Nomads hoisted before Horsham showdown

Gatting's 77 helps Nomads before Horsham decider

Preston Nomads go into their final three games of the Sussex Premier League season leading second placed Horsham by 43 points but the teams meet next Saturday when the League title could effectively be decided.

For many, Saturday was a frustrating day with the weather affecting a lot of games.

The frustration could hardly have been greater than at Horsham where Three Bridges, fielding three county professionals, bowled out Three Bridges for 169 despite 66 from Hisam-Ul-Haq as Will Beer took 4-27 and Michael Thornley 4-57.

But the rain ended play with Horsham unable to start their chase.

This allowed Preston Nomads to extend their League advantage with a win at home to Cuckfield in a game also shortened due to the rain.

The weather meant Cuckfield found themselves restricted to just 40 overs from which they made just 131 for nine of which Harry Clark made 41 and Nick Walters 27 not out, Stephen Rigg taking 3-41.

Nomads were left just 34 overs to win and they did so with eight balls to spare as Joe Gatting cracked 77 not out.

Bottom club Bexhill were dismissed for 203 by Eastbourne at the Polegrove with Dave Lowery their top scorer. He made 86 and Richard May 44. For the visitors Mark Tomsett took 4-45 and Ollie Rayner 3-61.

But Eastbourne reached their target at 205 for five with Ben Brown hitting 115 not out and Mark Tomsett 48, Calum Guest took 2-29.

Hastings tumbled to 126 all out at home to Brighton and Hove with John Morgan their top scorer. He made 52 not out as Patrick Spencer took 5-35 and Will Howie 2-15.

In reply Luke Wells hit 79 not out and Matt Machan 36 not out to take Brighton home at 132 for one.

The remaining game at Chichester where East Grinstead were the visitors saw both teams take 10 points from an abandoned game with the pitch waterlogged.

Bexhill look doomed to relegation and either Cuckfield or Three Bridges look set to go down with them although Eastbourne, Hastings and East Grinstead are still not mathematically safe from the drop.

Eastbourne have still to play the Sussex Academy along with Hastings and East Grinstead, Hastings have to play Three Bridges twice along with that game against Eastbourne.

Bridges also have to play Bexhill with Cuckfield meeting Chichester, Brighton and Hove and Horsham.