(Pictured: Kaden Warner with the match ball following his ten-wicket haul in men's second grade)
A never-before-seen all-round performance in the Belvidere Cup, a stunning ten-wicket haul, double centuries, and shattered club records in this issue of The Opening Spell.
First Over
First ball – Ben’s Belvidere Brilliance
Englishman Ben Mike etched his name into the Belvidere Cup’s history books with a spectacular all-round display for Northern District. Building on his 79 not out at stumps last week, Mike was unbeaten on 101 off 119 balls (13 fours, 4 sixes), helping his side to 8-266. This came after his stunning 5-37 in Gordon’s innings of 139, which included a sensational hat trick. Mike’s efforts marked the first time in the competition’s history—dating back to 1893-94—that a player achieved the rare all-rounder’s double of a century and a five-wicket haul with a hat trick in the same match.
Second ball – Six-Wicket Masterclass Leads Gordon to Victory!
Shannon Heath was on fire for Gordon in women’s third grade, delivering a match-winning bowling performance that saw her take six wickets for just 20 runs in 7.4 overs. Heath’s heroics helped secure a comfortable victory over Sydney, as Gordon chased down the target, losing just one wicket.
Third ball – Hayman’s Havoc
After declaring at 9-247, Angus Hayman delivered a remarkable performance for Eastern Suburbs in men’s third grade. Hayman dismantled Sydney’s top order, claiming five wickets while conceding just 14 runs across 12 overs to see Sydney bowled out for 120.
Fourth ball – Beth’s Best
Beth Millican’s sensational spell in the Brewer Shield for St George-Sutherland proved decisive in their victory over Northern District. Millican claimed three wickets for only six runs, dismantling the opposition for just 76. St George-Sutherland's batters made light work of the target, reaching 77 in just 12 overs.
Fifth ball – Sutherland’s Second-Grade Domination
Sutherland showcased their dominance in men’s second grade, with a resounding victory over UNSW. Batting first, Sutherland declared at 334 runs, led by Callum Barton’s 98 and Joel Almond’s 89. In response, UNSW struggled against a disciplined and potent bowling attack. Tharindu Kaushal delivered an exceptional performance for Sutherland, claiming an impressive 7-70 off 22.5 overs.
Sixth ball – Hughes Secures Big Win for Manly!
Manly Warringah delivered a commanding performance in their women’s second-grade clash against UTS North Sydney, cruising to a seven-wicket victory. Lara Hughes was the standout, delivering an exceptional bowling spell of 3-8 from her 4 overs, restricting their opponents to 67 runs before chasing down the target with relative ease, guided by steady contributions from their batters.
Second Over
First ball – Ten-Wicket Haul and First-Ball Finish
In men’s fifth grade, Hawkesbury were bowled out for 95 in their second innings with Kaden Warner (Randwick Petersham) taking 5-24 off 9.3 overs. Having taken 5-9 in the first innings, Warner finished with match figures of 10-33 – the best figures ever recorded for the club in fifth grade. With two runs needed to win the match outright, Warner opened the batting and hit the winnings runs from the first ball. The 10-wick hauls didn't stop there for Randwick Petersham, with 18-year-old Atharv Ramakanth on debut in men's second grade, finishing with match figures of 10-78.
Second ball – Isabella Impresses: Career-Best Bowling and Blistering Knock
In women’s second grade against Gordon, Sydney University's innings was spearheaded by the remarkable Isabella Zovi, who delivered an impressive performance with both bat and ball. Zovi smashed an electrifying 62 off just 38 balls, hitting 12 boundaries, and later followed up with a stellar bowling effort, claiming her best-ever figures of 3-24 to see her side across the line.
Third ball – Cummins’ Club Milestone!
Sydney University’s Tim Cummins wrote his name into the club's record books on Saturday, claiming his 284th dismissal behind the stumps. Catching Blacktown’s Waqas Tareen off Hayden Kerr’s bowling in men’s first grade, Cummins surpassed Shane Stanton’s tally (228 catches, 55 stumpings) to become the second most successful wicketkeeper in the club’s history. Only the late Alan Crompton (331 dismissals between 1961 and 1980) now stands ahead of Cummins in Sydney University’s illustrious wicket-keeping legacy.
Fourth ball – Koski and Kelly: Dynamic Duo Anchor Camden’s Chase!
Claire Koski powered Campbelltown Camden to victory over Gordon in women’s first grade with a blistering 59 off 42 balls, ably supported by captain Kelly Rowlings, who anchored the innings with an unbeaten 48 from 52 deliveries. Earlier in the day, Koski donned the gloves to take four stumpings and a run out.
Fifth ball – Historic Knock: McElduff’s 206 Leads Second-Grade Ranks!
Ryan McElduff (Sydney University) hit the first double-century of his career, 206 not out against Blacktown in men’s second grade. It was McElduff’s third career century, making him the first player in the club’s history to reach 500 runs for the season (falling just one run short of 600) and the first player for any club this season, to reach 500 runs in second grade. McElduff’s innings marked the ninth double-century, and the fifth-highest score ever recorded for the club in seconds.
Sixth ball – Willoughby Wreaks Havoc
Harry Willoughby was the standout performer for Parramatta in men’s fourth grade, leading them to a resounding victory over UTS North Sydney. Willoughby tore through the opposition batting lineup, claiming six wickets for just 20 runs in a devastating display of bowling.