Brother’s Dan and Aaron cash in on Birrell’s Road.

After three stunning preseason Fulking games there is an incredible buzz and burst of positive energy around the SCMG. Even after just three weeks of spring activity it is clear to everyone that the club have got most things right for the season.  Thanks to Dan Birrell and Dan Phillips the grounds are looking at their imperious best with excellent batting wickets and lightning outfields. On the pitch new skipper Navin Patel has blended teams which have produced progressive cricket.

Nomads had to show their cutting edge and fighting qualities against a well organised, experienced and skilful Reigate Prior during an exciting 2^nd inns at home yesterday.  At the 20 over drinks break both James Crosthwaite and Andrew Delmont had established good rhythm where runs were being scored at a fair lick and the race to the target of 259 looked possible. As Delmont cruised to 49 and Crosthwaite eyed a ton our own AOB who turned the match with the 1^st ball of his 2^nd spell.  A wonder delivery had Delmont playing all around as his stumps were dismantled.  Over the next few overs Reigate tried to recalibrate and press on.  However, with James on 100 Patel got him driving an uppish shot which was caught by a diving Aaron Phillips to huge cheers from the Nomad ranks. It was an important wicket! 

To their credit Reigate never gave up and needed 14 off the last over.  A brilliant stop by Nathan Poole on the rope turned a certain boundary into a two.  It was a very important play as a huge six off the last ball took the visitors just one shy of the total.

Earlier in the day Nomad openers Poole and Phillips were in great form to make a 43 opening partnership.  It bodes well for coming season as we look for our top order to make some serious runs this season in all formats.  The day belonged to our former 1^st team skipper and Man of the Match Dan Phillips who made the most of his opportunities.  After seeing off the new ball he displayed a mastery of hitting boundaries at will.  No less than eight 6s and 13 4’s were struck on the way to a very commanding 140. It was fitting that his brother Aaron held the supporting role scoring a neat half century himself.  Nomads went to a wonderful Jan Smith tea with 258 for 6 off the 40 overs allotted.

In an interview you can see on the club social media sights Nav said later ‘ It was a brilliant game where the standards were very high and it went down to the last ball. You can’t ask for anything more in a preseason match. Dan played an amazing inns today one of the best I have ever seen and lets hope he can continue as the season unfolds’

Also online is an interview with the Phillips brothers.  Dan said ‘ it was good today after seeing off the new ball I went on to make a good score’  Aaron said ‘ I really enjoyed that catch Cobo and it was great to watch Dan bat today. A master class in six making!’

After the game there was some serious socialising going on with our brilliant and exciting bar in full service.  Both Reigate and Nomads enjoyed the buzz of that post match vibe as the sun closed out for the day.

All that remains to say is a massive thank you to all connections of the Reigate Priory CC travelling party who shared the day with us. We hope that you all enjoyed your Fulking experience and from everyone here at the Nomads we wish you all the best for the up coming season. 

Cobo