Brilliant Buffaloes Batter Bowden

The much anticipated opening game of the season was always going to be a nervy affair, but in the riverside sunshine the Didsbury crowd had nothing to fear.
Winning the toss DCC elected to bat first, Adam and George set to take the first balls of the 2018 season. A nervous start from the opening pair facing some very neat bowling, saw them both dropped in the opening over, they needed to settle down. Unfortunately George wasn’t going to get the chance as he was soon bowled, having played his part in seeing off the strong opening bowling attack.
In came Basil, full of confidence, hitting a boundary from his first ball. The confidence flowed from him to Adam who finally started hitting shots. The pair then went on to put on a brilliant batting display, making 9 boundaries between them. Adam was first to retire on 31, with Basil following a few balls later for 30 on an impressive strike rate of 158 DCC were 63 for 1 off 11.4 overs – this was going to be a big target for Bowden to chase.
Time for Rishi and Rahul to come in, twins telepathy working well, saw Rishi hitting 3 boundaries including a beautiful 6 before being bowled for 18, another impressive strike rate of 150. Rahul was then joined by a brief appearing from Zak, who unfortunately was quickly bowled for no score. DCC were 96 for 3.
Joe was next in and put in a very neat performance… shouts of “lovely cricket” came from the crowd as with Rahul he saw out the final overs. Rahul adding 15 to the total DCC ended the innings on 118 for 3 – A performance fully meeting Coach Lakers batting performance requirements for the season.
As the pleasant evening sunshine continued to light up the field, Rishi opened Didsbury’s bowling attack. Some brilliant fielding from Rahul off Rishi’s second ball, saw the ball get into the keepers hands quickly for Adam to take the run out. BCC 0 for 1. Oliver then took the ball for the second over with some equally tight bowling. After their 2 overs each Oliver gave away just 9 runs and Rishi bowled 2 maiden overs.
Zohaib stepped up for the 5th over soon taking wicket number 2. Joe, bowling with an injured arm, was equally impressive again the boy keeping the runs down and the field working well.
The opening bowling attack was something to be proud of and it was soon clear the remaining bowlers were not going let us down.
After a really impressive fielding performance, George took the ball. Again some tight bowling led to the batsman being tempted into a big hit, straight into Finns hands. BCC now 35 for 3 off 8. George continued with his tight bowling holding the opposition to just 4 run off his 2 overs. Sam didn’t let the pressure get to him, bowling coolly and confidently for his 2 overs, giving away just 8 runs. It wasn’t long before the 5th wicket came after some more fielding brilliance from George and throwing into Adam for another run-out.
Fin took the ball, soon taking the 6th wicket with a looping off-spin ball – more solid bowling from Didsbury.
Basil and Rahul closed the overs down, Basil taking the 7th and 8th wicket cleanly on the middle stump. Bowden ending on 58 for 7.
A shout out to Oliver who helped out the opposition fielding at fine leg until their 11th man turned up.
Coach Ridley, now forever known as a tactical genius, watched what could be described as nothing less than a stunning performance from Didsbury They were sure with their batting, confident with the ball and tight in the field. If this is the opening game for this new team then we have a lot to look forward to this season.