(Pictured: Sydney University's Will Hardy presented with first grade cap #790 from Green Shield Coach, Henry Cain.)
Big knocks, plenty of wickets and another round of finals confirmed in this edition of The Opening Spell.
First Over
First ball – Singh Starts 2025 with a Bang
Western Suburbs have kicked off the new year with a dominant batting performance, piling on 388 runs against Blacktown in men’s first grade. Leading the charge was Harjas Singh, who smashed his second first-grade century in style. Facing just 80 balls, Singh hammered 11 fours and seven sixes in his knock of 104.
Second ball – Nine and Counting
Sydney University has taken control of their men’s second grade clash against St George, thanks to a dominant bowling display and a standout innings from Charles Litchfield. After bowling St George out for a mere 81, Sydney Uni declared at 6/255, with Litchfield leading the way with a masterful 127 - marking his ninth century for the club and passing 500 runs for the season.
Third ball – Third Grade Drama
Randwick Petersham’s Jake Myers delivered a sensational bowling spell in their men’s third grade clash against Penrith, claiming 4/9 from 14 overs to dismiss Penrith for just 137. However, Randwick’s celebrations were short-lived as their top order collapsed to 3/22 within ten overs, leaving the match finely poised heading into day two.
Fourth ball – Neel Patel Dominates AW Green Shield
UNSW’s Neel Patel is on a red-hot streak in the AW Green Shield, cementing his place as the competition’s leading run scorer. With a blistering 167 against Bankstown before the Christmas break and 102 against Sydney Uni in round four, Patel has amassed 382 runs at an average of 95.5. His consistency with the bat has propelled UNSW to second on the ladder, just two points behind Northern District.
Fifth ball – Lindsay’s 4/7 Puts UTS in the Driver’s Seat!
UTS North Sydney have taken a commanding lead in their men’s fifth grade match against Mosman, thanks to a brilliant spell from Patrick Lindsay. Lindsay was near unplayable, claiming 4/7 from 12 overs as Mosman were skittled for just 73 runs. UTS have capitalised with the bat, reaching 3/132 after 40 overs and putting themselves a commanding position heading into day two.
Sixth ball – Kingsell Smashes 130 Not Out!
Riley Kingsell showcased his class in the Poidevin-Gray Shield, smashing an unbeaten 130 off just 85 balls to lead Bankstown to a resounding eight-wicket win over Sydney. Kingsell’s innings, featuring 11 boundaries and seven sixes, came hot on the heels of his selection in the Team of the Tournament at the U19 Male National Championships. Kingsell’s efforts see him move into the top ten run scorers for the season.
Second Over
First ball – Five-for Leaves St George in Tatters!
Fletcher May delivered a match-defining performance for Sydney University in men’s second grade, claiming his first five-wicket haul with a stunning 5/13 to help dismantle St George for just 81 runs in their first innings. Not content with his first innings heroics, May continued his dominance in the second innings, picking up 2/6 as Sydney Uni heads into day two with full control of the game.
Second ball – Back-to-Back Centuries for Gibson
Penrith’s Ryan Gibson is proving why he’s one of first grade’s premier batters, smashing 159 against Randwick Petersham to climb further up the run-scoring charts. This incredible knock follows his century just before the Christmas break, bringing his tally of first-grade hundreds to 17.
Third ball – Hardy Earns First Grade Cap
Will Hardy etched his name into Sydney University’s storied cricket history on Sunday as he was presented his first-grade cap, becoming player 790 for the club. Hardy, a graduate of the Green Shield competition, joins an exclusive group as just the 12th player to represent Sydney Uni in both Green Shield and First Grade.
Fourth Ball – Poidevin-Gray Shield Final Series Confirmed
Following the conclusion of the preliminary round matches, the final placings for the Poidevin-Gray Shield finals series have been decided. The quarter finals will take place on Sunday, February 16, starting at 10:00am as follows:
Mosman (1A) v Gordon (4B)
Parramatta (1B) v UTS North Sydney (4A)
Sydney University (2A) v Bankstown (3B)
Northern District (2B) v Manly Warringah (3A)
All finals series matches are one-day limited over matches with the winners of the quarter finals progressing to the semi-finals on Sunday, March 2.
Fifth Ball – Poidevin-Gray Overall Run Scorers
With the first round of finals confirmed in Poidevin-Gray Shield , it gives us a chance to look at the top five run scorers in the competition so far:
F Hill | Eastern Suburbs | 360 runs | 127 top score
W Allen | Mosman | 297 runs | 148* top score
M Narvel | UNSW | 296 runs | 157* top score
B Fitton | Mosman | 281 runs | 136 top score
R Kingsell | Bankstown | 262 runs | 130* top score
Sixth Ball – Poidevin-Gray Overall Wicket Takers
The top five wicket takers are:
M Fitzgerald | Bankstown | 17 wickets | 6-22 best bowling
S Sira | Parramatta | 15 wickets | 4-14 best bowling
W Taylor | St George | 14 wickets | 5-11 best bowling
B Burke | UNSW | 13 wickets | 5-20 best bowling
R Wilson | Hawkesbury | 12 wickets | 5-24 best bowling