Roberts and Johnson impress as Horsham raise confidence

Horsham made an encouraging dress rehearsal for the start of their league campaign when they eased to a 123-run victory against St James’s.
Sussex Cricket. Horsham CC v St James's CC. Action from the match.

Picture : Liz Pearce 020515
LP1501476 SUS-150205-203259008Sussex Cricket. Horsham CC v St James's CC. Action from the match.

Picture : Liz Pearce 020515
LP1501476 SUS-150205-203259008
Sussex Cricket. Horsham CC v St James's CC. Action from the match. Picture : Liz Pearce 020515 LP1501476 SUS-150205-203259008

Their opponents may have been from a division below them but that did not detract from what proved to be a fruitful and enjoyable display.

Sussex’s Will Beer fired 67 from 36 balls after the hosts won the toss and elected to bat.

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Tom Johnson also made 55 from 18 balls with three fours and six sixes as they posted 209-7.

Sussex Cricket. Horsham CC v St James's CC. Action from the match.

Picture : Liz Pearce 020515
LP1501483 SUS-150205-203454008Sussex Cricket. Horsham CC v St James's CC. Action from the match.

Picture : Liz Pearce 020515
LP1501483 SUS-150205-203454008
Sussex Cricket. Horsham CC v St James's CC. Action from the match. Picture : Liz Pearce 020515 LP1501483 SUS-150205-203454008

St James’s were then bowled out with the fourth ball of the final over for 86.

Nathan Roberts and Ben Shoare both took 3-9 with the ball.

Captain Sam Attfield was delighted with the high quality display.

He said: “We played very well - it was a really decent wicket and we had a strong side out.

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“Will Beer, Ben Shoare and Tom Johnson batted very well, in fact Tom hit the fastest 50 ever seen (in 10 minutes).

“This set up the platform for the rest of the team. It gave us the confidence to strike the ball from the first delivery. We just needed to bowl in the right areas.

“Our new opening bowler Nathan Roberts certainly bowled in the right area and took three wickets and looked like he would take four or five wickets. Our spinners bowled well and we fielded and took a lot of catches - Nathan taking three.

“Everyone enjoyed themselves and this result gives us the confidence to go on. We are hoping to take this confidence in to our first league game.”

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Horsham expect to have a similar side available for their opening Sussex League Premier Division game this Saturday which is away to Eastbourne.

Their only absentees are likely to be George Garton and Tom Haynes who are away at boarding school.

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