Despite a thrilling 5 run win away to Gore Court on Saturday, a win for St Lawrence and Highland Court meant that the Seasider's bid for promotion is now over.
Having won the toss on what looked like a very bowler-friendly pitch, Broadstairs decided to bat first hoping the pitch would deteriorate later on, but the pace and bounce extracted by the Gore Court seam attack saw the visitors reduced to 7-3 with 3 of the top 4 batsman failing to trouble the scorers. As the ball got older however, the pitch became slightly easier meaning Elliot Fox (19) and Chris Flint (38) were able to stage a recovery, before the former was struck in front to spinner Faisal Zaman. 5 wickets for 5 runs for Rob Slater then turned the tide back towards the home side as Broadstairs were dismissed for 107, a score that was slightly under par but still competitive on a pitch that was still doing a lot.
A wicket for Chris Kidd in the second over of Gore Court's reply gave the visitors the start they wanted, but then Joseph Eves (30) and Lewis White (22) took Gore Court up to 55-1 and firmly in control of the game. However, they both lost their wickets in the space of 2 overs which prompted a collapse to 90-9 with wickets shared around the Broadstairs bowling attack. A few missed half chances in the slips and edges for four in the last wicket partnership made the visitors feel as if it might not be their day, but were able to keep their nerve with Jamie Dewell claiming the final wicket.
Having been promoted last year from division 3, Broadstairs can be happy with their season this year despite being unable to finish in the top two, and with a young side they will hopefully be able to mount another promotion challenge next year.
Scorecard