Didsbury U11s v Sale, Cup Match

8.45pm, sun a distant memory, heavy clouds gathering in the dimming light, the ball wobbling like a drunk uncle at a wedding, supporters watching through their fingers, one batsman to come, scores tied, Jamie the ice man nervelessly drills a straight drive down the ground to secure Didsbury’s passage into the next round with 6 balls to spare. Never in doubt.

The tale of the tie was told in the first delivery from Sam, a rearing, seaming snorter that made all the batsman wince. With Didsbury bowling first that fantastic over form Sam saw 2 wickets fall followed swiftly by a third courtesy of a great keeper’s catch by Adam off Ben’s bowling. Ben giving up the gloves for the evening reminded us of his all round ability. Without exception, the Didsbury bowlers were on the money. Rehan, Raheem, Noah and Dan were almost too good, bowling with pace and intelligence beating the bat for fun, their 8 overs going for only 11 runs. Each will bowl a lot worse and pick up wickets. Harry M bowled busily, Harry B picked up his first wicket of the season (he might owe Dan a pint of Tizer for a stunning diving catch) and Jamie picked up a wicket and ensured Sale’s tail didn’t wag as their innings drew to a close. The bowlers were supported with a really good performance behind the stumps by Adam and outstanding ground fielding by the whole team, restricting Sale to 59 from their 20 overs.

The old adage about you never know how good a score is until both teams have batted was proved right as Sale looked to claw their way back into the match with the ball. Harry M looked comfortable batting up the order but was unfortunate to be run out trying to avoid the fielders throw. Raheem was bowled by an unplayable delivery. Rehan, Noah and Sam found how difficult it was to bat on this surface. Each had some good moments but were bowled by full, swinging deliveries whilst Harry B was out to a steepling catch. Amongst the comings and goings, Dan played the perfect captain’s knock. Arriving at the crease in the second over, he steered the Didsbury innings with maturity and skill, rising above opposition sledging with the best response possible by leading his team to victory. Dan retired not out with the scores level, allowing Ben to join Jamie and see the ice man freeze Sale out of the tie and bring an end to a great game.