Didsbury U11s vs Ashton On Mersey, Cup Match

On a bright sunny evening, on the banks of the Mersey, Didsbury were full of their usual confidence for their cup match against a clearly inexperienced Ashton team.  They looked sharp in their warm up and winning the toss decided to “make a game of it” by electing to bat first.
However, the home team’s opening bowlers looked set to make an example of Didsbury’s early batsmen, and after a calamitous first 6 overs we were 5 wickets down after just 6 overs.  Amaan, Rehan, George, Adam and Sam all out – some very dubious shot selection seeing them go in short order. In his absence, text messages to Coach Jo included the word “collapse” and the home crowd were saw a big chance emerging for a major upset – or maybe just looking forward to an early finish.  
But what was to happen next was to surprise and delight…
We have always been a strong batting side, and able to bat deep into the order, but this has not been tested over recent weeks.  Batting at number 6 Aiden took to the field and put in a great show putting on 9 runs, before being brilliant caught out close to the boundary.  Luuk stepped up, and having faced a limited number of balls this season confidently put on a further 10 runs before being bowled after a very unlucky ricochet off his foot.  So we were left with our number 8, (Oisin), number 9 (Joe) in the crease after just 9 overs… with just 31 on the board.  
What a partnership….  The boys put in a commanding performance for the next 11 overs.  They played smart, calm cricket, taking no risks and making the score board tick over. (Although actually making the score board move was quite a challenge for the scorer!) Great boundaries from both and smart running delivered Oisin 12 runs and Joe 22…hitting a boundary on the last ball of the innings.  Of particular note was a superbly timed drive to the long boundary from Joe – best shot of the match. Fantastic job boys, delivering a performance in the crease when we really needed it.  They both carried their bats to great cheers from their team mates, and leaving a total of 86 for the home team to chase.
Knowing our fielding performance had to be strong, the boys did not let themselves down.  Brilliant bowling from Rahen – taking the first wicket on his first ball and giving away just 2 runs in his 2 overs.  Amaan and George were equally impressive, holding the home team to just 3 runs each.   After his brilliant batting performance, Oisin was under pressure to deliver the same performance with the ball, and on the back of a 2 wicket average the crowd were optimistic.  He didn’t let us down, tempting the batsman into a wild short which was then caught brilliantly in the field by Sam – a wicket for Oisin – it really was his day.
When Suliman  had a wicket maiden and took the 3rd  wicket – caught and bowled –  with just 22 on the board, the visitors could sense they could actually do this.  With tight overs from Aiden and Luuk bowling a maiden, it was looking good.  Jan took the ball and placed a ball straight on the stumps to take the 4th.  Sam and Joe closed down the overs and the visitors were held to just 57 runs.
This was really a game where Didsbury snatched victory from the jaws of defeat – the middle and lower order saving the day.  Fielding was mostly tight – but yet again with 27 extras there is still some areas to improve on – wild throws at stumps making an unwelcome reappearance.  But most of all, the team spirit was in no doubt, even where defeat by a lesser experienced team seemed certain, they stepped up and supported each other.  
Emma Slater

Coaches Note
Cricket is a team game where everyone can contribute in a game and across the season. Fantastic to hear about the lower order with limited batting opportunity this season digging out a competitive score for the team. Also, great to hear that the bowlers didn't waste the opportunity to build on that fight back. Well done everyone (and thank you Paul)