in this division would be like winning a trophy’

Bowman says ‘our twos came up a against a wonderful side today who are bang in form. However, our lads have an amazing array of cricket skills and athleticism between them. In terms of batting its time for a bit of patience and wearing a few up top. Even in the shortest form of the domestic game, the Hundred, batsman are having to be patient in winning results. Like tonight, Supercharger opener Lynn couldn’t get the ball off the square early on, mistiming everything. But he hung in and eventually made a match winning 48 runs. Going forward into the next game (home on 7th August) I challenge the top order to all get greedy and bat for 20 overs or more. If someone does that and scores a steady 30 of 40 the rest of the inns can evolve around you. Lets turn 33 for 6 into 120 for 3 off 30 to allow a back end thrash.

‘Games are running out and any wriggle room has gone. Its up to you guys roll up your sleeves and keep Preston Nomads in Sussex Div 2, Lets Go 2s!

Well, a day to quickly draw a line under around the SCMG and positively move on to next weekend. Good luck to all connections with training and nets during the week.

Cobo