Catherine Ferraro
BROADFORD First XI finally broke through with a 52- run win over Seymour in the Seymour District Cricket Association's A-grade competition on Saturday.
The home side suffered a horrid start, losing the toss and openers Mitch Collier and Damien Inness early.
The Red and Blacks were left floundering at 2/20, before the partnership of Matt Moran and Jason King steadied the ship.
A 56-run partnership between King and young Michael Berry continued to consolidate runs for Broadford before a mid to late order collapse saw Broadford lose 5/27, leaving them at 9/140.
A last wicket stand between Matthew Irving (17no) and Lee McKenzie (22 no) helped Broadford to a solid 9/175 cc.
Seymour's Jason Brown had the best bowling figures with 4/35.
Broadford struck early in the field through Brendan Walsh, who continued to dominate with 4/17.
Spinners Berry and Irving assisted with two wickets apiece.
B. Cox was the handiest with the bat for the visitors with 41.
Broadford travel to Avenel this Saturday for round 10.
B-grade
In another season breakthrough, Broadford seconds defeated Seymour by 60 runs.
Seymour looked to have the upper hand early with the Red and Blacks struggling at 3/23 before a succession of mini partnerships led by opener William Price steered the visitors to 8/106, before an unbeaten stand between Price (52 no) and Peter Ingham (37 no) gave Broadford the upper hand with a respectable 8/166 cc.
Price was commended for a marvellous innings, batting the entire 45 overs.
Seymour looked strong early, however a mid-order collapse saw the home side suffer the loss of 7/19 to be all out for 106.
Jeremy Bradshaw did the damage for the Red and Blacks with 4/12 off six overs, assisted by Price and Jake Martin with two wickets apiece.
Broadford will host Royals this weekend.
C-grade
Play will resume for C-grade this Saturday.
Broadford Black will host Royals, while Broadford Red will travel meet Pyalong Gold.






