After an excellent winter training programme our U13s would kick off Didsbury's junior season with an away trip to Monton CC in the Lancashire Cup. We are defending champions after victory in last years final at Flixton, and although we have lost several key members of that winning squad as they moved up an age group, a very strong core of that team remained; bolstered by our new U12s and players who have worked extremely hard over last season and the winter.

It was very cold at Monton. At least the boys got to run around and play cricket, whilst I and my opposite from Monton stood umpiring and slowly turned blue. The dark sky threatened rain, so despite the lovely settings we found ourselves in and a deep desire to get a lot of time in the middle for our batters, our new cup captain Aarron Grimbaldeston made the correct call to bowl first after winning the toss. It was a day to rattle through our overs, chase as quickly as we could, and scarper before the light left us, or the rain found us.

An opening bowling attack that even our indomitable 1st XI would fear (especially off 19 yards!) Aarron and Milan Majithia charged in to get our first game of 2023 underway. With the ball swinging left and right, both would pick up early wickets as they accurately attacked the stumps. Our bowling depth shined, as Ashden Johnson and Nikash Hinduja replaced the opening pairs and also picked up wickets (2 and 1 respectively) . More wickets would fall also to our pair of off-spinners in Tanmay Seth and Krishav Rangaraju, with Zac Youell bringing a swift end to the innings by picking up three wickets. Monton 24 all out. The very low total does a disservice to Monton, who had some lovely batters who played with good techniques and bravery in the face of our quicks. However, our incessant bowling attack was just too much for them to deal with, and from our side of things is a good sign of things to come.

With the bat in reply, the pitch which had not played very well in the first innings had deteriorated and the slower pace of the Monton bowlers meant there was practically no bounce, and so our top order (who had been training indoors where you are lucky if the ball doesn't bounce and hit you in the nose!) struggled to find the correct timing needed. Some helpful extras and careful batting (and some not so careful running between the wickets!) saw us get over the line in just the fifth over, but for the loss of three wickets.

Lots of positives, and a few things to learn from, and a good first outing for the cup team. Considering we have had only one training session outdoors, and no game time, it was an impressive continuation of last year's performances. I will keep you all updated on the 13s cup runs (Both National T20 and SMJCL) and I hope you all wish the best of luck to Aarron and his team! The Bears play at home (DCC) tonight at 6pm, and the Bulls (Away at Ashton-on-Mersey) and Buffs (DCC vs South West) play on Friday from 6pm.