Our ‘Lion’ Pride of the Nomads in MOM Performance

Before getting into the match a huge thanks to Gary Stanley and his team for organising yet another brilliant day of superb cricket at the 1^st Central County Ground. Huge crowds turned out in great weather for 3 T20 matches as the Nomads pass on many congratulations to the Mid Sussex Heathens for winning the Plate and Middleton 2s for winning the Trophy.  A carnival atmosphere ensued as darkness fell across the region and the Hove floodlights danced across the hallowed turf.  Mayfield and the Nomads kicked off at 6pm sharp in the T20 Cup.   Nomads slung in.

Nathan Poole and rising Sussex CCC star Zach Lion-Cachet opened with calm assurance looking to quell the early Sam Hilton onslaught. Both players getting off the mark with a single in the 1^st over.  Jamie Bird kept up the pressure as the score slowly ticked over in the 2^nd over.  There was a no big hitting from the Nomad pair who were happy nudge and sometimes leave the good length balls. Poole cut Bird for a lovely boundary and then edged the very next ball for another.  Extra’s began to mount.  50 with out loss quickly became 68 with out loss as Zach found rhythm and two stunning 6s.

Nathan was loudly cheered by the crowd and his teammates coming off with a significant and beautifully made 24 off 30 balls.  Our opener had done his job well.  The effervescent Jersey international Jonty Jenner hit a wonderful six as did Daniel Lategan. However, it was Lion-Cachet who wrote all the headlines making use of that solid platform to go on and build a match winning 89 runs off 64 balls.  Jersey quick Dan Birrell was sent in late doors to put the finishing gloss on a massive total of 184 for 5.  Keon Harding the pick with four for 30.

Inns Break

Ben Fitchet and a ‘wayward’ Zayn Khan opening over had the crowd on its feet and Mayfield thinking that they were onto something.  The score moving very quickly to 40 with out loss.  However, the game was up soon after.  Skipper Patel took edge of Fitchet’s bat and AOB did the rest taking a lovely towering catch.  Zayn then sorted things out with not one but two wickets in three balls. Stumps and bails strewn across the County Ground.  45 for 3.  By now Nomads were enjoying their work as wickets fell at an alarming rate.  Danial Ibrahim took 2 for 7 and that man Lion added three to his Nomads tally for just 13 runs.  The final act of dominance a stunning run out from fielding coach Nathan Poole.

Mayfield soundly beaten by 105 runs.

Nomads were then presented with the 2023 Sussex T20 Cup and Zach was awarded the coveted Player of the Match award.

Australia bound AOB said after ‘Its always great fun to play at the County Ground. After being beaten last year we had fire in our eyes going into the game and we got the result, Happy Days’  (full interview on WhatsApp)

Nav said ‘That was clinical, it was tough to score early on, but the boys stuck at it and we built a great total. With the ball we had a little wobble but then executed the basics well and blew them away.  Zach is class and showed his professionalism, we are very pleased to have him here as a Nomad.  The club is in a great place and winning tonight was the perfect way to end 2023!’  (full interview on WhatsApp)

Zach said ‘Its been an amazing night and I am proud to have been able to contribute to the win.  The ball wasn’t coming on as I had hoped so had to work hard to build that total.  The bowlers hit their lines and lengths. Zayn did well to get those early wickets and it was pleasing to take three’  As to next season there are good signs that Zach will be back with the Nomads and hopefully resigned with the County.  I am sure we will all be very happy to have him here with us.  (Full interview on WhatsApp)

Bowman said ‘huge thanks to all the travelling support, hopefully you will agree we turned the County Ground into a Nomad family get together. Nav, if you are reading your more than our Club Captain you are our Ambassador.  Congrats to our 1^st team for producing a moment of magic under those Hove lights. Memories that we can all take through the coming winter months.   The Nomads are going from strength to strength. Together 2024 AWAITS!!!

Cobo 25/9/2023