After an ‘off-week’, when chasing League success, it’s important to show real intention to bounce back strongly and then quickly regain that winning mentality. After a punishing week on the training field, sometimes in heavy rain, (See interview with Dan Phillips on Whatsapp) our 1st team did just that to run out worthy winners at Cuckfield by 77 runs. In a pulsating match our lads showed not only an amazing and sustained set of technical ability but also strong team spirit with an unshakable will to win.

IT SEEMED THAT EVERY PART OF THE GAME WORKED!

Nomads were inserted against a heavy atmosphere and a greenish looking deck. The outfield looked magnificent for July both green and lush (but not lightning fast for batters). Once again our openers laid a bedrock platform for the team and in particular it was Jake who really caught the eye. Against a fine strike partnership of veteran James Anyon and the blond William Rogers Jake had to work extremely hard as balls moved quickly off a length. His inns of 41 off 62 balls consisted of a lots of watches and gorgeous defensive strokes. However it wouldn’t be Jake with out a spell binding six. He guided his team to 89 for 4 just after drinks. Liam O at 4 is acquitting himself well as a 1st team top order batsman this season. Gone are the days of biff bang and he is getting his head down in the early stages of an inns. Liam, if you are reading apologies for ‘rinsing’ you but I do challenge you to turn those decent starts into some ‘big’ ones for the Nomads, get greedy I am backing you!.

Perhaps the best ‘engine room’ partnership of the season then ensued as both the skipper and Kash took the score to 167. Both batsman worked very well in unison and you could tell that were enjoying themselves. Phillips, while good on the defensive side was always looking to sweep and reverse sweep spinners out of the attack. While Kash played one of the most technically correct half centuries you will ever be fortunate to watch. His boundaries coming from a stunning late cut backward of square. Singles with straight down the ground. But for any budding test opener watching on the most robust forward defensive on the circuit. Both deservedly went to their half centuries.

Nav played a wonderful cameo of 17 with two massive sixes. It was left to returnee Will C to create the Champaign moment with three straight 6s onto the club house roof. The 2nd of which made this amazing ‘ting’ sound as it hit the roof. (see clip on whattsapp) 229 for 7 off 58 overs. An inns which had everything!

As Nomads took the field Dan told his troops that he was proud of the batting display but he now wanted his side to bowl and field well. ‘Lets not give them anything at all and take 30 points back to Fulking!’ Cuckfield started like they meant business with Wisdon and Ludlow looking the business. They looked to get aggressive with any thing short and were happy to cut for boundaries as the score raced to 45.

ENTER OWEN KERNAN!!!!

Owen has been near his career best this season after a robust preseason fitness regime. He also carries a long term ankle injury which he seems to shrug off with a cheeky smile. He was quickly in the limelight with trapping Ludlow for 34 and Wisdom, a smart Hutson stumping. It was the turning point of a game that might have got away from us. With spin from one end and total seam control from the other Cuckfield went totally into their shells. As Owen marched on they quickly went from 96 for two to 122 for 6. There was only one winner after Bertie Freeman used all his youthful athleticism to pick up a wonder catch at short mid on to take out the dangerous Rogers for 1.

Cuckfield could give no more as Owen went on to secure figures of 15 overs 7 for 32 and wrapping up a power house victory for the Nomads.

Bowman says ‘Many thanks to both teams for creating an thoroughly entertaining match full of quality and effort, Kash’s inns was for the purist’s. Ultimately it was the Nomads who held all the aces in the end. A brilliant team effort but with a sprinkling match winning performances, you know who you are!. For an awesome and sustained 15 over spell I hope Owen will accept my man of the match award. Please see a full interview on the whattsapp channel.

‘ We are now half way through the season and are proud leader’s of the Sussex Premier League. Its going well however your Press Officer is backing Dan and his team to find a lot more over the remainder of this season. The talent, will and team spirit at our disposal is totally top draw and 1st team competition over the coming weeks will be very fierce, players are going to have to earn that spot!

Lets Go Nomads.

Cobo