BROADSTAIRS slipped to a three-wicket defeat in their opening Shepherd Neame Kent League Division 1 match at home to The Mote.

The Thanet side were dismissed inside 43 overs for a modest 103 but reduced their visitors to 38-4 before Mote skipper Glen Aukett’s patient unbeaten 25 saw his side home.

Put in, Broadstairs openers Ben Futter (24) and Terry Bond (13) added 35 before Bond fell to Chris Back and the next five wickets went for just 20 runs, with Scott Narraway and Sam Winsor both going for ducks.

Craig Wretham (19) and Bradley Ellison (24) then added 26, before Sean Turner became the third batsman to go without scoring and when Andy Marshall became Auckett’s fourth victim for six Broadstairs had lost all 10 wickets for just 68 runs.

Aukett finished with 4-18 from 12.5overs, seven of which were maidens.

The Mote reached 27-0 in reply before Ellison removed both openers within the space of three runs.

Hopes were further lifted when Turner removed Back and Nathan Chapman in successive deliveries, but skipper Auckett and James Marriott (17) then added 35.

Turner enjoyed more success with the wickets of Stefan Piochowski, and Bell, but Aukett stood frm to see saw The Mote home in the 45th overs.

Turner ended with figures of 4-24 from 16 overs while Ellison took 2-32 and Marshall 1-13.

Broadstairs are away to Orpington on Saturday.