Usually when a sporting side fields 34 different players during a season it indicates a struggling side with constant chopping & changing to improve results, Broadway 2nd XI proved an exception to this trend during the 2014 season, and against the odds managed to achieve promotion from the Cotswold Hills League Divison 5.

Carlo Carenza's side got on such a winning streak that the unavailability of several players during the season didn't become a major issue, and several of the 'fill in' players made vital contributions during the promotion run in. For several games during the season Broadway turned up with just 10 players yet were still victorious.

Carenza began the season as vice-captain, but took over the captaincy in the fourth match of the season and did a tremendous job in not only getting a full side out every week, but also a competitive side. When Carenza was not available in August, the experienced Andy Beale took over the reigns and maintained the results. Key players such as James Hands and Warren Marston were available throughout the season and both made vital contributions with bat and ball.

It was after the away fixture at Stoneleigh in mid July that promotion became a realistic possibility. Stoneleigh and Leamington 4ths (both promoted the previous season from Division 6) had both won every one of their completed fixtures up to this date with Broadway sitting in third place. Stoneleigh scored a competitive 212 for 6 off their 45 overs, Broadway were 100/4 in reply, with the last 2 recignised batsmen at the crease, the season could go one way or the other...... Stepping up to the plate for Broadway were Marston and Alex Robinson.

Robinson had previously shown potential as a cricketer, but hadn't played much over the previous couple of years, it had taken some convincing by Carenza for him to play ! Together with the experienced Marston (84 not out), Robinson (60 not out) saw Broadway home with just 3 balls to spare, suddenly Broadway were right back in the promotion race, and now full of belief.

Six straight wins followed this (including a forfeiture by Elmley Castle) and despite a  final day defeat at Leamington 4ths - where a magnificent century by Leamington CC 1st XI captain Williams saw the hosts to victory - Broadway secured enough bonus points in this fixture to secure promotion. Another 'returning' player contributed significantly during this fixture. Josh Burford had a mixed season with bat and ball, but improved throughout, and proved vital here. A quickfire 35 saw Broadway to maximum batting points, and 2 early wickets brought a further bowling point. It proved vital, with promotion secured by just 3 points.

The batting was strong throughout the season.  Marston led the way with 443 runs at an average of 44. Hands scored 331 at an average of 33 - Including 98 vs Earlswood. The experienced Kevin Holmes scored 212 runs in just 8 appearances. Matt Phillips scored a maiden league century in the away fixture at Rowington, and was soon promoted the 1st XI. Several other unsung players made vital contributions at some stage of the season, including Luke McDonagh who averaged 34, despite being injured throughout the season, and only playing due to the player shortages at the club. Burford hit a maiden league 50 against Welford, and still has the potential to be a destructive batsman at this level. Dave Williams and Frank Carenza struggled for runs, but were 2 good obdurate batsmen to have at the club, and 'rusty' Brown proved a good recruitment taking over the gloves when Will Jelfs was unavailable due to first team call ups.

Marston was also the leading wicket taker, taking 29 at an average of just 12.5, Hands also came a close second, taking 23 at an average of 13. Hands also had the best bowling figures of the season, taking 5 for 18 in a close win at Stratford Bards in June. Josh Burford bowled with good pace at times and took 10 wickets, with a bit more control Burford could easily be a first team cricketer. Matt Ross also picked up 10 wickets with his leg spin and was a lively presence in the team. Danilo Mendoza improved his all round game and was entrusted with more overs than in previous seasons. Sam Hopkins and Andy Beale took 7 wickets each from just 17 overs. Carlo Carenza had figures of 10-4-9-0 versus Fladbury and generally bowled economically throughout the season.

The wicket keeping duties were shared by Jelfs, Beale and Brown, and the morale in the field was good throughout the season. A special mention must go to Peter Brocklebank, who made his Broadway debut in his seventh decade !

Overall the second team can be very proud looking back on their efforts over the season, and a place in division 4 is just rewards for all the hard work put in.

Leading run scorers

Marston 443 @ 44.3

Hands 331 @ 33.1

Holmes 212 @ 35.33

McDonagh 172 @ 34.4

Robinson 152 @ 30.4

 

Leading wicket takers

Marston 29 @ 12.58

Hands 23 @ 13.08

Ross 10 @ 21.3

Burford 10 @ 22.5

Carenza 8 @ 40.12