Good evening and welcome to the 1^st in our series of sporadic 2022 pre match reviews.  In this blog we hope to bring you a short but entertaining preview of our upcoming matches over the following weekend.   In tonight’s edition we take a peek at Eastbourne, Portslade, Southwick and Coleman’s Hatch cricket clubs.

Nav Looks for Positive Start Against Eastbourne at the SCMG.    11.30 am start 50 over game.

After a wonderful set of preseason games and a winning start to the Sussex T20 Cup 1^st team skipper Navin Patel will be looking to take all the positives into the curtain raiser against Eastbourne CC.  Our 1^st team are in rude health and look to be in tip top form.  Dan Phillips has taken the eye with 140 and a 70 odd with opening partner Nathan Poole scoring a competitive 67 not out at Burgess Hill.  The skipper himself has led the way taking an impressive 10 wickets so far.  Followed closely by Owen K with 9.  Zayn Khan has put himself in ‘the 1^st team shop window’ with some excellent pace bowling and ton for the Sunday squad. 

Eastbourne started their campaign with a chastening ECB 1^st round loss on 1^st May 2022 @ The Saffrons.  Minster (Sheppey) Kent were in sparkling form as opener Edward Moore made an unbeaten 155 took the game away.  The hosts were always on the back foot chasing 275 but skipper Jacob Smith made 39 up top and Alex Heasman made 59 at three.  A cameo 32 off 24 from Ben Barter wasn’t enough as Sheppey went on to a 67 run win.

It’s a certainty Jacob will be wanting to draw a massive line under that one and get his team ready for the Nomads tomorrow.   

If you are planning on visiting the SCMG have a great day around the ground.  Please watch out for the live stream online and also keep abreast through the club media sites.

Two’s on Road to Benfield Valley to take on Portslade.   12.30am    Sussex Div 3  East  45 Overs

Our twos have been on the wrong end of two preseason games against Weybridge and Reigate however skipper James M has found the positives on both occasions.  He has been able to take stock of the considerable amount of talent both experienced and youthful. 

2021 Div 3 6^th placers Portslade have been in the runs over two 2022 friendly games.   Owen Piper scored 75 on 16^th April in a score of 263 against Lewis.  Dan Holgate scored 84 on 23^rd April in a loss against Billingshurst.  Wickets have been shared around. 

It will really be interesting to learn how Nomads team selection has fallen but hopefully James has been able to create the natural balance to win the 1^st league game of the season. 

I will be taking a trip to Benfield Valley so please keep tuned to club whatapp and twitter channels for updates from mid day.

Faisal’s 3s Face Southwick 1^st team in the League. SCMG North Pitch Div 7 Central   1pm  40 overs

Skipper Faisal Khan takes control of his first League game as Southwick make that short trip over the South Downs.  He started life as  3^rd team skipper with a wonderful T20 Trophy win.  From the team announcement on whattapp this evening it appears that he has been able to name a strong side.   

There doesn’t appear to much form to go on from Southwick unless to say they finished 6^th in the league last season.

Stay tuned to club whattsapp and twitter sites to follow the action. 

Stephen Takes Fours to Colemans Hatch   1.00pm  40 over game   Div 8  Central

As we have alluded to many times in the past our 4^th team is all about mixing an eclectic set of experience/youth and having a lot of fun.  It worked out well last season as the team won no less than seven wins on route to a mid-table position.  Skipper, Stephen Oliver allows his players to express their talents and to play with freedom. 

They travel to the wonderful setting of Colemans Hatch and their stunning heathland ground.  Please keep abreast of scored through our media channels.

Well, there you have it.  I am really looking forward to my Benfield experience tomorrow.

Can we start the 2022 League Campaign with a winning clean sweep?

Good luck to all connections.

Cobo.