Cricket
Broadway brushed aside

DEPLETED Broadway crashed to a ten wicket Cotswold Hills League Premier Division defeat on Saturday.

The game had the feel of an “end of term” about it, at least from the home side’s perspective, and it was all concluded extremely prematurely inside 40 overs.

The home side were inserted by the title chasing visitors who were looking to return to form after significant wobbles over the previous two weeks.

On a wicket that proved a little two paced the Broadway batting performance left a lot to be desired as they were skittled out for just 82.

Earlswood’s all pace opening attack started a little waywardly and the hosts raced to 24 without loss.

The game changed conclusively in the fourth over as both openers Humpston (13) and Evans (10) succumbed to leading edges as the lack of pace in the pitch became evident.

With confidence restored, Earlswood pressed home their advantage as the pace of Delahey (4-31) and Snipe (4-44) unravelled the Broadway line-up.

Only captain for the day Smallman, who faced 44 balls to remain undefeated on 15, and chairman Donoghue (12) provided any real resistance, the latter despite suffering a painful blow to the forearm.

Nobly, Smallman and Donoghue managed to endure the final seven overs of the opening pair. Mohammed’s slow off-breaks however brought a swift end to the first innings in the 21st over.

Having successfully defended a similar total recently at Bearley, a similar outcome was never realistic in the conditions.

Although Broadway’s attack strived valiantly, Smallman particularly beating the bat with some unplayable deliveries, Everett (45) and Mohammed (38) managed to see the title aspiring visitors to a confidence restoring victory unscathed.

Broadway travel to Wellesbourne this week hoping and expecting better.

Broadway 2nds managed to maintain outside hopes of promotion by toppling table-topping Long Itchington by a comfortable six wickets.

The league leaders amassed 164 for 7 but Broadway eased to 170 for 4.

Holmes, returning to form, hit with a crucial undefeated 65 and ended the game with a 6.

The 2nds continue their late season revival by hosting promotion chasing Fladbury this Saturday.

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