Bulls vs Buffalos

The Buffalos 'hosted' the Bulls at DCC on Tuesday evening in what promised to be and was a titanic battle between the two Didsbury under 13 teams.

James Bidwell captained the Buffs whilst Max Fisher lead the Bulls, with James electing to bat first on one of the greenest tracks you will see. It was a bold decision and one that so nearly came off. The Bulls opened the bowling with Max and Ed Howell in a ferocious spell of fast bowling which was pretty unplayable at times, but were denied the wickets they richly deserved. Finn Lowe kept his composure to score an excellent 16 only to be undone by Henrik when he came on first change. Sean bravely battled through for 6 before being bowled by Raheem. James scored a patient 11 (this really was a wicket where you had to watch the ball carefully) before being caught off a Dan Ward full toss. Rehan became Raheems second victim, caught and bowled (he wasn't dropping that one!) and then Dan saw for Amaan (11) with his slower ball. The innings closed with the run out of Harry for 4 (strike rate 100!) with Isaac NO on 3.

I can't think of many bad balls from the Bulls bowlers or a single misfield, which was highly impressive in itself but head and shoulders above was Finn Locke behind the stumps who was exceptional; he seems to be at his best when conditions hardest?!

The Buffalos finished on 83-6 and whilst the Bulls were jubilant veterans such as Max and James new that was decent on this track.

Canny captaincy by Max meant the Bulls opened with himself and Raheem and you cannot speak highly enough of the young chaps' technique, bravery and temprament as he faced up to equally impressive opening spells from James and Rehan. Raheem eventually fell to Sean Garcia, having seen off the opening attack at which point Max continued his excellent season accelerating quickly with a flurry of boundaries before retiring on 31. Zain did for Dan and then Ed Howell cameoed with 3 consecutive boundaries before being caught for 12 off Rehan. However the Bulls still looked in control, but not for long as a flurry of wickets fell to the bustling Isaac Cooper leaving the Bulls 8 down and (about) 20 short, . Blimey. Rafay walked in as it started to get darker and managed to score off some consistently probing bowling for a quick 13 before falling LBW to Harry Morris (who then tried to blag an extra delivery as he fancied another). 9 down, 3 to win. James brought himself back on but was quite frankly a bit too good for the batsmen in the gloom and apart from a classy straight drive for one from Oliver Netley, I am not sure they got within a foot of the ball!

Mr Consistent Zain bowled what proved to be the last over of the match and somehow the Bulls scrambled a leg bye for victory. Joy and heartbreak in equal measures.

The Buffalos bowling, fielding and catching (and more top notch keeping from Fin Lowe) was excellent and it was good to see some of the younger players getting stuck in; the future looks bright.

James and Max were both inspirational and set a fine example for the younger players in both squads. Congratulations to you both.

I cannot say the last time I enjoyed a cricket match so much (The Ashes 2005?), played competitively and hard but in good spirit. Of course the best team won, I have to say that, but in truth there were 22 fantastic young lads out there and I don't think any of the large crowd cared who won. Brilliant.

Coaches Note (from Jack Rudd); when a pitch is doing that much, in the absence of slips, it is worth pitching it up a yard or so.