Broadway 1st XI lose at league leaders Earlswood
Posted by Nobody on 4 June 2012
The Earlswood pitch hadn’t been covered overnight and had absorbed a torrential morning downpour so a prompt start was impossible. After a prolonged mopping up operation and the application of mounds of sawdust the captains agreed to a truncated 30 over match.
Broadway were asked to bat first, and suffered early setbacks when N Evans was caught at slip and Humpston caught off a leading edge. Captain G Evans led by example and made batting look comfortable as the bowlers were struggling with their run ups. After reaching 29 he miscued an on drive and was also caught off a leading edge. At 51 for 3 at the half way stage the Broadway innings needed a lift and Powell (27) looked perfectly poised to provide it. Having delivered a few customary lusty blows he offered an extremely sharp return chance which South African Delahay (2-17) gleefully accepted.
With M Evans unfortunately run out, slipping in the wet conditions and Hawkins (10) trapped in front again by Rice (3-21) it was left to Close, making his final appearance (at least for a while) and Beale to lift the innings to a respectable 119 for 7.
Earlswood made a positive start to the reply and quickly reached 37 without loss. The introduction of Beale (2-34) threatened to turn the match as he removed two of the Everett brothers in consecutive overs. With Powell (1-27) snaring the other opener in the sandwiched over, they had slipped to 41 for 3.
This however brought Windyatt to the crease and he quickly dispelled any tension in the reply with a series of lusty strikes which brought the game to a premature end. He finished 58 not out and led his team assisted by K Everett (25 no) to an ultimately comfortable 7 wicket victory and maintained their league leading status.
Broadway 1st XI host Wellesbourne next Saturday 9th June. With both teams looking to bounce back positively from defeats and get their points tally moving towards the top end of the Premier division again, it promises to be a great game.
