I've been trying to tie in both 13s and 15s into one report, but the 15s have a bit of a wait on their hands until their next round. In the meantime, the 13s have tackled their Lancs Cup semi-final against Wavertree. I’ve also tied in some wins for Bears, Bulls, and Buffs, with a quadruple win week for the U13s. For the cup side, its another decent journey having been asked to yet again travel away (Our 13s parents this year have put in some significant mileage already this year!) to Liverpool. Wavertree has won their competition, the Liverpool Comp, this year and last, and are a good setup with a well ran junior section. We played them last year, in exactly the same round, and unfortunately a combination of missing players, poor weather, questionable shot selection, but also some outstanding bowling from us, meant they were bowled out for just 13. Their manager commented to me that he hoped they put up more than a fight; I was sure they would, and I was convinced it was going to be a tough affair. With captain Harry winning the toss and batting first on a hot evening in Liverpool, it was time to find out…

Everything felt quite tense. I’m not sure why, perhaps the temperature combined with the long journey but our lads seemed to be a little bit nervous. Raafe and Archie would quickly calm the nerves with some fantastic scampering between the wickets. High energy and confident calls, it was good to watch. Although we’d lose Archie for 8, we’d set the tone well. Nate, continuing his good form, after a couple of rash shots, settled in with a delightful loft over mid on. A flurry of boundaries followed, with young Raafe not wanting to be outdone; he powered a straight six right over their spinners head. In an excellent display by the pair, they punished anything the spinners got wrong, positivity the key. An excellent 57 run partnership between Nate and Raafe as they took apart the Wavertree spinners. Their manager commented that this was normally where they do well, the middle overs with two spinners on. I’d expect the same, but we were making it look very simple. With Raafe (31* off 38) and Nate (30* off just 20) retiring, we were set up well. A quick crash and bash from Harry, but he came and went, and it looked like 130 might be on. Some tidy bowling from Wavetree, along with some attempts to hit the ball too hard/far from Didsbury, meant they dragged it back well. A good last over, Raco and Sumukh scrambling well every ball, got us up to 116/3 from our 20. A total you’d take any day at this age group. Another solid performance with the bat.

Wavertree had a tall ask, but had the quality to do so. We had to strike early, and Harry would oblige, cleaning up their opener in the first over. We’ve been working on making sure we are bowling that slightly bit straighter, and slightly fuller. We’ll give a few more runs away, but can control that with proper field setting, however the benefit of taking more wickets heavily outweighs that. This was the game now though, their two best batters and the crease, and both left-handed. Whilst they couldn't win the game by themselves, with retirements at 30 in this competition and age group, they could do enough damage to make it a reachable target for their lower order, and make it scarily close. They were going well, particularly the other opener who cashed in on any width we offered. A general lack of energy descended upon our young side, those pre-match nerves creeping in and a sense of tiring in the heat was clear to see. With them rattling into the 30s quickly, we needed something special. Enter Patrick. Bowling one of the quickest spells I’ve seen for a while, Patrick thundered in. With a clear goal of bowling as fast as he can, he made it uncomfortable for the Wavertree pair, and he’d strike in his first over. Clean bowling their opener. What a moment. Patrick, not content with one magic moment, went better in his next over. Bowling their other set batter round his legs, clearly uncomfortable and looking to get out of the way, he would bowl the new batter's first ball just after. Two in two, and the game’s atmosphere changed completely. An excellent run-out followed and after a quick drinks break, everything was under control. Staying on top, and being ruthless to the end, has been where we’ve lacked and we were better this game. Dot balls continued to pile up and wickets fell steadily, again as our depth shone with seven bowlers being used. Two in an over for Archie, including a smart stumping from Raafe put an end to Wavertree’s chase, and a feel good moment for all as two of their junior girls faced off the final overs unbeaten, Wavertree finishing 80/9 from their 20.

A great all round performance, and it means we are into the Lancashire Cup Final! Another fantastic achievement, and a cup we hope to defend. It was a great week all round for the U13s. The Bears played on the same night as the cup side, and a brilliant win led by captain Julian (on his birthday!) saw them to a good 5 wicket win over Macclesfield. Three run outs the key in restricting them to 95 and then a fantastic chase led by Toby (23 off 26) and Charlie (17* off 21) saw them home. On Friday night, the Bulls and Buffs both found success. The Bulls comfortably won away at Timperley, an excellent bowling display, with Matthew taking two wickets in the opening overs, and only two wides bowled in total, saw Timpers only reach 83/9. A calm and disciplined chase by the Bulls was required, and despite some… interesting… run outs, it was a good display. Toby once again leading the way with 30* off 26, ably supported by Sufi and captain Isaac. It was the Buffs that perhaps had the game of the week though. With a young side out, with many U13s missing, and two U11s drafted in, the Buffs tackled a strong Whalley Range side. Dawud setting the tone powering 30* off 26 opening the batting, with great contributions from the rest of the team (Bilal adding an excellent 25 off 21) as strength in depth was shown, we posted a mammoth 134/5. However, Whalley Range’s strong side quickly rattled up to 87 in reply, and looked like they’d chase it easily. Our two U11s, Adi and Reuben changing the game by both picking up a wicket and bowling three overs each was fantastic to see. It sums up the difference in culture that our two U11s bowled three overs each, and for them it was their Lancashire U13s! They’d stay in the game, and take it to the very last over, needing 6 off it. Magic Patrick to the rescue again, only going for one off it, and a run-out off the last ball to give the Buffs a win. A brilliant performance by one of our mixed sides against a full strength “A” team, highlighting the strength of our set up. What a week for the U13s! The cup side await confirmation of their Lancs Cup Final’s date and venue. The Bears play a friendly on Thursday. The Bulls and Buffs are back in action on Friday. The Bulls entertaining the BBQ, home in the A34 Derby vs Cheadle. The Buffs travel to Timperley. Thanks for all your support.