Broadstairs Cricket Club
Broadstairs Cricket Club
Broadstairs finished the 2024 Championship campaign in 6th place following a 116-run defeat away to division champions Bromley CC. Bowling first in damp conditions after winning the toss, the Broadstairs bowlers managed to contain the hosts for the early part of the innings keeping the score down to 33-1 within the first 15 overs. However, the batters soon cut loose although there was some hope that the score might be restricted to sub-200 following the departure of Kumar in the 37th over (caught by Tom Mashall off the bowling of Jay Basu). However, Bluett and Streets added 88 for the 6th wicket and this partnership effectively took the final score of 242 beyond the reach of the visitors.
Despite the best efforts of Basu to post a reply that might threaten the target, accumulating 80 runs over the course of more than 2 hours, Broadstairs were unable to offer-up a batting partner that would stay with him long enough to make the second innings feel competitive. Skipper Matt Hardy came the closest to forging a meaningful partnership but when he departed for 23, the match was all-but over and the visitors stumbled to 126 all out in the 37th over.
Notwithstanding the heavy defeat, the visitors were still able to create a sense of competition, albeit an internal one; the 3 wickets bagged by Chris Kidd meant he ended-up top wicket-taker for the season, pipping the wicket-less George (Kidd junior) to the accolade by 2 wickets.
Looking back on the season, Broadstairs have acquitted themselves very well in the higher Division, winning as many as they have lost and more often than not on matches where a win has eluded them, they have given the opposition a good run for their money.
Next season promises much for this improving side who should now be setting their sights on promotion to the Premier Division. The club is grateful to spectators and sponsors for their valuable support and look forward to welcoming visitors back to Park Avenue in 2025. In the meantime, if any local businesses are interested in partnering the club through sponsorship, they are invited to get in touch on the club’s website at https://www.broadstairscricketclub.co.uk/pages/contact
