After last Friday’s breath taking ECB Sussex finals nite win at Blackstone our U15s, under the guidance of Manager Rob Kusel, took to the Regional s stage at the SCMG earlier today.  They faced tough opposition in the shape of the Berkshire Champions, Finchampstead.  The 20 over game started at 10.30 under dry overcast skies with pleasant temperatures throughout. The visiting team won the toss and decided to have a bat.

Openers Ayran and Sam got the match off to a great start, both doing a commendable job for their team.  The 1^st wicket fell with the score on 23. It has to be said that the Nomads were in a chartable mood with not one but two simple chances being spilled to the ground.  In addition, bowling figures would have been hampered by some ‘untidy’ ground fielding at times.

Unfortunately for the visitors they never really cashed in on their good fortune as wickets fell.  Indeed, spinners Alex Kusel and our budding young twos player, Adam I found some good rhythm in the middle overs.  Adam creating something rarer than hens teeth in T20.  A wicket maiden !!!

However, with the dangerous opener, Ayran Gavankar, still at the crease a tricky run chase was still very much on the cards.  With 4 overs left Finch, with wickets in hand, had put themselves in a real chance to go big and finish very much on top.   Once again though they failed to grab the initiative as Henry Olby bowled the perfect set of death overs.  He took Gavanker and bowled a hat trick ball on route to 3 for 19.  The visitors had to settle for a modest total of 112 off the allotted.

Drinks Taken.

Felix Venter and Ben Willesden both had to adapt their games to a slow pitch to great effect.  Runs were very hard to come by in the opening salvo as the Finch openers found some mesmerising bounce.  Both Nomads stuck to their tasks well and built a winning platform with which to operate.   A lovely opening stand of 60 set the tone for a wonderful home victory.  Felix eventually falling for 37 job very much done.  There was some late drama with a couple of home poles but Nomads ran out comfortable and worthy winners.

Rob said later ‘ I am very proud of the boys, a nice home victory.  There are some things for us to work on as we go into the next round’  He warned his troops ‘if we play the Surrey Champions we wont get away with making those types on mistakes!’

Bowman said ‘many thanks to Finchampstead for making the journey to be with us today. We hope, despite the result, you enjoyed your Fulking experience, good luck with the rest of the season. Nomads U15s, from what I have seen over two matches you guys have the wow factor to go all the way in this comp and bring home a prestigious trophy back to the SCMG.  However, you will need to sharpen up in the field and take every chance that is given.  The Surrey Champs will be there to make the most of any hole in the armoury.  The whole club will be following you with huge messages of good luck and best regards for the next round.   In terms of today I thought Felix and Ben were steadfast with a bat but my Man of the Match goes to Henry who destroyed any real Finch hope with three brilliant death overs’