Bulls v Falcons

The Bull’s first league fixture of the 2019 season got off to a prompt start on a chilly Friday evening, with players, coaches and parents alike dismissive of the brooding sky! An 18 over match, with max 8 ball overs, was readily agreed by all in an effort to see the match played and completed.

Didsbury were hosting Sale Falcons at Wythenshawe. The wicket was unpredictable, the outfield dragged and the boundary stretched away for miles…..it was unlikely to be a batsman’s dream.
Nevertheless, Didsbury won the toss and elected to bat. Wood and Greaves Power opened promisingly with some beautifully placed shots. The temptation to lift the ball off the sluggish outfield proved too much though, and Wood was caught. Greaves Power and Kain took some daring singles and solid power shots before Greaves Power was bowled for a thoroughly deserved 19 – by far the highest score of the innings! Kain and Lama took up the cause before some heady running saw Kain run out. Lowe took up the gauntlet with gusto, reaching out to the boundary, until temptation again proved too much and he was caught short! Lama rapidly followed suit, leaving Rafiq and Shah to steady the ship. Runs were tricky to find, with frustrating dots and singles off many a shot that should have travelled further. All too soon the overs were almost done, with a run out allowing Maitland a brief appearance and the final run to take us to a score of 60/7….!

The break was brief as the temperature fell and the Bulls gave themselves a stern talking to -they really needed to pull it out of the can! Without exception, the team were tight, focused and determined as they took to the field. Wood was clear and firm as he set the field and the bowling.

Rafiq opened the bowling with a display of length, flow and accuracy that was a joy to see. This was quickly rewarded with a wicket and the vocal support on the field throughout the team was marvellous to hear. Greaves Power and Rafiq kept it tight with a further two dismissals, one a sky high catch taken by Lowe. Wood and Lowe took up the baton, the light drizzle proving no deterrent. Each took two wickets, Lowe’s both in the same over and Wood bagging Sale’s leading run scorer. Lama took a wicket within moments of stepping up and the sky seemed to lighten! 7 down, 2 to go…. The Bulls were loud in the field! Great backing up by West, close fielding by Shaikh and some top takes by keeper Maitland kept the hope alive.
Even so, Sale seemed certain to make their total, they had three overs in hand and only 9 runs to win. The team spirit never flagged, it just got louder and more supportive. Veitch bowled with unerring accuracy, giving nothing away, and was rewarded with a catch by Wood - Sale were down to their two last men! The final bowler was nominated with Sale needing 2 runs to win. Kain stepped up with courage and accuracy, Sale took a run. Kain bowled again, the ball is knocked towards Rafiq, the batsman moves to run, Rafiq calmly sets the ball at the stumps with supreme accuracy. SALE WERE ALL OUT FOR 59…!!!!

This was truly a match of two halves, with resilience, courage and team spirit displayed by all. The Bulls were gracious in victory and an absolute credit to themselves. What a great first match!