Nomad Members are being treated to an exceptional preseason schedule here in Fulking.  It all got underway last Saturday with a visit from Surrey based Weybridge CC 1^st and 2^nd teams.  Under clear skies but with an inevitable chilly breeze the 1^st day of term couldn’t have gone any better.

Dan Phillips and Aiden Thomas Drew off to a Flyer as 1^st Win.   12.30 start 40 over game. North

Right on schedule Nathan Poole squared up to the 1^st 2022 ball bowled in anger.  A rusty loosener which dribbled wide of off, the umpire showing no sympathy signalling a wide.  Titters all around!

Things quickly became a lot more intense as Poole played some excellent back foot cuts on his way to a satisfying 30 odd.  At the other end Dan Phillips was looking in fine form moving very freely between the wickets.  It’s a certainty that you will be seeing a lot more of this Dan/Nathan opening partnership as the season unfolds.

Phillips was motoring with a volley of straight sixes as he went through the half century.  As an opening day ton beckoned, he was picked up by literally a world class catch on 93.  Down right at ankle height one handed.  Despite that Dan trooped off satisfied with his work and a standing ovation.  

The team finished with 240 runs from the allotted.

In reply Weybridge started in a real rush with runs flowing freely.   However, Aiden Thomas Drew was soon making his presence felt.  He eventually took five wickets as Weybridge started to struggle against a fervent attack and strident fielding.  Owen Kernan is always a threat and his three wickets late on were enough seal a comfortable win for the 1^st team.

High Quality Affair on the South Square as Weybridge pip Nomad 2s on the Line. 12.30pm 40 overs

Ammad Khan 49, Najiyan Raynor 39 and the skipper James M 41 not out were the mainstays of an impressive Nomads batting display as they romped to 236 all out off the allotted.

In reply Ziggy Anderson Ager was in fine form taking two quick wickets up top as Weybridge faltered to 32 for 2.  However, opener Alistair Stanley was in defiant mood, and he will be pleased with his half century.  Batting with Henry Buxton, 78 off 69 balls Weybridge looked well on track.  However, Buxton was run out after a fall, and it was game on.  Things got better when Mike Burney took a brilliant catch out deep. 

But with time running out it was the visitors who held their nerves to record victory with just three balls to spare. An exciting end to a great game of cricket.

We caught up with both Nomads skippers after the match, an interview can be seen on the club media channels.  It was clear that both were delighted to be able to give their squads a good run out.

However, the day really belonged to the SCMG which was looking in pristine early season pomp.  Head Groundsman Dan Birrell was quite rightly showered with compliments.

Cobo