Horsham push Nomads close despite short total

The away side did make a real game of it, however, despite posting just 152 in 39.4 overs after being asked to bat.

Tom Johnson top-scored with 66, batting at number six, after the top order fell to a number of unlucky losses of their wickets.

With the ball, Horsham’s bowlers did their best to swing the game back in their favour and almost clinched a fantastic win.

But Nomads did manage to creep home with 153-7 in 43.1 overs thanks to Aaron Phillips’ 52 and a number of contributions throughout the order.

Captain James Johnson said: “It was slightly disappointing as we never seem to do that well at Preston Nomads.

“I am not sure what it is, but they seem to be our bogey side, I could not fault us in the field and I thought the bowlers did a fabulous job.

“Jofra (Archer) bowled well up top again and he was well supported by Jonny Whiting.

“We got the game in the balance. When we went out with 152 up, it wasn’t in the balance, it was there for Nomads to knock off quite easily. But we swung the game in our favour and almost pulled off a great win, and although we came up short, it was quite pleasing.

“We just did not score enough runs, to be honest.”

Openers James Johnson (four) and Craig Gallagher (two) at the hands of Tim Moses (1-19) and Carl Simon (3-61) to leave them at 8-2.

Will Beer added 22, while Michael Thornely hit 17, before Tom Johnson’s 66 from 50 balls helped them up to a reasonable total.

James Johnson added: “There were a few strange dismissals.

“I was not expecting to be caught and bowled by someone that is 6ft 9in around his ankles.

“Once I made the connection I thought it was a great shot and four runs, but he managed to hold it.

“Will Beer’s was also a strange one as he left it and the keeper was standing up, it hit his glove and caught between his legs, it was a bit unlucky.

“That happened at the wrong time as Carl Simon was about to come off, but he stayed on at one end and kept it quite tight and squeezed us really well.

“To try to potentially defend it, we ended up about 20 to 40 runs short. Although Tom did really well and took his initiative to them as he always does.”

Horsham host Cuckfield on Saturday and the Sussex Development XI on Sunday, with varying availability.

They are missing Beer, Whiting and Joe Ludlow for the Saturday clash, but welcome them back along with Tom Haines the next day.

Tom Johnson is relishing playing their extra game early on and added: “We have never had the game this early on in the season.

“To maybe get the points on the board early is a psychological benefit and can add confidence.”

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