Broadstairs 183-9 (50)
The Mote 127 all out (39)
In their final home match of the season, Broadstairs eased to a 56-run victory over promotion-chasers The Mote to consolidate their position in 6th place in the Championship. After last week’s washout, the Seasiders were determined to put on a good show for the home supporters. However, the afternoon did not get off to a good start, the hosts finding themselves 24-3 within the first 10 overs on what was a tricky pitch following unexpected overnight rainfall.
A 34-run partnership between Nathan Fox and George Kidd got the innings back on track before Fox (27) saw the umpire’s finger go up for LBW. Kidd continued to show a high level of patience and resolve and following the loss of skipper Matt Hardy, formed a productive partnership with Jake Benfield to advance the score into three figures. Benfield and Kidd departed in quick succession and with the score on 103 and only four wickets remaining, the hosts found themselves in a precarious position.
However, the tail was able to rise to the occasion with Tom Marshall hitting an outstanding 34. His 25-run partnership with Chris Kidd (11) and a subsequent 43-run partnership with Freddie Corner (23*) meant that Broadstairs were able to see out the 50 overs and finish on a defendable (albeit below-par) 183-9.
As it turned-out, this total was more than enough and as conditions worsened with light rain and fading light, the visitors were unable to cope with Broadstairs’ pace-off bowling attack. Leading the charge was Chris Kidd who finished with figures of 5-18 from 10 overs. There were also two wickets apiece for Oli Frewin, Jay Basu and although Sadler and ‘keeper Fordham offered some stubborn resistance defending the final wicket, Fordham was eventually caught by Hardy off the bowling of Corner to cap-off a session of high quality bowling and fielding.
Next week, Broadstairs travel to promoted Bromley CC for what promises to be a celebration of a successful and enjoyable first season of Championship cricket. Although currently in 6th spot, Broadstairs are only 8 points behind 3rd position and a victory next week would move them further up the placings and set them up for even greater success next season.
Leave a Reply