Didsbury draw but rain the real winner

A re-run of the earlier loss away in the Manchester 'burbs. From the previous week at Tattenhall, Dan Riley had called for back-up in the shape of the returning Bob Evans, Rob Fisher and Alex Towned. Joe Killoran returned from his sabbatical in the first team to keep wicket but Sam was missing the game despite coming to watch and doing more to shift the covers than some.
The effervescent Shabbaz Qasim won the toss and with his side having left Manchester at 9.15 to make the most of their day, they decided on a bat. Alex Kegg had once again done an excellent job to get the ground fit in the face of what had been a torrential downpour lasting most of Friday.
Dave Fisher teamed up with Wiggy to begin proceedings with the ball and Fish struck immediately removing the dangerous Mark Burns caught at mid-off by Foxy. Wiggy tore in to his first over, buoyed by his new ankle bracelet, bowling with real pace and bounce. Runs were at a premium as Didsbury looked to stay in with Fish bowling tightly and the field set well. The skipper replaced Wiggy and immediately removed the other opener caught. The game continued to move slowly along with Charlie and Rob Fisher introduced to try to get the wicket. It must be said that some of the fielding was particularly lacklustre and runs were eked out where they should not have been.
It's worth singling out Joe Killoran for particular focus. He had used his Vivio match shirt as a pre-match napkin and was subsequently wearing half of the yolk from his egg and bacon butty down his front. He has also become deaf. This could be something to do with with being in Rosies on the Wicketkeeprs Union of Boughton first annual night out. Despite Seamus and Brad being unable to make it, the whole evening seemed to have been something of a success. More social functions are planned. Despite not being as fresh as usual, Joe kept with aplomb on a spinning pitch and eventually produced a slam-dunk stumping to account for Qasim. Onwards and upwards Joe.
Wiggy returned to try and get a wicket which is exactly what he did. Four times. Twenty-twenty death bowling at it's best. 'You miss, I hit' was working. Didsbury skittled in the last over for 183 with Rob Fisher and Wiggy taking four each. Ominously with lightning in the background, the rain began and the game changed.
In the end, 26 overs were lost but with Dan agreeing to chase the score regardless, the match resumed. Griff was bowled first ball but Bobby struck the ball well. When Dan (7) went, again bowled, Dilruk joined Bob. Both are players of real quality and power and the run rate remained on track until Bobby was bowled for 27. Wiggy (12) and Joe(1) out and 55 for 5, the total looked way off and a loss the most likely outcome. Dil unfurled some majestic drives and with Ian the to took to the task as the some beamed down and an expectant crowd gathered. Disaster struck and Ian (17) was run-out but the tail is long and in fine form. Dave Fisher's reverse sweep for 4 a real crowd pleasing highlight.
Eventually Chester drew the game. Perhaps four more overs would have made the chase more realistic but to get to 166 was more than a fair effort. Dil remained unbeaten on 64 and with Neston and Toft drawing, 8 point is no disaster.

MotM - Wiggy and Dil
DotD - Joe Killoran just pipped Alan the Umpire for his weekly award.