Under 11s v Whalley Range

In a much changed side, this was a great opportunity for some younger players to taste under 11s cricket. The blend of experience and enthusiasm worked well in the Whalley Range innings, with a much improved bowling and fielding display. The team was collectively energetic and positive in a decent all round performance. Rehan and Raheem opened the attack well, frustrating the opposition opening pair. George and Aiden, making their U11 debuts, bowled really well and showed that they should be confident with ball in hand when making the step up next year. Joab and Oliver then bowled intelligently, making the batsmen work hard for the runs, Oliver being rewarded for bowling straight castling a dangerous looking batsman who had already crashed 6 off Oisin’s bowling. Oisin showed real bottle to recover from a first over batting assault, sending his next over down for a solitary single and taking a wicket courtesy of a sharp catch from Raheem. Harry M, who has really improved his consistency, bowled the best length of the Didsbury bowlers and was unlucky to pick up only one wicket. Dan, after adjusting his radar, was too quick for the Whalley Range batsman and is probably still not sure how several of his deliveries did not hit the stumps. Harry B, another of the Didsbury bowlers reaping the benefits of not bowling too quickly, saw his first delivery pick up a wicket thanks to a truly fantastic catch from Aiden, who is already an outstanding fielder. Whalley Range batted well, but on this pitch their total looked no better than a par score thanks to the hard work of the Didsbury side.

With the first half of the job completed, the wheels came off the Didsbury reply very early. Raheem, trying to play positively, was caught close to the wicket. Dan was out (which in itself was worthy of a headline) to a ball that swung and straightened off the pitch. Harry M and Harry B soon followed without either looking particularly comfortable. With the score at 4-9 the chances of a competitive Didsbury reply had been snuffed out. George and Oliver couldn’t find the gaps in the field with shots that on other days would have got there innings moving. Joab again looked in decent nick and with a bit of patience isn't far away from posting a good score. However, the frequent comings and goings did provide the opportunity for some of the younger players to spend longer in the middle. Aiden and Adam were the pick of the batsman, Adam finishing not out with his eye in – hopefully able to cash in next time he bats. Rehan threatened a muscular knock, but ended up mistiming a forcing shot to a ball that stopped on him. Whilst the overall batting display was disappointing, the attitude was great. With some hard work at training this week the players should look forward to putting mistakes behind them and finish the season on a high.