Written by Dave Hayward

A lovely sunny day, and after a mediocre start to the season (1 win and 2 probably should’ve wons) the 1sts were off on the first of a number of trips this season to the Far East (of Kent). We were off to the seaside for a first ever game at Broadstairs. SatNav set, lady scorer(s) on board we set off to arrive at a respectable 12.15 for a 12.30 start. After a series of frustrating roadworks it was becoming clear that was never going to happen and when the Whatsapp messages starting to pop up “big queues 4 miles out”,”4 cars behind you”,”can’t get there before one”(!!!) it was obvious others were also struggling. Anyway, frayed nerves aside we finally arrive at 12.40, nice ground, nowhere near the sea in a very expensive looking residential area, clockwise traverse, to see the teams walking onto the field, ours resplendent in newly acquired Kingfisher sponsored shirts. The Scorer set in place we were ready to go.

Lucas and Fookesy opened the bowling, Lucas (7-1-14-0) with his self proclaimed raw pace and Fookesy (9-0-38-3) with his nagging line and length. It soon became clear we were “at it” in the field and were making it difficult to score for a series of talented youngsters in the top order for the home team. A nasty moment when Ian chasing a ball forgot he wasn’t on the beach and tried to dig a hole with his knee Simon Jones style (look it up kids). It looked bad but hopefully just resulted in a jarring of the nether regions and nothing worse. Samir (9-1-33-1) and Ian (9-0-30-3) provided the first change pairing and Sanket (7-0-21-1) and Govind (4-0-13-1) finished off the innings, all continuing to make it hard work for the batting side who finished their 45 overs on 153 for 9. A mention for 14 year old (or maybe 16 depending who you talked to) Sykes for Broadstairs who ground out a fine 50.

So, the break. Food was taken, the Herridges having been provided by an Uber Eats delivery or similar, and we were ready to go again. Confidence was high that we could chase it down.

7.1 overs later, Abhi having tried to heave a straight one through square leg, Leigh driving one outside off stump to 1st slip and Sam shouldering arms to a straight one we were 6 for 3 and confidence was wavering a bit. At this point Ian joined a comfortable looking Rich and started to rebuild. With a long boundary and slow outfield boundaries were not easy to come by which meant a lot of running on a very warm day, including one run three where Ian was a third of the way back on his third run when Rich was still turning for his third (sorry Rich). The pair carefully built a partnership, although Ian was dropped twice on the boundary (catches win matches etc.) Rich played some fine back foot drives and cuts before he gave a fine knick to the keeper and walked before umpire Chris had decided whether to make a decision or not. A 60 partnership had got us back in the game and Samir strode out to join Ian. These two ran well between the wickets and a few hefty blows through mid wicket from Samir meant we were on the way before Ian finally went for 54. A 77 run partnership getting us to within 12 of the target. A few thoughts of the collapse at Rainham but 5 wides and a square drive from Lucas seeing us over the line, Samir finishing on 33 not out.

So celebratory drink was taken, fines were meted out, mostly new kit and late arrival, including one for Sanket, who it was decided was probably still in his hall when making the call “can’t get there before one”. A good win by the lads, the journey home was considerably easier and news that the 2nds had won at home. Altogether a good day.