1s get back to winning ways

Petersfield Crush Old N & Highfield To Get Back To Winning Ways

In the absence of the skipper Damian Carson, brother Dominic took charge of a one-side affair at the Heath this week. Batting first on a dry, hot day was an easy decision for Carson but the wicket would still prove helpful to the bowlers as the pitch wore.

The Petersfield side had an especially youthful look to it this week, with the combined aged of the openers totalling 33. Alex Thomas made a cautious, assured 22 before being caught at square leg in the 21st over but his 15 year old partner Gabe Broadhurst proved more fluent on the day and would steal the show. Broadhurst ran the Highfield openers backward of point and then, as their length waned, drove sweetly through the covers. At the half way point Petersfield were 90-1. Ash Spencer and Broadhurst then came together to share a partnership of 130 at over a run a ball, tucking into the off-spin of Ben Schuarz (3-0-37); their positivity was rewarded on the Heath’s fast outfield. Spencer was eventually stumped in the closing overs for 78 from 63 deliveries with Gabe Broadhurst achieving a majestic 121 before being run out by a sharp Highfield throw. Andy Barnes and Shaun Blanks than capped off a ruthless batting display with a few lofted drives taking the total to 266-3.

In reply Old N & Highfield never really looked in contention. Shaun Blanks and Ben Turk repeatedly beat the outside edge before Turk (6-2-14) removed Phil Comer’s stumps. Mark Stanley then put the match out of sight by drying up one end (6-1-7). Thereafter it was just about how many bowling points Petersfield could take from the game. Keith Gumbe duly obliged (10-4-16), finding plenty of turn and bounce to the Highfield right-handers; Oli Simpson (another under 17), took a fine diving catch off Gumbe. With his tail up, Simpson then enjoyed his opportunity to play first eleven cricket with 5-1-31. Although Old N & Highfield wickets continued to tumble they remained positive and good sports, eventually all out for 102 in the 35th over.

Broadhurst and Turk are products of Petersfield’s extensive Junior and Colt sections. At just 15 they are not just exciting prospects for the future but are clearly delivering at the senior level now. 

Petersfield remain 4th in County Division 2 and will play Amport away next week.