The 2019 season Broadstairs CC promises to be full of absorbing, high-quality action as both the 1st XI and 2nd XI sides prepare themselves for life in their respective 1st Divisions.
Following a hugely successful 2018 season where both sides achieved promotion, the club is looking forward to the significant challenge that playing at the higher level will present. For the 2nd XI, promotion was a relatively straight-forward affair, with victory away to Old Colfeians in the last match of the season cementing their final runners-up position. The 1st XI, however, had to wait a further 6 months before their promotion was confirmed following the withdrawal of Hartley CC leading to a pre-season restructuring of the Kent League. For many at Broadstairs, this was seen as poetic justice after they were denied automatic promotion on the basis of an outdated technicality that has now been removed from the rule-book.
The 2019 season for the 1st XI kicks off with an away fixture on May 11 against Bromley CC, a team that finished mid-table in 2018 and so will provide a benchmark for the standards expected. In preparation, Broadstairs are looking forward to three pre-season warm-up friendlies starting on April 20 against Nonington, followed by fixtures against Walmer and Sandwich.
The Broadstairs side will see some healthy competition for playing spots with the introduction of Alex Hogben and Harry Wise to strengthen what is already a youthful and talented side. Teenagers from last season’s U15 national finals squad will be looking to establish themselves within the 1st XI – for the likes of Harry Carter, Archie Ralph-Harding and George Kidd they will have a great opportunity to build on their excellent transition into the adult game.
The side is also delighted to welcome back Indian overseas Swaroop Dasari who returns for his 5th successive season with Broadstairs and together with skipper Chris Kidd and Alex Hogben, will provide the necessary experience of playing cricket at this higher level. Kidd described the season ahead as potentially a ‘difficult’ one but recognized that as long as the players work hard, continue to improve and stay positive, picking-up batting and bowling points whenever they can, the season should be an enjoyable one for players and spectators alike.
The 2nd XI begin their 2018 campaign in Division 1, 2nd XI with an away fixture on May 4 against Sidcup. Skipper Andy Marshall is expecting to build upon the successful formula employed last year with teenagers such as Tom Marshall and Nathan Fox blending seamlessly with more seasoned players. The 2018 campaign was especially successful for bowler Oliver Frewin who finished the season as leading wicket-taker for Division 2 with 36 wickets and he will be looking to preproduce this performance in Division 1.
The junior section is at a stage of rebuilding following the ‘graduation’ of the majority of the highly successful U15 squad. In addition, the club hosts a lively and well-supported All Stars programme for 5-8 year-olds which runs every Saturday morning. Broadstairs CC boasts the largest number of junior players in the region and with the continued support of parents and coaches, the club is hopeful that the future prosperity of the sport can be safeguarded.
The progress of the team on the pitch is mirrored by developments off the pitch with the new clubhouse now providing a home for a number of additional local clubs including Cliftonville Hockey and Broadstairs Pétanque. The practice net area will be renovated ahead of the new season thanks in part to generous grants from Kent County Council, Kent County Playing Fields Association and Broadstairs Town Council combined with financial support from local businesses through our growing Ground Sponsorship scheme.
During the 2018 season, eighteen local businesses were welcomed as Ground Sponsors; their advertising banners around the ground were featured in numerous local newspaper articles as well as on Twitter where the club has nearly 2000 followers. Throughout the 2019 season, ground sponsors will be highlighted on the club’s website which receives over 200 hits each weekend during the season. Broadstairs CC has benefited from generous support from shirt sponsors and we are delighted that this will continue into 2019 with sponsorship of the adult teams from Miles and Barr estate agents, Levicks accountants, TFP solicitors and The Potting Shed landscaping
The club would welcome further partnerships with local businesses and anyone interested in getting involved, or just keen to watch the team in action are invited to come along to the Park.