City club are cut above county rivals Indoor cricket

Canterbury, the team that has forgotten what it’s like to lose, are Kent indoor cricket champions again – after an inspired performance in the last five overs of Sunday’s six-a-side final against Broadstairs, writes Alan Bensted. Set a target of 116, old rivals Broadstairs were well placed at the halfway stage of their innings: only one wicket down and 58 runs required at 9.6 an over – not a difficult task the way their top order was playing. But a combination of brilliant fielding – three Broadstairs batsmen were run out by direct throws – and Ben Cooper’s canny medium pace bowling changed the complexion of the game. Broadstairs were stunned by the Pharon League’s undefeated winners’ successful blend of experience and youth. In his third and final over Cooper bowled opener Matt Frewin (whose partner, Andrew Bailey, was run out by Alex Beck for 18) for 25. And skipper Justin Macvicar, diving to his left, clung on to Jamie Dewell’s fierce legside drive. Scott Narraway was run out for 20 and when Max Campbell’s one and only ball was poked by Harry Carter into Beck’s hand at point Broadstairs were all out for 84. Canterbury’s runs had come from Dilkes, who carried his bat for 31, and Campbell (36) and Cooper (26), both not out. To get to the final Canterbury had beaten Eastry Ravens (Shepway District) and Hayes (Metropolitan). It took Dilkes (24), Sam Burt (25) and Campbell (16) all not out, only seven overs to knock off Eastry’s 81 runs. Helped by five run outs, Canterbury then dismissed Hayes for 99 and went on to win by five wickets. Dilkes and Beck retired on 25, Burt was bowled for 17 and Cooper (13) was again not out. Eastry also lost to Hayes by 39 runs. Broadstairs had reached the final after making 156 without loss against Minster (Dover). Bailey, Frewin, Andy Marshall and Narraway all passed 25. Minster were all out for 84, Carter taking 3-18. The number of matches played had been reduced by Capel and Holmesdale dropping out. Cooper was named man of the match for his deeds with bat and ball and Ken Amos presented the trophies. Canterbury now play the Essex champions in the regional play-off at the Kent Academy on March 3 at 11.45am. This will precede the regional finals at 1pm. The day’s winners will go onto Lord’s for the national final on March 31. Canterbury won there in 2011. Of their squad that day Macvicar and Cooper remain. Results: Eastry Ravens 78-4 (A. Friend 24, D. Betts 24 not, D. Mchugh 24); Canterbury 81-0 (S. Burt 25 ret, I; Dilkes 24 not, M. Campbell 16 not). Canterbury won by six wickets. Hayes 119-4 (R. Low 28, S. Routh 25 not, C. Couldrey 19 not); Eastry Ravens 80 (D. Mchugh 22, G. Williams 20). Hayes won by 39 runs. Broadstairs 156-0 (M. Frewin 27 ret, A. Bailey 25 ret, A. Marshall 26 ret, S. Narraway 25 ret, J. Dewell 16 not); Minster 84 (J. Whittington 22, A. Bennett 19, K. Hulks 27). Broadstairs won by 72 runs. Hayes 99 (S. Routh 35, B. Couldrey 14, A. Peck 14); Canterbury 101-1 (I. Dilkes 25 not, A. Beck 25 ret, S. Burt 25 ret). Canterbury won by five wickets Final: Canterbury 116-3 (M. Campbell 36 not, I. Dilkes 31 not, B.cooper 26 not); Broadstairs 84 (M. Frewin 25, S. Narraway 20, A. Bailey 18; B. Cooper 2-16). Canterbury won by 32 runs.