Four sets of players, coaches and fans turned up at Teddington CC full of hope and expectation yesterday all wanting to win two T20 games and progress to the country wide ECB finals day in Rugby later in the season. The Scorchers perhaps had the most appropriate name for conditions at beautiful Teddington. The region, in north west London, hasn’t had any rain for many weeks leading to ‘dormant’ outfields and straw coloured surrounding heathland.  We thank our hosts for a brilliant day at the ground and hope that those long awaiting rains arrive soon, and your facilities quickly recover to their finest green glory.

Preston Nomads (Sussex Champions based at Fulking) v Sonning (Berkshire Champions based near Reading.)  10.30am    Sonning win toss and field.

Sometimes in life and in sport things just go your way both individually and collectively. For Sonning it was one of those occasions.  There is no doubt that the team has quality running through their core, that would have been true of all four teams. However, their performance in both games was lifted to another level peaking just at the right time

The Nomads were very happy to be slung in at the toss.  Skipper Adam Ibrahim said ‘ we would of batted anyway as we feel there is some runs to be made out here’.  On que the Skipper and Charlie Davies strolled confidently to the crease.  After an incident free initial over star of the event Abilash Nanthakumar got his day off to the perfect start by enticing Davies into a drive. The ball popped up to mid-wicket for a regulation catch, 8 for 1.  Big hitting Rudy Northcott was next. He and Adam both batted carefully for several overs as the scored moved on to 38 for 1.  Change bowler Max Murphy and keeper George Mitchell then produced the champagne and match turning moment.  His first delivery, an offside wide, had Northcott swinging and finding the edge of the bat. On another day the ball would have sped away behind to the boundary.  However, Mitchell had other ideas, throwing himself right and making a spectacular one-handed grab.

From that moment the Nomads effort stalled as wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.  Adil Malik and Jack Wolfenden both with three a piece as the Sussex Champs had to settle on 82 all out after 17 overs.  Ibrahim, continuing his fine break out season here at the club, scored a resilient 30 and had to retire.

Drinks served

Nomads Man of the Match Huey Pitcher gave us hope and momentum in the 1^st over.  He bowled opener Jack Wolfended for a first ball duck and then just a few balls later had the stumps of Adil Malik. The Nomads flying at two for two.  However, that man Nanthakumar steadied the ship with a commanding 30 not out and retired after 50 balls.  Pitcher and Charlie Davies shared 5 wickets between them but in truth defending 82 was always going to be tough going.  It was left to Aashmit Ghosh, 19 not out, to steer the Scorchers to a comfortable victory after 18.3 overs.

Lunch Served.

In the afternoon Sonning and Nandakumar (7 for 14 yes 7 wickets !!!) went on to secure the Regional title with a commanding and resounding victory against Hampstead U13s. The Nomads and Harold Wood played out an entertaining third and forth place play off which Wood edged with the last ball of the day.

Bowman said ‘Huge congratulations to our U13s and Manager Phil Standen for making it to the 2022 ECB Regional Finals day at Teddington.  It’s been a thrilling ride through the Sussex rounds and onto Blackstone last month for finals day.  You guys were outstanding last Sunday against a very strong Bromley outfit.  Hopefully you will always cherish your memories of your 2022 ECB Cup journey.  The club are very proud of your efforts.

In terms of the semi-final, its true that on another day, another ground and another competition you could have found a way to beat the Scorchers but on that day, on that ground they were unbeatable.  Sonning are deserved London and East representatives at Rubgy.  We wish them well’

Cobo   Preston Nomads Press Officer.