Defeat to Didsbury

So 2 weeks without a win. Champions elect Didsbury were this week's visitors to Boughton Hall on another stifling Saturday. Storms forecast but not looming on the horizon and as Dan lost the toss, an afternoon in the shade watching our batters accumulate lots of runs was the main agenda item. Unfortunately at 10 for 3, this plan was being redrafted, edited and rolled out with fancy new lettering. Kam Hornby, promoted to number 3, was joined by Joe, demoted from number 3, to try and rebuild in the face of some good old-fashioned accurate bowling. Nothing mysterious or Hogwartsesque in what the Didsbury bowlers were doing - they just did it well. There was nothing short or on the leg-side and the few drive balls were mere scraps. After the most frenetic of first overs, Joe settled in and began to score. His wristy shots began to find the fence and they ran well.
The faster bowlers were replaced by spinners. Catt and Stoneman know what they're doing, and they take wickets. Right on cue, Joe edged one to slip and was gone for a progressive 32 (he looks like the perfect number 5). Jake joined Kam and they built until Kam's patience finally fell asleep and he holed out for a gutsy 42. Will Fisher and Archie quickly came and went in single figures and then Jake too biffed one in the air for a promising 24. Dan, Chris and Fish geeked things out to the 47th over before being bowled out for 142. At least 70 below par on a flat deck but the lessons were there, spelled out in capitals, bowl straight and on a good length and things will happen.
But it didn't go entirely to plan as Stuart Stoneman tucked into the feast of freebies on offer. Archie, opening the bowling for the first time, was accurate and swung the ball well enough to have Stoney nodding. He then removed him LBW for 35 before Big Chris Willsdon bowled Fisher. Archie's excellent 7 over spell of 1 for 21 including 4 maidens, was over and Fish came on. But the score rate, although becalmed, was still moving forward. Dan and Will Fisher tried and took a wicket apiece. Will always bowls well for the 2s and it was great to see his rhythm and turn. Indeed he took an excellent return catch to claim his scalp.
However, Didsbury won in the end to continue their march to the title. Well played to them. Lessons to learn but plenty of positives: Archie's opening spell, Chris and Will, Jake, Kam and Joe's batting application and Spavo's keeping (which is really very good).
Cheadle away and then Oxton away. Some wins required but reinforcements available next week.

MotM - Kam Hornby who was solid at number 3.
DotD - Spavo for minor misdemeanours.