Lightning doesn't strike twice in Lindow

Heaton Mersey Magic (U10s) South Manchester League Summer Cup Match 4

A return to Lindow after our 1 run win last week, this time for our final foray at T20 this year. This time we were up against their Lightning team who were mainly U11s. A gentleman's agreement for them to bat first on a slightly damp pitch.

Despite some great early bowling from Freddie and Seth we didn't get the early breakthrough with Lindow's openers plugging away and both retiring not out. If we fail to make early inroads, then wickets can come in clusters in the second half. In these cases it is just a case of remembering that and plugging away. That's what happened here and against Wythenshawe.

This time Seth struck straight after the mid innings break. A fine catch by captain Isaac. Isaac struck next bowling beautifully. Then to Charlie who's seemingly determined to finish top of the charts. Two in two, but that first hat-trick for the team just alluded us. Thomas, giving up the pads to Tom, bowled two overs of real pace and bounce which deserved more than his one wicket. Dan picked up his customary wickets as Lindow wrapped up at 127 for 6.

Dan bravely volunteered to open and saw off the hostile opening over. Our man of the top of the batting averages fell though to one of their excellent spinners. Ben saw Thomas and the other Ben (L) fall but remained steadfast, playing one of those innings (see Ellis last week) you can build a competitive score around. With Isaac joining him there was a real sense of determination and some great batting. Unfortunately Ben fell trying to up the scoring rate and Tom followed just before halfway. Archie batted bravely with Isaac, and then Freddie's late flourish put smiles on faces. In the end we only managed to bat for 14.4 overs, but with just 10 batters we had our excuses.

This ended our taster of T20 cricket. We've learnt:

• We can already compete at bowling and fielding
• 90 is a competitive score and 120 will win. We managed 90 twice already against Cheadle and Didsbury 
• We need those individual scores of 15+. Tom, Zack, Alex W, Dan, Ellis, Eisa, Isaac, Hugo, Ben, and Thomas have already shown the skills to do this

A spirited effort and the bowling fight back was wonderful to behold.

Moment of the match, at last, to Charlie for some fantastic bowling and 2 in 2.