Stratford Bards (247-8), Broadway (196 all out)
BROADWAY went down to their second successive loss in the Cotswold Hills League Premier Division after a below-par performance at the picturesque Stratford Bards Cricket Club.

Stand-in Broadway captain Gary Evans’ decision to bowl first seemed vindicated when Jamie Powell found the outside edge of Dawson’s bat and keeper Mark Evans held the catch.

Broadway lost Mejengami and skipper Pozzi, but a partnership between Currall and Sykes shaped the game. Currall reached 46 before he was bowled by Marcus Humpston, while Sykes went on to make 84.

Tim Smart smashed a quick 41 as the Bards posted 247-8 off their 45 overs.

In reply, Mark and Gary Evans staged an opening partnership of 53 for Broadway, but Mejengami stifled the batting with his left-arm spin and, at 98-3 off 27 overs, Broadway were behind the required rate.

Mark Evans (57) dropped anchor at one end, but the other batsmen were dismissed trying to accelerate the run-rate as Broadway were all out for 196 in the last over to lose by 51 runs.