Batsman hits maiden century to edge win

After blasting a maiden century last Sunday, young Royals batsmen Harry Broomhall is itching to transfer his junior form into plenty of runs in round 3 of the Albany Cricket Association A-grade competition this Sunday.

Broomhall produced a sparkling knock of 117 as he lifted his side to a narrow three-run win over Railways in their round 3 Albany Junior Cricket Association under-17 fixture.

After opening the innings, Broomhall steadied the Lions’ batting as he smashed a quick-fire 52 and retired, as per under-17 rules, before returning later in the innings to blast his way to 100.

Broomhall helped the Lions finish on 191 after he reached 117 before being stumped off the bowling of leg-spinner Fynn Underwood to be the last man out.

The Lions’ under-17s co-captain said it was great to deliver his first century but was eager to have a good season for the Lions in A-grade.

“It was a pretty good feeling,” Broomhall said.

“But I didn’t think I would make one in under-17s.

“Hopefully I can make some runs in A-grade this year and improve my batting.”

The 16-year-old failed to give a chance during his big innings that included only fours before taking 2-22 with the ball to get the Lions home.

After round 1 of the under-17 competition was washed out, Broomhall belted 56 in round 2 and now averages 173 with the bat following his round 3 heroics.

Broomhall played two A-grade games in 2011-12 to go with six matches for the Lions A-grade side last season.

The Lions opening two A-grade matches this season have been washed out but they will take on Collingwood Park on Turf West this Sunday.

Lions A-grade captain Kerry Chapman said Broomhall was a real talent and would bat in their middle order.

“He is more than a bit of a talent,” he said.

“In the final of the Twenty20 he hit the ball very cleanly.”

Chapman said there were up to 15 players pushing for selection in their A-grade side this weekend with seamer Brendan Grogan a likely inclusion after taking an impressive 2-18 in their B-grade last Saturday.