Under 11s V Bowdon Vale

Determined to give the spectators their money’s worth, the Didsbury batsman managed a modest run chase very efficiently, with 5 balls and 4 wickets to spare. In truth, Didsbury were in control from the first over to the last. For the second game in succession, the display with the ball and in the field was excellent. Bowling first, Sam and Dan quickly grasped the initiative, dispatching the Bowdon Vale openers. Shahmeer and Joab kept the batsman tied down, who found it extremely difficult to score any meaningful runs off the bat throughout Harry M picked up 2 wickets in quick succession, showing much improved consistency in his bowling whilst Raheem and Noah used the conditions well and were unlucky not to enjoy more success. Uzmaan sent down 2 really promising overs, extracting turn from a seam friendly surface, confusing the batsman in the process and picking up a deserved wicket. Jamie made sure the tail didn’t wag, taking the final 2 wickets and continuing his own development as an incisive bowler.

Chasing a small total, it was a great opportunity for several Didsbury players to spend some time in the middle, concentrating less on shotmaking and more on enjoying batting. Shahmeer anchored the innings very well, finally out just 3 runs shy of the target. Although Harry and Oliver struggled to find the gaps, they batted calmly and will be better for facing meaningful bowling in match conditions. Ben, Joab and Jamie sacrificed their own “not outs” in picking up the pace of the chase – each nudging the side towards victory. That privilege was left to Noah who ensured there was no slip ups and with Raheem saw the side home safely.

It was another good win on a difficult pitch, showing that the side can adapt to different conditions, adjusting bowling lengths and batting styles to suit the circumstances.