Bulls vs Whalley Range

At 4.20 we had only 8 players confirmed, ay 4.45 we had a full compliment, testimony to the commitment of our boys with Max, Taha and Dan answering the late call. Off to Whalley Range for the final match of the season (is it me or is it always cloudy and wet when we play there?!).

The fixture had and end of season feel to it, holidays taking their toll on availability (even Finn Locke our ever present keeper wasn't available!), new faces about,, a party going on in the background..... . Ruddy was there againTesco meal deal in hand, sporting his standard look of incredulity that we play in this type of weather. As ever I'm not sure who won the toss, never entirely sure that it matters, but we batted first. On the standard Whalley Range 'sticky dog' we set about a weakened Range attack. Max and Dan got us off to a flier before Dan ran himself out for 15 (bat stuck in the turf!), Raheem started stylishly but was gutted to be bowled by a good 'un, Max retired NO (he is getting a bit predictable), Taha bounced back from a dip in form for 30 odd, Sulaiman showed flare for another not out 30; the runs were piling up. Umer shepherded the tail home before going large in the last over. 153 - 5.

Dan Ward donned the gloves(!) as Whalley Range went in to bat. It was an outside possibility which quickly became near impossible after tight spells for Max, Qasim, Taha, Sulaiman, Umer and Raheem. When the heavens finally opened Whalley Range conceded on 73-4 with 4 overs to play.

Well played boys. In my first season as team manager I have seen some highs and lows, amazing cricket and some scarily bad, but most of all I have seen a team of fine young men improve their game, work hard for each other and become a really tight squad. Its been an absolute pleasure.

Some of you move up to u15's next year and I wish you all the best with that. All of you will have a good idea of your strengths and weaknesses and I hope you take every opportunity to work on these over the winter in order to come back stronger for next year. The standard in the leagues seems to get higher and higher! The club do run indoor winter nets and at some point they will send you details.

Finally thanks to all the coaches (particularly Norms and Ruddy) for your advice and patience! And to the parents for all your support in all, and I mean all, weather!!

I hope you all enjoy your summer break.

Thanks

Chris

PS I hope to see you at the end of season Junior bash. This year there will be player awards, boys and parents match and (I hear) a bowling speed gun. We are raising money for the new nets so hope to see you there.