Hyde travelled to Stockport in their first T20 group match of the season. The conditions were bleak and the rain was falling upon arrival to the ground, the start was delayed and overs reduced to 18 per side. Surprisingly on a wicket that had not been covered, Stockport won the toss and elected to bat first.

Hannah and Whittaker opened up for Hyde in conditions that the 6ft 8 paceman had probably never seen before in Melbourne, Australia. It was Hannah who got the first wicket for Hyde in the third over, dismissing the Stockport captain Jatoi with an impressive caught and bowled. At the other end Whittaker was his usual self, running in with great enthusiasm, seemingly enjoying the cold conditions and beating the bat regularly finishing with figures of 1-8 off his four overs, taking the wicket of Ullah thanks to some quick glove work by Allcock down the leg side. Things didn’t get easier for Stockport as Cranmer bowled superbly well taking three quick wickets, backed up by Young at the other end bowling economically, Stockport Slumped to 34-6. Young James Chew came on to bowl and struggled to control the wet ball giving the initiative to Gavin and Barber who improved the situation slightly for Stockport with a partnership of 36 before last Saturday’s match winner Turner got in on the act, bowling a peach to Gavin which clipped the top of the off stump. Young then took the wicket of Barber in the very next over and the Stockport innings drew to a close on 87-8 after their 18 overs.

Hyde commenced their chase at 7:45 with the light fading and familiar pair of Fitzsimmons and Partridge took to the crease. Partridge got off to a quick start punishing the bowling of the Stockport openers before Eley struck in the third over bowling Fitzsimmons. With the score at 30-1 Duffy entered the fray and joined Partridge who continued to score freely at well over a run a ball. Duffy was the next wicket to fall, dragging a ball that stuck in the now muddy pitch on to his wickets. Young then joined Partridge at the crease and the pair saw Hyde over the line with 7 overs to spare, again scoring with ease, including a huge six from Young narrowly missing the cricket chairman’s car, much to the amusement of the players! Partridge finished the innings with and impressive 56 off 33 balls.

All in all it was a wet and cold evening and Hyde can be thankful they got the game over and done with without the need to re-arrange.

Next up for Hyde in the T20 competition is Romiley at home on Friday 17th May, 6:15 start.