(Pictured: Randwick Petersham following their one-run victory over Mosman in men's first grade. Image by Peter Bannigan)
Standout performances, rising stars, thrilling team efforts and finals confirmed in this edition of The Opening Spell.
First Over
First Ball - Josh Coyte Lights Up the Scoreboard
In men’s third grade, Josh Coyte delivered a blistering performance for Manly Warringah, hitting his first ever hundred. His unbeaten 121 came off just 57 balls, peppered with an impressive nine fours and ten sixes to see Manly chase down 150 in 15 overs. Reuben Kapoor made a quickfire cameo as part of the Josh Coyte show, hitting the only other boundaries (two) that were not hit by the man of the hour.
Second Ball - Manly’s Dynamic Duo Topples Penrith
In women’s second grade, Manly headed out to Penrith for their final clash ahead of the Christmas break. After electing to bat, Penrith struggled to form any meaningful partnerships – managing just 59 runs in their 20 overs. Manly’s Brook Frew led the way with the ball, snaring three wickets and conceding 10 runs off her three overs. Lara Hughes complemented the efforts of Frew, taking two wickets for nine runs in four overs. Hughes has taken 28 wickets across 14 matches this season, averaging 6.86 with the ball and sits well clear as the women’s overall wicket taker thus far.
Third Ball - Sydney Uni’s Rising Star
AW Green Shield action kicked off on Tuesday, December 17, featuring more than 300 aspiring male U16 cricketers from all 20 NSW Premier Cricket clubs. Sydney Uni’s Archie O’Hara has shot straight to the top of the ladder for runs, sitting on 264 after three matches. With 74 against UTS North Sydney, 135 not out against Bankstown and 55 against Hawkesbury, O’Hara has begun his career with the club with an outstanding two-half centuries and a century.
Fourth Ball - Brown Concedes Just Two Runs in Brewer Shield Masterclass
There’s something in the waters of Manly, with yet another dominate display with the ball. Manly went head-to-head with Penrith in the Brewer Shield and it was Matilda Brown who excelled with ball in hand. Brown finished with an unbelievable two wickets for merely two runs in three overs, finishing the match with a remarkable economy rate of just 0.67.
Fifth Ball - Nine of Ten: Wylie’s Wicketkeeping Clinic
St George have had a six wicket win over Hawkesbury in men’s fifth grade, and it was Llewellyn Wylie who put on a clinic behind the stumps. Wylie had a hand in nine of St George’s 10 dismissals, including four catches, two stumpings, one run out and two run out assists.
Sixth Ball - Christmas Break Conundrum: Is Sydney Untouchable in Women’s First Grade?
As we head into the Christmas break, the question must be asked – who will challenge Sydney for women’s first grade glory? Sydney currently sit seven points clear at the top of the table and are set to take on Manly (3) and St George (2) upon their return in the new year.
Second Over
First Ball - Mosman Dominate Again
Mosman have continued their winning ways in Poidevin-Gray Shield, with a 188-run victory over UNSW, highlighted by Brock Fitton’s debut hundred for the club. The explosive knock of 136 runs from 126 balls included an array of boundaries, including 12 fours and five sixes. NSW Blues rookie Ryan Hicks (54) and Sidhant Singh (36) provided solid support, as Mosman posted (and defended) 318. After six matches, Mosman currently sit four points clear at the top of the table.
Second Ball - Claire Koski Lights Up Round 11
Campbelltown Camden went head-to-head with Sydney University in women’s first grade, and it was Claire Koski who stepped up for the Ghosts in their 35-run victory. Koski hit a blistering 88 off 58, peppering the boundary with 13 fours. Captain Kelly Rowlings contributed a steady 40 from 34, to see Campbelltown post 155. Koski’s efforts see her as the top performing batter in round 11, moving past Sydney’s Kira Churchland by a singular run, to sit atop of the table for first grade run scorers this season.
Third Ball - Final Eight Set
Following the conclusion of the preliminary round matches, the final placings for the men’s first grade Limited-Overs Cup have been decided.
The quarter finals will take place on Sunday, 19th January commencing at 10.00am as follows;
1. Parramatta (1) v Sydney University (8)
- Hawkesbury (2) v St George (7)
- Randwick Petersham (3) v Eastern Suburbs (6)
- Gordon (4) v Western Suburbs (5)
Fourth Ball - Robson Brothers Star
Australian-born English cricketer Sam Robson returned to Eastern Suburbs for his second game of the season, opening the batting against Fairfield-Liverpool in men’s first grade. Chasing 261, Robson posted his 14th first grade century, hitting 160 not out from 154 balls including 15 fours and a 136 second wicket partnership with younger brother Angus (51). Earlier, Sam Robson was the most economical of Easts bowlers, allowing only 41 runs from his ten overs, and picking up the wicket of Brent Williams.
Fifth Ball - Church Delivers Fireworks
Batting first, Sydney University posted a formidable 187 in men’s second grade, driven by an explosive innings from Dylan Church, who smashed 71 runs off just 32 balls, including five fours and seven sixes. The performance marked Church’s first half-century in second grade, and saw Sydney Uni secure a 48-run win.
Sixth Ball – One-Run Thriller
In a thrilling men’s first grade encounter at Petersham Oval, the Randy Petes have triumphed over Mosman by a mere one run. Batting first, Randwick posted 161, with George Bell holding steady with an unbeaten 41 as wickets fell around him. However, it was their bowlers who sealed the deal. Joson Ralston took three wickets for 31 runs across his 10 overs, while Daya Singh and captain Riley Ayre chipped in with two and one wicket, respectively. With Mosman needing two of the last ball, Daya Sing (2-17) struck with an lbw to clinch victory.