1st XI Vs Stratford Bards

Broadway 1st XI returned to winning ways for the first time in five weeks  in a low scoring but exciting contest.

Conditions were dull and breezy but thankfully dry at the outset as the visitors were invited to bat first on a wicket that was surprisingly dry on the surface. The dampness underneath though meant there was very little pace and scoring proved difficult throughout. Opener N Evans (12) missed a straight one from overseas De Jagger and Humpston chipped Paton to mid on as Broadway were reduced to 27 for 2. When M Evans was bowled by one that cut back sharply off Smart (3 for 29), Powell (19) and G Evans (15) followed quickly after they were reeling at 66 for 5. Despite some stubborn resistance from the lower order Broadway were teetering at 94 for 9, after 34 overs having failed to gain a bonus point. Smallman (14) and Stewart (11) managed to ensure Bards needed to utilise their bowling option and took full advantage in lifting the total to a meagre 132 all out in the final over. After these bonus runs there was a renewed, but quiet confidence about the task to follow after tea.

Bards’ reply started appallingly, falling to 3 for 2 off the first 6 overs, as both openers were removed by the evergreen Powell. He and the luckless Smallman kept things tight early on. Cross and Smart reacted with positive intent, initially choosing the aerial route. Both players got into their stride, particularly Smart (23), who reeled off a series of fluent drives before he got over ambitious and was cleaned bowled by Powell (3 for 32). When De Jagger (0) fell soon after Cross knew the onus was fully on him and his batting showed it. He eventually fell tamely chipping to mid-wicket, off the ever reliable Stewart (2 for 24), at 62 for 5. Having started anxiously Hutchison (23) grew into his role as the senior player and he and Yates (20) rode their luck at times but built a potential match winning partnership, the highest of the match.

Having elevated the innings to the century mark Yates was controversially trapped in front by the wily Beale (2 for 19), who in his next over accounted for the other established player when Hutchison lofted one too many straight to long off Bards were the side teetering. With around 20 needed Townsend struck Smallman (1 for 24) high over long for a maximum which seemed to release the pressure only to be yorked by a beauty next up to put the game back in the balance.

Up stepped debutant James Cutler to apply the coup de grâce. With 13 runs required 2 wickets left and time not an issue, Cutler (2 for 18) yorked his first victim and to jubilant scenes flicked the leg bail of the number 11 with a ball that would have troubled any of the other 21 batters. A somewhat bizarre but compelling game was concluded.