Broadstairs progressed to the dizzy heights of the Kent Cricket League T20 semi-final after a dramatic win against a star-studded Minster (Sheppey) side. Winning the toss and electing to bat first, the hosts' top order struggled to make in-roads facing the bowling partnership of David and Dan Masters. With the score at 23-4 in the 6th over, it was looking like the afternoon's entertainment might be very short-lived. However, some dignity to the the Broadstairs' total was restored through a series of brief, enterprising partnerships, although only three batsman managed to make it to double figures: Matt Hardy (29), Andy Marshall (15*), Alex Hogben (12). A last-wicket partnership of 21 between Andy Marshall and Oli Frewin (4*) gave the hosts a well-needed boost with the final total of 110 still around 30 short of what they might ideally have hoped for.
A successful defence of this modest target would demand some excellent bowling and fielding and the opening bowling partnership of Chris Kidd (4 overs, 0-11) and Elliot Fox (4 overs, 3-27) delivered three key breakthroughs with the dismissals of James Thompson, Kai Appleby and Chris Piesley. Further damage was inflicted by the Frewin brothers; Matt Frewin (4 overs, 2-14) and Oli Frewin (4 overs 2-23) and with the Minster reply now teetering at 61-7, with only four overs remaining, it was left to Harry Carter (2-6 off 1.5 overs) and Jamie Dewell (0-6 off 1 over) to see Broadstairs home. Victory was sealed when 'keeper Tom Marshall ran twenty metres to recover a ball and in one swift movement hit the stumps with Dan Masters narrowly short of the crease and the visitors 17 runs shy of the target. As well demonstrating the quality-in-depth of the Broadstairs bowling attack, the victory also highlighted the high standard of fielding with a series of excellent catches from Harry Carter, Jamie Dewell, Alex Hogben, Matt Hardy and Tom Marshall who also completed a sharp stumping off the bowling of Matt Frewin.
Details of the semi-final draw will be posted shortly and will see Broadstairs face one of the County's top Premier League sides.