In a ‘different’ season to most in our long history the club house and changing rooms have been closed for business and the grounds have been a no go area for fans. However that all changed this afternoon when players were joyously allowed inside to use the facilities and everyone was welcomed into our fabulous clubhouse to purchase refreshments from the bar. We also saw a number of spectators around the grounds which created a real buzz and excitement.

All of this was complimented by two compelling cricket matches on our North and South Squares. The 1st time this season both grounds survived the weather. Huge congrats to Head Groundsman Curtis Ford and his team for making this possible even through a ‘difficult’ rainy afternoon. All in all some very positive moves forward which can only mean that our home facility vibe is on the up and climbing out of Lock-down.

1st team caught out by the ‘margins’!

After a brilliant weekend 1st team skipper Dan Phillips lead his team out on the North Square confident that another victory against Middleton could be on the cards. Zayn Khan, making his 1st team debut, got his team off to a great start by taking the Middleton opener for just 3 runs. Khan went on to secure brilliant figures of 7 overs 3 for 28. Owen Kernan also had an encouraging afternoon when taking three wickets of his own. Sean Heather (38) and our own Mason Robinson, who came back to haunt us (46) managed to weave their way around our attack. After 36 overs Middleton settled on 141 for 6. Rain affected.

Heavy rain fell across the ground and a delay was caused. Nomads were given a revised target of 137 off 27 as blue skies and a little bit of sun broke through. Indeed a vivid rainbow adorned the adjacent fields.

Jake and Nathan continued their excellent form as 1st team openers. They went on to create a solid platform of 46 for the 1st wicket. Even with them both back in their chairs there was no panic or hint of what was to come. Especially as Aaron P made a quick 21 and the skipper looking solid. However, things can turn very quickly in cricket. Both the Phillips brothers went in quick succession and then Liam O was stumped by Robinson for 4.

Like many times in the past Kash looked to be taking Nomads to that comfortable win when hitting three boundary’s. With Gatts beaten on 2, Nav and Kash (17) looked to be getting the job done. Nav even had the luxury of being dropped. Suddenly overs ran out and the Nomads needed 9 off the last 6 balls. Middleton held their nerves to take a breathless and marginal win at the SCMG. 30 points visitors 11 points for the Nomads.

Twos Washed out at Burgess Hill

The main media feed of the day came from St Johns where the teams were greeted by light rain. A delay was endured as the run ups dried out. Perhaps the playing highlight of the day was a hard working opening knock of 46 from Nomads legend and 2nd team skipper James McKemey. On a tough deck and tricky overhead conditions James had to graft hard against a swinging ball and a number of accurate yorkers. Muadh Khan also impressed with 26 runs.

However a game that was bubbling along nicely and had the look of a thriller was cruelly ended when the 3rd and most punishing rain storm passed over St Johns. Nomads had made 104 for 4.

More Woes for 3rd Team on the South Square

Kiwi quicky, Malorie Short, couldn’t of got the game off to a more stunning start when taking two wickets in the 1st over. Unfortunately that was a good as it got for the Nomads as Edenbridge piled on the runs.

After a rain break Nomads were set 202 off 26 over. Mingles got out the blocks with 16 coming off the 1st over. Jo Musto played an excellent not out knock of 30 and Phil Standen top scored with a lovely half century. It was a tough ask for our third team and they did well to finish around 20 short meaning a third loss on the trot.

4ths Rained out at Plumpton.

Both teams had to settle for a share of the points after heavy rain fell in East Sussex. The game did get a start with veteran Jonah taking three wickets and Andy Garth with a stunning run out and catch.

Our playing staff and captains will be mulling over some searching questions this evening as we strive to find consistency,momentum and some wins across our Men’s section.

So a frustrating day in many ways but an overriding sense of progress at the SCMG in terms of unlocking our potential.