Roffey Inflict 4^th League Defeat on the 1^st Team. 18^th June 2022

Nomads traveled to Roffey in good spirits which were raised further when skipper Nav promptly won the toss. He said ‘there is always a lot of runs to be made on this ground and 58 overs is a long time to bat ’In terms of team news he ventured ‘ with a couple out today it gives some opportunities, Oliver (Gatts) has been playing well in the twos and comes in today, its always good to welcome Owen back and our overseas, Rehan has returned and is going to bat at 4’ 

Under sunny skies and with increasing humidity the action got under way at 11.30am with both Dan Phillips and Jaedyn Bartosh-Short striding to the crease.  Both players then demonstrated great patience and skill sets to battle for a compelling opening session to the match.  With the score on 48 game complexions changed when Dan edged to 1^st slip on 26.  Just a few moments later J was cleaned bowled for 18.  Then, inexplicably, our overseas was out for a duck. For some reason he choose to chase a very wide one and got some kind of nick through to 1^st slip.  Up went the umpire’s finger but no movement from Rehan.  The umpires then have a chat at square leg and up went the finger again.  Afridi had to go. Apparently, he felt it was a bump ball. 

All the while Gatts at three, was patiently waiting to face his 1^st ball. He was joined by Aaron who had enjoyed his previous Roffey inns scoring 80 for the 2nds in 2021. For an hour calm descended over the Main Ground as both players patiently rebuilt the inns.  Phillips went on to score 47 (top scorer) off 68 balls before being adjudged LBW while defending.  In perhaps the ‘champagne’ moment for Roffey Matt Davies produced a world class catch to dismiss the unlucky Gatts.  Oliver got hold of everything, but Matt dived full length left to cling on. Our ‘engine room’ fired really well on the day.  Ammad Khan looked in great form as he peppered the adjoining properties on two occasions for an entertaining 41 off 45.  Liam O hit a breezy 35 runs and then the skipper himself weighed in with a fast 23 down the order.

We rested on a what looked to be a ‘comfortable’ 237 for 7 off 58 overs. However, to be picky it was a shame that no one went on to score a 70 or 80.  Then with the ‘death’ over we only managed to score a misery two runs which was a little frustrating.  On another day we could of and perhaps should have been looking at 260.

Many thanks to Roffey for producing a full tea.  Most appreciated by the Nomads!

In a very strange weather pattern those morning warm temperature had vanished to be replaced by a very chilly easterly wind.  It was flipping Baltic!

Going back out to field Nav told his team that he felt we had enough to defend, and he wanted the 30 points.  There was a lot of focus energy and intent in the opening salvo as the skipper steamed in down the hill and Zayn up the hill.  Theodore and Rohit had to survive the onslaught.  However, as the overs rolled by there was less ‘noise’ from the field and a bit more cheering from the hosts balcony.  The partnership went past a half century with ease.  Then with periods of quick boundaries the ton partnership came up very quickly as Roffey took charge of proceedings.

Man of the Match Theodore Rivers was brilliant as he carried his bat for a magnificent 176 ball century.   Rohit also scored a big one of 70 odd in an opening partnership of 142.  Former Nomads fav Usman put the icing on a perfect run chase as he smashed three sixes in a 10 ball 21.

It turned into a chastening day for the bowling attack and quite sombre in the field.  AOB had a day to forget giving up 90 runs with no wickets.  We seemed to be happy very happy to just try to defend what was a par score. Slip fielders peeled away very early in the piece and mid off and on were both in the ring rather than in close for those important catches.  Rivers and Jagota are class batsman at this level but in truth we gave them time and space to go win the game.

Bowman says ‘Many thanks to the small band of Nomad fans who came out in support, the Faith clan and Mr and Mrs Gatting I am sure the boys were very happy to see you.  Having looked at our 2021 winning campaign we lost three times but cleared the rope by 30 runs.  To me, even though we have already lost 4 games, we can still retain that title if we go on a sustained winning streak of 11 from the remaining 11 games.  THAT’S THE POSITIVE VIBE WE CAN TAKE FORWARD INTO BRIGHTON AT THE SCMG ON SATURDAY’

Cobo

Nav’s Narrative.

Another tough loss for the 1s on Saturday at Roffey’s domain. Weakened availability meant opportunity for a few players and I’m extremely proud of the way they all stepped up.

We batted first and batted our 58 overs posting 240. A healthy score with contributions from all players. Aaron was solid and commanding and Mani batted beautifully at the end to give us some momentum.

Roffey’s batters were simply quite superb in their chase.

It was hard to build pressure due to our good balls being converted into quick singles which meant the scoreboard continuously ticked over. They chased our total with 2 overs to spare.

The key to win red ball cricket games is to take 10 wickets. To do this as a unit we need to be aggressive and fearless. These needs buy in from all 11 players and not just a few individuals. I’m hoping we can find this mentality as a team in next week’s match against the old foe Brighton & Hove