A RAIN-affected weekend saw Nomads manage only two friendly fixtures on Sunday.

Playing at home to Kays, the First XI won the toss and put the visitors in.

None of batsmen looked at ease against the Nomads bowlers who were shrewdly switched around by captain Gary Sandbrook. Wickets were shared by John Goodreds, Gary Sandbrook and Andy Leach with two apiece, while Kays score of 142-9 was largely due to a late flurry of runs from Will Basford (23) and Russell Edwards (35).

Nomads' reply got off to a quick start by Malcolm Jones (71no) and Andy Leach, but the loss of three wickets in rapid succession slowed progress. However, with the support of Nick Williams (39no), Jones saw Nomads to victory by seven wickets off just 23.5 overs.

The Second XI's tough season continued with a visit to Birlingham.

Sporting several promising youngsters, Nomads found themselves facing a strong home side.

The youngsters acquitted themselves well and refused to let their heads drop despite some impressive hitting.

Off-spinner Tom Isaacs was the pick of Nomads' bowlers, using good variation to pick up 2-46 of eight overs. The fielding was sharp, with good catches held by Vale, Ash and Elliot, but Hill (63), and Francis (101) saw Birlingham reach 253-5 off 40 overs.

The total was always too big an ask, but Nomads' set about the task with diligence. James Smith made a chanceless 52 in an excellent opening partnership of 118.

Skipper Dave Pearson (68) pushed the score along and Tom Vale (17no) showed good form in the last few overs.

Nomads finished on a creditable 166-4.