Broadway v Bretforton1st – Premier Division, Saturday 25thMay

 Report by Nigel Evans

Broadway 234-9, Bretforton237-6. Bretforton won by 4 wickets.

A cracking match played in good spirit saw the previously undefeated Broadway knocked off their perch by the reigning champions. It was an entertaining topsyturvy match, which was illuminated by a magnificent match winning innings by Paul Jones.

 Visitors Bretforton won the toss and asked Broadway to bat on a damp surface which offered lots of early assistance. Both opening bowlers, Witts (1 for 11) and Evans (0 for 10) bowled with great discipline and runs were scarce. Aided by some sloppy running they reduced Broadway to 21 for 2 after the opening 20 overs.

 The introduction of the change bowlers brought some respite and opener Martin (22) and G Evans (34) increased the tempo. Both however perished trying to improve the run rate as the pitch dried leaving the hosts on a perilous 72 for 4 after 31 overs. Humpston, who smashed 27 off 14 ballsbriefly, lit up proceedings, but it was Powell who took then took up the batten blasting 55 off only 28 balls containing 7 maximums. Powell particularly punished the young spinner Pratley who having leaked only 42 from his first 7 overs claiming 2 wickets in the process finished with 2 for 85!

 When Jones has Powell caught with the score on 178 in the 40th over Broadway had seen over 100 runs plundered inside 9 overs. Bretforton then expected to exert some control with Powell’s departure. Phillips (45) however had other ideas and he set about the bowling like his predecessors and ably assisted by Hawkins’ cameo (24), they continued the unrelenting pace and plundered a further 54 runs from the ensuing 4 overs.

 When Jones (4 for 42) accounted for both Phillips and Hawkins in the final over, in addition to Horsburgh, the run spree faltered. Broadway did take tea very satisfied with their incredible recovery to post a healthy total. Despite this with the pitch drying all the time they knew they would have to bowl well the defend it.

 Bretforton’s reply was similarly circumspect. The experience home opening attack of Stewart (2 for 35) and Powell (1 for 52) kept things on a tight rein early on. The pressure they exerted proved fruitful with Icke, Edgehill and Cafearo all departing the scene with single figure scores, inside the first 7 overs.

 Davis (20) and Jones set about building a platform and they accumulated well to elevate the score to 74 off 18 without any further loss. Davis’ patience deserted him and he was snaffled off the impressive Cutler, who deserved greater reward than his 1 for 44. Witts (1) and Clarke (1) both followed in each of Horsburgh’s(2 for 64) opening overs and the visitors were reeling at 95 for 6 after 24 overs.

 All the participants and spectators alike knew however that while Jones was still at the wicket any outcome was possible and so it proved. He found an able lieutenant in Dodd (38 not out) and he gradually went through the gears. Having been relatively becalmed until he passed 50, he then sprayed boundaries to all parts. Despite the home attack’s best efforts they couldn’t contain him and he quickly brought up his century and pushed the team total toward 200. All the while both sides knew if his wicket fell the game balance would change again. It never did. He continued to wave the bat majestically mixing power with finesse, in an innings which deserved to win any match. He finished undefeated on 139 passing the home side with 2 overs to spare.

Scorecard link: http://broadway.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=11622060

 Broadway’s seconds were handed the day off, and 20 points, when Stratford Bards failed to field a team.

 A very young Sunday team lost at Ebrington. Ebrington amassed 276 for 5 off 40 overs with Gregory retiring after reaching a century. Broadway batted through their 40 overs, reaching 124 for 5.

Scorecard link: http://broadway.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=11616181

The sides return to action this week, firsts travel to undefeated Earlswood, the seconds host Winchcombe.