Strong start for 3rds

After a frustrating start to 2018 for the 3rds, with the re-jigged T20 mini-group proving problematic (see the Grappenhall report) the team were finally able to actually play a game! A glorious afternoon saw pretty much everything go right, from the moment that, to my great surprise, Stockport opted to field first in 25 degrees, with a short boundary to defend and not a lot of match experience between them. Unfortunately young Basil missed out this time, but the rest of the players climbed in to the frequent hit-me balls, with Michael, Ringo and Marcus Fisher all notching up half centuries in good time and young Max helping his dad added 45 with some stylish shots. Ryan called them in with 4 overs still to be bowled, but by this time it was already 4.35! Given the leisurely nature of teas at 3rd XI level, we could have been looking at a seriously late finish had things gone the distance, but as it was, the Didsbury attack had more than enough to bowl a dispirited Stockport side out by 7.20, with 20 overs unused. Chris Elsden and Taiyyab both generated some good pace and rhythm, Zain also looked lively, and Michael Mead rounded off what will be possibly his last performance for Didsbury with a 'Michelle'. On his own admission, a bit of a 'burgle' but never mind the width, look at the quality!