Team spirit helps winning formula
Leeds & Broomfield
Enjoyment is the name of the game for Leeds & Broomfield, writes Craig Tucker. A run of six promotions in seven years has taken them from the Kent Regional League to Division 3 of the Kent League. They’ve stuck with the same formula throughout, the experience of former Kent star Martin McCague and bowler Adrian Samson complementing a team of homegrown players. Leeds started the campaign last weekend with an incomplete home match against Broadstairs. Last season’s leading run-scorer Max Aitken made 62 as the hosts were bowled out for 175, with Broadstairs 163-8 when rain stopped play. In a quirk of the fixture list, the sides meet again in Thanet tomorrow (Saturday). Leeds captain Chris Davis said: “It’s been a pretty incredible few years. “It’s the same players, there’s no expectations, we just want to go out and enjoy our cricket, like we always do. That’s the way we’ve approached it. “We’ve got some decent players but the team spirit has been a big part of our success.” Aitken had a phenomenal record last season, scoring 1,756 runs in all competitions, with 979 in the league at an average of 65.27. He hit the ground running against Broadstairs and looks a safe bet for runs. Davis said: “He top scored in the first game and I’m sure he’ll carry on. “He won the Division 4 batting award last season and I think he came fifth in the whole league. He had a great summer. “He’s a class player who enjoys playing with his mates. He’s 23/24 now and has played every season, as most of the group have, over the last seven years.” McCague’s big hitting at the top of the order and the wickets of Samson will also hold Leeds in good stead. Davis added: “Martin will do what he always does, look to put pressure on at the top of the order and get us off to a good start. “He’s used to playing at a high level at Kent and his experience will help us. “Adrian got a couple of wickets against Broadstairs and I’m sure he’ll do well again this season. “He’s taken 50-odd wickets the last couple of years and just gives everyone confidence.”
Offham start their Kent League, Division 4 campaign at home to Harvel tomorrow (Saturday). A strong end to last season secured a midtable finish for Tom Gittings’ side. They’re joined in Division 4 by Addington Village, who are looking to bounce back from back-to-back relegations. They begin at Old Williamsonians.