Broadstairs Cricket Club
Broadstairs Cricket Club
Broadstairs CC Stun Division Leaders Bickley Park with a Thrilling Win
A Match-Winning Performance by George Kidd Secures Victory
Broadstairs Cricket Club pulled off an improbable victory against division leaders Bickley Park in a home game that will be remembered for its standout performance. The win, only their second of the season, saw Broadstairs leap to 6th place in the championship, thanks to remarkable contributions from George Kidd with both bat and ball.
The build-up to the match was anything but ideal. A storm the night before had wreaked havoc on the ground, with covers blown off, leaving the pitch exposed to the elements. Invited to bat first by the visitors, Broadstairs faced the daunting task of navigating unpredictable conditions.
Broadstairs began their innings with a solid start, giving hope to the home crowd. However, that hope was soon tested as the team suffered the loss of successive wickets, plunging to 97-5. With the middle order faltering, it became evident that the hosts would need a significant partnership to set a defendable total.
In walked Tom Marshall at number 7 to join George Kidd, and together they changed the course of the innings. The duo crafted a crucial 90-run partnership for the 6th wicket, stabilising the innings and shifting momentum in Broadstairs’ favour. Kidd, who was in scintillating form, showed a mix of patience and aggression, while Marshall (30) provided solid support.
As the innings neared its conclusion, all eyes were fixed on Kidd. With two balls remaining, he was tantalisingly close to his century, sitting on 98 after hitting two consecutive sixes. In a bid to reach the coveted three figures, Kidd attempted another big shot but skied the ball high into the air. Elliot Hooper sprinted across the outfield to take an outstanding catch, bringing Kidd's remarkable innings to an end. Broadstairs closed their innings on 221-9, a total they believed could be defended with tight bowling and clever use of the pitch’s variable bounce.
Bickley Park began their chase with determination, but Broadstairs struck early to dent the visitors’ progress. Bradley Ellison claimed two early wickets, buoying the home side’s morale, while Oli Frewin added another to leave the score at 108-3 as the halfway mark approached. Despite the setbacks, the visitors looked composed and marginally on track to chase down the target.
It was at this critical juncture that George Kidd once again stepped up, this time with the ball. Demonstrating his versatility and composure, Kidd bowled with precision and aggression to swing the momentum back in Broadstairs' favour. His efforts were complemented by Jake Benfield, who took two crucial wickets to further dismantle Bickley Park’s batting line-up.
Kidd’s spell was nothing short of extraordinary. He cleanly swept through the remaining opposition batters, finishing with remarkable figures of 5-11 off just 4.5 overs. Appropriately, it was Kidd who claimed the final wicket of the day, leaving Bickley Park all out for 130—91 runs short of the target. It was an emphatic finish to a game that had seemed poised on a knife-edge for much of the afternoon.
There is no doubt that George Kidd was the hero of the day. His all-round performance with bat and ball provided the backbone to Broadstairs’ victory. His innings of 98 was a masterclass in navigating pressure and shifting momentum, while his bowling figures of 5-11 showcased his ability to deliver in critical moments. Kidd’s contributions were not just instrumental but inspirational, as he seemed to have an answer to every challenge the visitors posed.
This win marks an important milestone for Broadstairs CC. Having struggled for form earlier in the season, their victory against the league leaders provides a much-needed boost of confidence. With the team now sitting in 6th place, they have shown they are capable of competing against the best.
The match also highlighted the importance of teamwork and resilience. From the partnership between Kidd and Marshall to the disciplined bowling in the second innings, it was a collective effort that enabled Broadstairs to pull off this memorable win.
With this victory under their belt, Broadstairs CC will undoubtedly aim to build on their momentum in the coming matches, starting with another home match next week against Folkestone CC.
Despite a defeat for the Broadstairs 2nd XI away to Minster (Sheppey) CC 3rd XI, the match represented a significant milestone for teenage opening batter Olly Skelton who recorded his first Kent League Century with a score of 118 off as many balls.
