A drought was broken in the Kingsgrove Sports T20 Cup, men’s and women’s competitions continue despite the weather and NSW stars shine in this issue of The Opening Spell.
First Over
First ball - Century of Champions
Blake Nikitaras led St George to a resounding victory in the Kingsgrove Sports T20 Cup, anchoring the innings with a sensational 107* off 59 balls. His knock, which included four sixes and 13 boundaries, guided the team to the 24/25 title – breaking a ten-year drought for the Saints.
Second ball - Scotia's Spell of Destruction
In their third-grade women’s match, Scotia McKerron produced a stunning bowling performance for St George-Sutherland, claiming 4-18 from her eight overs. Tearing through the top order, McKerron had UTS North Sydney in pieces as they tried to muster a defendable total. A half-century to Samantha Dillon and a handy contribution from Hannah Robinson (32) saw St George-Sutherland cruise home to victory.
Third ball – Grace under Pressure
Grace Pool was in fine form during Gordon’s match against Greater Hunter Coast in the women’s second grade, finishing with figures 3-7 off just 3.5 overs. Pool’s display played a crucial role in restricting Greater Hunter Coast to just 83 in their chase of 122.
Fourth ball - Double Trouble for Northern District
Isabella Zovi was in blistering form for Sydney University over the weekend. Chasing Northern District's total of 105 in women’s second grade, Zovi wasted no time getting into gear – smacking 67 off 40 to see Sydney Uni reach the total in just 12.3 overs. If that wasn't enough, Zovi backed up in the first grade, hitting 34 from 15 to set her side up for another victory over Northern District.
Fifth ball - A Slice of History
Zachary Buchanan of Manly Warringah delivered a stunning hat-trick in the men's fifth grade. Rumour on the pitch is that the performance is the club's first hat-trick since the 1994/95 season when Morgan Youell achieved the feat, ironically also in fifth grade.
Sixth ball - Darlington Delivers All-Round Brilliance
With WBBL|10 just five days away, Thunder's Hannah Darlington is preparing for WBBL|10 in the best possible fashion, starring for Manly in their women's first-grade win over Parramatta. Fans of the Thunder will be buzzing after Darlington smashed an unbeaten 55* off 37 to anchor Manly's innings, before finishing 1-13 from her three overs to help restrict Parramatta's chase.
Second Over
First ball - Winston Wows
Ebony Winston delivered a masterclass for the Southern Swans in their Brewer Shield clash, finishing with figures of 2-3 from her four overs. A comprehensive bowling effort saw Sydney bundled out for a mere 71. The Southern Swans cruised to victory in response, comfortably chasing down the target in just 14 overs.
Second ball - Double Centuries Delight
Randwick Petersham had a dream day in their first-grade match, led by two maiden centuries from Austin Waugh and Eknoor Singh. The pair put on 179 for the 2nd wicket before Waugh was dismissed for 121, while Singh remains unbeaten on 135. The duo's efforts propelled the team to imposing 5-375 against Western Suburbs at stumps.
Third ball - Newton's Law
In men’s fourth grade, St George currently sit two points clear at the top of the ladder. Could Sam Newton's spell be the key to solidifying their spot? Newton bagged an impressive 5-64 in a dominant display, as Fairfield-Liverpool were bowled out for 281 on day one. A solid batting display could cement their lead at the top and set them up for a deep run in the competition, but early wickets could pressure the middle order to step up. Can they hold firm and deliver?
Fourth ball - Manly Runs Riot
Manly Warringah's men's second-grade team ran riot on Saturday, putting up 401 at stumps against Mosman. Performances from Henry Rogers (118), Ryan Farrell (115) and Brynmor Mendel (57) put the Waratahs in a great position before late fireworks from Lachlan Barnsley (37* off 22) and Zach Trewartha (24* off 12).
Fifth ball - Spin to Win
Josh Moors was the star of the show in St George's third-grade match, taking a cheeky 6fa to see Fairfield-Liverpool bowled out for 152. To top it off, Moors made 44 off 19 to get St George through to stumps at 1/61.
Sixth ball - McFadden's Marathon
William McFadden played an innings to remember, finishing unbeaten on 201 at stumps in Northern District's third-grade clash against Campbelltown Camden. If that wasn't enough, Jack Slater (54) contributed a handy half-century, and Elijah Stead (105) added a century to his name as Northern Districts declared at 403.