Kiwi Jaedyn commits to the Long Haul up Front.

Our two’s demonstrated the full depth of the Nomads current availability juggernaut by completing a very classy win at Seaford even though they travelled missing some big names.  With Kash at the helm Nomads won the toss and decided to have a bat under blue skies and pleasant hi summer temperatures. It was the perfect day for cricket.

Our hosts shrugged off their lowly league position with a confident start.  Pace off from the train station end and pace on from the sea end. Young Adam I did well for a couple of overs but coped a lifting ball which popped off a leading edge.  Baalaaj looked out of sorts and was bowled with the score on 9 for 2.  All the while Jaedyn lead from the front with a series of lovely forward defences and leaves.  He was joined by a talented young cricketer Ansh Bhoje (16) who followed suit. He has been trained well by his dad and coaches in the art of patiently waiting for bad balls and accumulating runs. He seems the natural future Nomads 1^st team opener.  As the bowlers toiled batting appeared to be getting easier for our pair.  With extra’s mounting the boys were confidently pushing the singles and nudging several leg side deliverers for four. Bhoje eventually went for a lovely 28 off 43, a partnership of 86 very important runs.  Bartosh Short went to a brilliant and hard fought 50 with a nudge behind which had the keeper sprinting, a race he agonisingly lost!.

With his eventual demise both Felix and Zayn came to the crease intent in taking the game away from a group of sun whipped and weary fielders.  On another day Venter might have received a first baller as his shot went straight to a fielder. Luckily for the Nomads said fielder tried an ‘unconventional’ catch.  With his head rather than his hands. Needless to say, Felix had got away with one and hopefully lesson learnt. However, he quickly shrugged that off to find his range on or near the pavilion roof.  A very entertaining passage of play ensued as the pair fired boundary after boundary.  Felix with six maximums and Zayn with a couple.  Both players raced to a brilliant half century.  In what would have had Jimmy Mac purring the team batted out their full 45 overs. 258 for 7 (28 extras given!)

A proper tea served by Seaford many thanks to them.

In reply with Ravi bowling spin from the sea end Seaford never really got their reply up and running.  A smart slip catch by Kash got the party started. The hosts were three down for 16 as Jaedyn completed a good day for him with a diving catch behind the stumps.  Oliver Smith provided the hosts with some cover as he patently built a nice half century.  However, it was a case of a slow death for Seaford as our bowling and fielding fired on all cylinders. Ravi made a spectacular catch to go along with his three wickets. Zahn Khan two for 11 and Baalaaj two for 19.  Seaford all out for 136 (19 extra’s given)

Bowman said ‘That was a well deserved and hard fought away victory for our Twos who move up to 2^nd in Division three. Things are progressing well in the camp with what appears to be a robust and competitive edge for selection. Yesterday’s game was a good mix of traditional hardnosed cricket and vibrant entertainment. It’s a nice combination to have.  Ravi, Felix and Zahn will all grab the headlines for expansive cricket. But for me none of that would have been possible with out the hard yards up top.  J demonstrated skill sets, hard work and above all patience to play the perfect opening knock and set a workable and stable platform. He deserves my Man of the Match award. You can see interviews with the skipper, Ansh, J and Zayn/Felix on the group whatts app site.

Many thanks to Seaford CC for hosting at the Salts and good luck for the remainder.