Ben Buckley Stars for Steyning.

After several excellent Sussex T20 results our Threes travelled to the pretty surrounds of Steyning CC for their eagerly awaited quarter final clash.  Both teams knowing that Hove, home of Sussex CCC lay in wait for the two finalists. There was quite the buzz around Memorial Playing Fields.

T20 Skipper Jamie Patrick confidently strode out to the middle for the toss, which he promptly lost the Nomads slung out in the field.  He told me ‘we have young hungry quicks so hopefully we can take some early wickets’.  There was some early success as Ed Salkield  took a running catch Will Hutchinson with the wicket.  However fielding energy levels seemed a little low as the hosts turned ones into twos.  Another 40 runs were quietly and efficiently amassed before another Steyning wicket fell.  With the score passing 100 it was becoming clear that opener Ben Buckley was having a good day.  He held the inns together with a superb strike rate 122 71 runs.  With extra’s mounting Steyning sensed a big score especially with Gary Hunt hitting 18 off just 16 balls at the end.  Hutchinson was the pick of the bowlers 2 for 19 off 4 (with no wides) however Nomads had given up 14 wides to a very strong total of 164 for 5.

A quick drinks break taken.

Unfortunately for the visitors their dreams of Hove faded very fast as a somewhat under par top order were skittled very quickly.  2022 Press Officers player of the season Michael English offered some resistance up top, but his demise brought up 69 for 5.  Fas, our Div 6 League Captain brough some relief and joy to proceedings with an effervescent knock of 46 not out including a huge six to cow.  Oscar Sheffield joined in the fun with a crisp 28.  It was nowhere near enough!

In reality Nomads had been well beaten on the day (by 37 runs).

A visibly gutted Jamie told the waiting media ‘we didn’t do the basics right today and we demonstrated some of the reasons why we are not winning League games.  We were lacklustre in the field and gave far to many extra’s. Then with the bat our experienced players, including myself just didn’t produce’    A full interview can be found on whattsapp.

Bowman said ‘many thanks to Steyning for hosting and good luck with your plans of upgrading your facilities.  I really enjoyed my first visit to Memorial Playing Fields. Go well in the semi final and we hope you get to Hove later in the season. Also, a huge shout out to our travelling support around the boundary, your attendance was very much appreciated. Our Threes seemed off the pace from ball one and then couldn’t find any solutions as the game and that Hove opportunity slipped casually away.  It will be a tough pill to swallow, I am sure. However, the squad can now fully focus on their dream Div 6 promotion tilt starting with a tough assignment at Edenbridge’.