Sussex Div Three East Complete but Predictable as tight as!

Regular readers will know that we have been calling the close nature of this division all season long. It’s been nip and tuck with any side being able to beat any side at any given point. There was no surprise that you couldn’t split the top two sides Buxted and Crowhurst who both finished on 414 points!  Our twos had a halcyon mid-season where three wins from four put them third in the table but three recent losses had them tumbling down the league.  It left a must win game at Bexhill on 3^rd September where both teams had to win to avoid relegation.   There were some pre-match nerves kicking around.

James won the toss and batted in absolute perfect cricket conditions.

J and Kash

It was a case of starting and finishing strong for the hosts as the Nomads did well to post 204 all out.  John Haffenden and Evan Gill bowled with energy and efficiency as the Nomad openers had to be very watchful.  It turned into ‘test match’ vibe for a dozen overs as Jaedyn and Oliver had to show a very straight bat as runs were hard to come by.  The score creeping to 35 without loss after 15.  Gatts then got a Gill jaffa that jagged back a mile to take his off stump for 20.   

A change in bowling signalled runs as J moved through the gears.  He and Nomads Legend Kashif Ibrahim put on a magical ton partnership as both players scored a half century.  At 162 for 4 (J eventually going for 80 including 12 fours) the Nomads were looking to score a match winning total.

However, Bexhill were in no mood for that as they started moping up the middle order and tail.  Wickets were shared around as the Nomad effort stalled.  Six wickets falling for just 40 runs.

Tea taken and dip in the sea taken by yours truly.

O got the Nomad machine rolling with a wicket in the first over.  But two for one was as good as it got.  Cameron Burgon at three got on with things very quickly and scored a blistering half century in 45 balls.  Alastair Kent at 6 got away with a couple of skied shots on route to 52. However, it was Man of the Match, Bexhill skipper John Haffenden who was quite brilliant on the day scoring a faultless and patient knock of 65 not out off 96 balls.    Bexhill chased just 4 down with 4 overs to spare.

James McKemey said later ‘I thought we played well today there was nothing further we could do. Bexhill know how to play this ground and the Skipper batted very well’  His full interview can be found on the club whatsapp site.

Bowman says ‘ It was a cracking game of cricket where skill and energy levels were through the roof. You could tell it meant a lot to both teams.  Huge congrats to Bexhill and thanks for hosting at your brilliant home ground. You guys moved right out of the relegation spots . As for the Nomads we found ourselves in the bottom two (by a solitary point!) and are in line for relegation.  

However, this story isn’t quite done just yet as there are ‘issues’ being discussed within League HQ. There is veiled talk of a reprieve!  We will have to wait and see so watch this space!