A season that began so promisingly for Broadway , Could not end soon enough with the club looking anxiously over their shoulder at the relegation places during the last few weeks of the season. After a shocking run that saw them win just one of their last eight matches. A small squad was stretched by injuries and unavailability, and it is of great credit to Carlo Carenza that the second XI were still able to gain promotion (second team report will follow)

There was excitement in the squad at the start of the season following the signing of new overseas player Chiokhe Payne, and initially results were good. However as the season went on Payne's attitude on and off the pitch became an issue, and it was no surprise when he left the club in July.  There was no denying Payne's ability with the bat & it was no coincidence that the club won only two of the last 10 games following his departure, despite morale being higher.

Broadway won three of their first five completed fixtures (plus three abandonments) which would have been four but for a narrow one wicket defeat at Earlswood. This set them amongst the early season pace setters in the premier division. The victories were all low scoring affairs thanks to some fantastic bowling from the seam attack with Broadway not scoring 200 in any of these wins.  Following this the only victories were at relegated catherine de Barnes -where a fantastic bowling performance dismissed the hosts for 51 - and relegation threatened long itchington - where broadway defeated both the hosts and the elements.

The batting was fragile all season and too often the bowlers were left with not enough runs  to defend. Payne was by far and away the leading run scorer, with 324, despite only playing seven games - although pleasingly Matt Phillips overtook him in all competitions during the last game. Phillips was the second highest run scorer with 214 runs. Following a winter of not netting Phillips came back a refreshed player and played some sensible innings, but did not lose the ability to still hit the ball a long way. Phillips hit two half centuries, to go with his maiden league century scored for the second XI in May.

The rest of the batsmen all disappointed, not helped by playing on some of the greenest wickets seen at Broadway for many years. Jamie Powell struck just one league fifty, although seemed to find form towards the end of the season, as did Steve Wheeler after a shocking start. Barry Clements and Jimmy Martin both looked in good touch at times, but averaged just 15 and 10 respectively. Marcus Humpston had a poor season by his own high standards and failed to pass 50 in any innings, every player is due a bad season in their career and hopefully the batsmen will come back stronger next season. Luke McDonagh struggled with injuries and was seldom seen in the first team

Too often the all-rounders Adam Smallman, Richard Pedley and James Cutler were left with too much work to do.  All three chipped in with useful cameos at some point during the season.

Bowling wise Broadway stayed strong season. Richard Pedley and Nick Stewart formed a strong opening partnership, taking 29 and 21 wickets respectively. Stewart also had an economy rate of just over three runs per over. Jamie Powell took to the role of the first change bowler well,  taking 28 wickets including five for 15 versus Elmley Castle in May. Jason Horsburgh took 13 wickets in 42 overs before injury ended his season prematurely.

Adam Smallman suffered with a back injury throughout most of the season bowling just 35 overs. Matt Phillips was given more opportunities with the ball on towards the end of the season and took 3 for 6 off seven overs in the final match versus Leamington. Following the retirement from first team cricket of Andy Beale, Barry Clements provided the spin bowling option when needed.

The fielding was generally poor during the season with notable exceptions. Marcus Humpston took three stumpings standing up to seam bowlers Pedley and Powell. Jimmy Martin was a livewire fielder in the covers, whilst Phillips, Clements and Smallman remained reliable close catchers. But overall a lack of practice meant these standards slipped towards the end of the season.

Overall the club can be satisfied with retaining premier league status for another season. However work does need to be done to improve for next season, with a larger squad needed to cope with absentees.

Leading run scorers
Payne 324 @ 54
Phillips 214 @ 26.75
Powell 211 @ 16.23
Wheeler 180 @ 20
Humpston 180 @ 16.36

Leading wicket takers
Pedley 29 @ 18.17
Powell 28 @ 18.25
Stewart 21 @ 19.71
Horsburgh 13 @ 13.38
Smallman 9 @ 14