Awful start costs Bexhill in national cup clash

A dreadful start with the bat effectively put paid to Bexhill Cricket Club's hopes of progressing in a national knockout competition.
Cam Burgon displays a solid defence during Bexhill's defeat at home to Bromley Common. Picture by Simon NewsteadCam Burgon displays a solid defence during Bexhill's defeat at home to Bromley Common. Picture by Simon Newstead
Cam Burgon displays a solid defence during Bexhill's defeat at home to Bromley Common. Picture by Simon Newstead

Bexhill slumped to 38-6 batting first in their ECB National Club Championship first round tie at home to Bromley Common on Sunday, and despite some commendable lower order resistance, the hosts left themselves with too much to do.

Bexhill were eventually all out for 126 and their opponents knocked off the runs for the loss of only four wickets, meaning Bexhill exited a second cup competition in as many days.

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“It was a terrible start,” admitted Bexhill captain Johnathan Haffenden. “Your bowlers are going to have to produce something special to win a game from 38-6.

“The wicket was pretty good and they bowled okay. There was maybe one unlucky dismissal and a few weak dismissals. We want to set high levels for ourselves, and a bit more grit and determination were needed.”

After Bexhill won the toss and chose to bat at a sunny Polegrove, Haffenden (17) was the only one of the top seven batsmen to score more than six. Three of them were bowled and three were caught behind by ex-Hastings Priory wicketkeeper Dave Draper.

It took numbers eight and nine, Cam Burgon (23) and Nick Peters (26), to show the top order how to do it and at least ensure Bexhill reached three figures before being bowled out in the 36th over. They were also grateful to 40 extras, including 37 wides.

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Bexhill went out to field feeling they had something to bowl at, but although Byron Smith pinned ex-Bexhill and Hastings opening batsman Toby Finzel leg before for a duck and bowled a good spell, they lacked the cutting edge to make the required inroads.

Shawn Johnson, who returned from Australia the previous day, dismissed number three William Chapples for 12, but Bromley captain Leigh Walker (54 not out) and number four Sam Clarkson (38 not out) ended Bexhill’s slim hopes.

Although Peters bowled Walker and Joe Cox dismissed Draper in identical fashion for 12, Bromley cruised home with six wickets and 18 overs to spare.

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