BBC had rain turning up around our region today as Sussex got ready for the long awaited League return. It was a steadfast forecast which, in the main, they got right as heavy rain fell through the early hours and into the morning. Indeed most of us would would of woken to a pretty gloomy picture. There was enough around to make the North Square (SCMG) unplayable which meant that our 1st team v Eastbourne was called off.

2nd Team put in Good Performance at Mayfield.

In a slightly reduced game, 40 overs, our new 2nd team skipper James M promptly lost the toss and were inserted. The pitch looked understandably green with a lush looking outfield. Perhaps not the batsman’s paradise like in hi summer but all the same it was very playable.

The skipper opened with Michael E (Mingles) and both started well in the opening overs. Looking comfortable Mingles played early on the slower ball and offered a catch which was accepted. James and Balaaj (14) then paired well until the later was well caught on the ropes. The inns then began to offer some real power and purpose as James and Ed went through the gears. Ed hit a brilliant six which had Mayfield looking in the bushes. With James, having done the hard work as opener, he got out to a catch on 27. Ed went on to 31 before falling to yet another catch. Muadh then went on to hit the highest score of 39 with six fours. He was supported well by Luke A who made a bright 21 runs. Ammad Khan made a quick 19 near the end as Nomads settled on 187 all out off the last ball.

All in all a good effort.

In reply, we got off to a thrilling start as Zayn Khan bowled the dangerous James Hockley in the 1st over. As one, the Nomads boys celebrated. However Mayfield seem to have a very good batting line up on their hands. Opener Harry Lloyd got through the initial pace barrage and then accelerated. Ajaz bowled really well and ended up with figures 7 overs 21 with out taking a wicket. There was feeling that a breakthrough might be on the cards as Ammad Khan took a wonderful catch running in. At that stage it was 79 for 2.

However Man of the Match, Ben Fitchet came in and blasted 5 quick maximums on route to 71 not out as Mayfield strode to victory in 27 overs. Nomads picking up 9 bonus points.

James said after ‘ I really enjoyed the game today, its the first time I have played here. Our batting was pleasing but none of us, including myself went on to make that big score needed to turn that 187 to 240/250. In reply it was a brilliant dismissal of Hockley and I thought Azaj bowled really well. We just kept giving the batsman chances to score one boundary each over which relieved the pressure. Then they were able to fling the bat which killed the match. They are a strong side but we feel we belong in this league and we look forward the next game’

Bowman said ‘ It was a real shame that none of our batsman could go on to make that decisive score of 60 or 70 and in the field we might take a look at the extra’s column and work on making more maiden overs. Joining up those dots is crucial in limited over cricket. But other than that our Twos are not that far off being a very good team. Many thanks to Mayfield for looking after us today and good luck for the rest of the season.’

In other news our 3rd team had a day to forget as Burgess Hill 2s powered to a 7 wicket win on the South Square, SCMG. Felix Venter and Faisal Khan top scored with 14 in score of 59 all out. That was never enough.

Our 4th team were at Palmers, Hove Rec and it was very hard work as the hosts piled on 360 for 2. Nomads responded by scoring 80 all out and 3 bonus points. New 4th team skipper Stephen O reported ‘ We bowled well and generally had no luck, The Youth players all did well with the ball. James was an absolute beast in the field, huge credit to him. Our reward could have been very different. The score-book is unfair with regards to effort. No luck with the bat with the oppo generally overly competitive but that is league cricket. Yes it was men against boys (and Andy Smith in whites!) but I am proud about how the boys performed. And maybe I should learn some patience from Adam I!’

Perhaps not the most productive day in our history but lets make the most of our upcoming training sessions this week and gather again next weekend. The club go into an ultra important week end with 4 League matches and 2 key ECB Cup games. Come on Nomads lets get this season up and running !!!