Horsham record pre-season friendly win over Premier Division outfit Middleton

Horsham skipper Michael Thornely in action against Preston Nomads in 2020. Picture by Nick Evans

Horsham captain Michael Thornely told the County Times: “After beating a strong side like that I’m sure we can compete, and I’ve got high hopes for our chances of being promoted back into the Premier Division.”

Middleton were put into bat, with James Brehaut having an early lbw success, before skipper Sean Heather and wicketkeeper Mason Robinson took toll of some ring rusty bowling to take the visitors to 98.

But, when Sam Martin-Jenkins dismissed Heather for 45 and Jake Martin saw off Robinson for 35 – both caught behind by Sam Bell – Horsham exerted control.

Twenties from Harry Hovey and Monty Morgan followed, but Martin-Jenkins chipped in with 3-22 and a run out, and, although Phoenix Ashworth’s unbeaten 42 boosted the score, two late wickets from Nick Cooper, enjoying his first game in Horsham colours, kept Middleton’s score manageable with four of their lower order batsmen only able to score a single between them.

Another Horsham debutant – speedy 18-year-old Barbadian, Trevino Alleyne, who comes recommended by family friend Jofra Archer - was pleased to grab a wicket, but Horsham’s reply got off to a shaky start, with both openers back in the dug out with just 25 on the board.

However, a typically breezy 30 from Tom Johnson, including four fours and a six off 20 balls, put Horsham firmly back on track.

Yet, at 67-4 Horsham still had much to do, until Thornely, as to the manner born, led from the front with 65 at just over a run a ball.

But when he departed at 173-5, the outcome was in the balance, much seemingly depending on Sam Bell, unbeaten on 50.

His dismissal for 68 passed responsibility to Martin-Jenkins (five not out) and Cooper (37 not out), who calmly saw off the challenge, a boundary clinching the win with three balls to spare.

Post match, Thornely said: “It’s great to be back playing, especially as everyone contributed to the win.”

James Brehaut added: “Our bowling was a bit erratic early on, but Nick (Cooper) and Sam M-J kept it really tight mid innings, and even after Middleton’s late flurry we felt that their score was gettable.”

This coming Saturday, in the second of their two pre-season friendlies, Horsham welcome Premier Division returnees Haywards Heath CC.