As the Season Draws to a Close, There's Still a Cup Final to Come
The season is entering its final weeks, and what a season it has been.
There has been hope, there has been sunshine, at least until the last week or so decided otherwise, and there has been no shortage of drama.
We have seen big hitting, sharp bowling, and fielding that has improved out of all recognition across the club.
There have been gaps too, spells where things haven't quite clicked, and there is honest work to do in the off season. But before any of that, there was still plenty to play for this week, and the results reflected exactly the kind of season it has been, a mixed one.
Thursday 3rd September, Home
The Under 11s were in dominant form against Hale Barns CC, posting 152/2 from their 20 overs before bowling Hale Barns out for just 61. A comprehensive 91 run win to open the week in style.
Saturday 5th September
A mixed day across the senior sides. Away at Brooklands CC, the 3rd XI posted a competitive 203/8 from their 40 overs but were pipped at the end, Brooklands getting home with two wickets in hand for a 2 wicket win.
It was a tough afternoon for the 1st XI away at Maritime CC, all out for 40 in 17.5 overs. Maritime knocked off the runs for the loss of just 2 wickets, winning by 8 wickets.
Much brighter news at home, where the 2nd XI chased down Heaton Mersey CC's total of 113 with plenty to spare, reaching 115/2 to win by 8 wickets. A fine response from the middle order and a reminder of the strength coming through that side this year.
Sunday 6th September
Heartbreak for the Under 11s, who travelled to the neutral venue of Mawdesley CC to face Little Lever CC in the semi-final of the Lancashire Cup. Urmston posted a net score of 111 to Little Lever's 112, going down by the narrowest of margins, a single run, and exiting the competition at the semi-final stage. It will have stung in the moment, but it caps a season the Under 11s can be hugely proud of.
The 4th XI's away fixture against Stockport Georgians CC was called off, with points shared between the sides.
A cup final still to come
There is still one more shot at silverware this season. Thanks to Rob Arnold for the note that the Under 11s take on Lindow CC at home this Wednesday, 9th September, in the final of the South Manchester Junior Cricket League Cup, the SMJCL. After Sunday's agonising Lancashire Cup semi-final exit, what a way it would be to end the year. Everyone is welcome down at Urmston Sports Club from 5pm to cheer the team on.
Thank you to our scorers
Finally, a thank you that is long overdue. None of what happens out in the middle each week gets recorded, reported to the league, or logged on Play Cricket without our scorers, who give up their Saturdays, Sundays and weekday evenings for no reward beyond being part of the club. This week we want to recognise Shinod, Sumit Panda, and 1st XI captain Dave Dempster, alongside Aaron Sales, Rob Arnold, Nadal, and many more across the junior and adult teams who quietly keep the club's cricket on the record.
Thank you, all of you.
The final games of the season - weather permitting - will be as follows:
1st XI at Home to Marple CC
2nd XI Away to Haslington CC
3rd XI at Home to Langley CC
All Saturday.
That AMAZING fixture for the under 11's is at the UCC from 5pm on Wednesday 9th September.
Comments