It’s time to kick off this season’s U15 and U13 boys cup matches, that begin with the GMCL/LCF qualifiers, with both age groups keen to carry on the success in this competition in recent years. A repeat matchup with both Heaton and Ramsbottom means a repeat usage of the puns, but I'm glad to get two on the board this early in the season. Two home draws giving us an early advantage but with the number of teams allowed to enter this competition restricted this year, it’d be tough going from the off. With a winter of hard work completed at their respective training sessions, both age groups have a strong pool of players and terrific depth in ability; a happy trend continuing. With the sun shining down at DCC, there's no better time to get this season rolling...

It would be the 15s up first, tackling Heaton who had almost caused a first round upset for them last year, taking the game to the very last over. For Aarron, our U15 captain taking over from OG’s very successful tenure, it’d like he’d never been away, winning his first toss of the year. On a good deck, and with a shortish boundary on one side, Didsbury would bat first. Nothing flashy in the first over from Tanmay and Kush, but an almighty six to the long boundary from Kush and a flourishing flash for four from Tanmay in the second got us going in style. A steady flow of runs as AB joined Kush and the pair went at a sensible pace, setting up the last 10 overs well. Another blast over the ropes from Kush saw him into the 30s but would fall just after. Nikash and Krishav would need to start in second gear as our overs left were dwindling, and they happily obliged. The pair launched 12, 13, 14, 13, and 11 runs an over from five of the last six. Krishav with back to back to back fours overtook Nikash, but not to be outdone, the latter replied with three terrific sixes to quickly rattle into the 40s; a missed almighty heave would dismiss him just short of his fifty. A fantastic innings. Brilliantly supported by Krishav whose continuation of his fine form at the moment saw us finish on 158/4 from our 20.

A good total, and very defendable, but a short boundary and fast outfield was a dangerous mix. A tidy start was needed, and thats exactly what we got! I would describe Heaton’s chase as one that never got going. A lack of intent from the opening pair, who both looked technically sound, saw them lose their first wicket in the seventh over with just 20 on the board. A long way from where they needed to be. Eight terrific overs of spin from Krishav and Zak E saw Heaton’s required run rate continue to climb rapidly, and their chances of a successful chase going completely in the opposite direction. A sharp stumping from Ibby, a great catch from AB, and an outstanding runout from Aarron as the boys showed off their skills in the field. Heaton’s innings ended as it began really, petering out to just 84/4 off 20 overs. A good performance all round by the U15s as they’ve set a good benchmark to try match, and beat, in the next round.

Over to the 13s, who have had a fantastic start to the league season with good wins vs Brooklands and Whalley Range. Brand new U12s into the mix, and a strong contingent from last years successful side. It’s not a tall side, that's for sure, but some real quality especially with ball in hand and in the field. I’m certainly excited to see them in action. Harry wouldn't have the same luck with his first toss as skipper, and Ramsbottom would ask us to bowl first on a typical road at DCC. Evidently fast from the first two overs as Harry and Nate, bowling rockets instead of leggies this year, thundered in. Harry in stereotypical fashion not missing his line and length and hooping it away from the right hander. A sharp bumper from Harry and a good catch from Julian kicked us off with the first wicket of the year. 18 runs from the pairs opening salvo of six overs. Their brilliant control giving us a fantastic start. Ramsbottom’s stubborn left hander kept things ticking, but another short ball ploy would remove his partner, this time Isaac finding the edge through to Raafe behind the sticks. Isaac and Archie would carry on the good work, giving very little away as our skills in the field came to the fore. Diving around on the rock hard outfield and square, it was fantastic to watch. Fahad and Patrick into the attack and would take key wickets. It looked like Ramsbottom would struggle to get past fifty at one stage, but a final flourish saw them get to 70/5 from their 20. An outstanding bowling and fielding performance from Didsbury, 20 overs bowled with zero wides. Very impressive. They might come to rue those last few runs they let leak away…

Time to bat, and time to be disciplined. Ramsbottom bowled very well last year, and had us reeling in the first six overs. It would be the same again… at 11-3, 71 to win was suddenly looking a long way away. Stump to stump, they gave nothing away but some outstanding batting from Isaac stabilised the innings, playing sensible and strong shots. A quickfire
counterattack from Harry saw him crash a four and six, before both fell back to back. Suddenly we were 47-6, and the tension was palpable. There is only one player you need in a situation like this, and thankfully he was at the crease. Raco’s heroics last season saw us out of trouble multiple times, with his six off the last ball to get us to the North Final being the most memorable. He’d need to dig his team out of the mire once again as the late runs we let them get were looking very costly at this point. With the pressure piling on us, we needed to flip it back, and with a couple of powerful fours from Raco the required runs began to diminish. Despite a heavy handed approach by their coach in setting the field, Ramsbottom began to make mistakes. Fielders too deep let us get easy singles, and a lack of third man with the keeper up saw four byes streak away. A final bash for four saw us over the line, a three wicket win with still 6.2 overs to spare. Lessons to be learnt with the bat, but amazing with the ball and in the field.

Two good performances from the Didsboys, and lots of potential for growth. High levels of skill on show, and plenty of smart cricket played. Through to the next round for both sides then. The U15s meet Edgworth, a 9 wicket win for Didsbury when the same group of lads met two seasons ago. The U13s tackle Royton, a new opponent, but clearly have a decent side. Venues and dates for both still to be decided. It’s exciting to get going again, and i’ll have to figure out some new puns for the next report…