After two washouts, Salford Blue Jays finally got their season up and running at Cheetham Hill in the Last Man Standing ‘Manchester & Trafford B Grade’ League.
Salford having won the toss, openers Daniel Bourke and Waseem Hassan set a solid platform, the latter going on to make an unbeaten half century which included two fours and a solitary 6.
After Bourke was run out, the flamboyant Indy came to the creased where he smashed an impressive 42 runs off 27 balls including a couple of huge sixes. Vice-Captain Josh Henry then continued the momentum with a quick fire 20 before succumbing to a Mason Jaffa.
A special mention should also be made to the captain Ross Bloomberg, who after a long hard winter in the nets managed to hit double figures with a number of nicely timed strokes off his legs. The Blue Jays finished with an impressive 142 off their allotted 20 overs to put them in a commanding position.
Needing over 7 runs an over, the Mighty Ducks got off to the worst possible start with a first over run out followed by a sharp stumping by Shimon Harris off the bowling of Waseem (1-15). The second over then saw Robert Dietz (1-12) clean bowl the Ducks’ danger-man, Peter Holgate, for just a single run.
This fast start acted as a platform for the rest of the bowling attack with Josh Henry (2-13) and Jonny Wineberg (1-13) bowling tight lines to stifle the Ducks batsmen.
Captain Ross Bloomberg (1-8) exemplified the disciplined bowling performance from the Blue Jays as all five bowlers took wickets in their 4 overs. The 81 run victory margin will surely give the team much needed confidence going into the rest of the season.
It is the hope that this dominating performance can act as a springboard for the rest of the Last Man Standing competition as well as the GMACL Sunday League.
With a wonderful blend of experience and youthful exuberance, coupled with the return of key players, the ‘Blue Boys’ will have every opportunity to be at the forefront of something special. Anyone wishing to join the club should email salfordbluejays@gmail.com.
Salford play West Didsbury CC this Sunday at Scholes Field in Gatley in the GMACL.
