C&S ROUND 16: C.C.N.S.W. v PRIMARY CLUB AT CAMPERDOWN OVAL, CAMPERDOWN  ON SATURDAY  21 MARCH 2020

Cancelled because of concerns of Covid 19 and on instructions from C&SCA

MASTERS ROUND 11: C.C.N.S.W.  v OLD IGNATIANS AT GODDARD OVAL, CONCORD  ON SUNDAY 22  MARCH 2020:

Match cancelled by Masters Association because of Covid-19 concerns

VINTAGE ROUND 7  v ASHFIELD DE LA SALLE OLD BOYS AT CAMPERDOWN OVAL, CAMPERDOWN  ON SUNDAY 22  MARCH 2020: REPORT BY

Match cancelled by Masters Association because of Covid-19 concerns

SOCIAL 4 TEAM T20: C.C.N.S.W. v LMS AT CAMPERDOWN OVAL, CAMPERDOWN  ON SATURDAY  28 MARCH 2020

Matches cancelled because of concerns of Covid 19 and on instructions from C.C.N.S.W. Committee

SOCIAL GAME: C.C.N.S.W. C&S XI v C.C.N.S.W. MASTERS XI FOR THE PRESIDENT’s CUP  AT CAMPERDOWN OVAL, CAMPERDOWN  ON SATURDAY  14 MARCH 2020

Abandoned a a draw because of rain

The Team was: –

The Result was:-

C.C.N.S.W.: –  () ( overs)

Defeated by

C.C.N.S.W.: –    ( overs)

By  wickets

FoW: – 1–

The Bowling was: –

The Fielding was: –

Stumping: – Nil

Catches: –  

Run outs: –  Nil

CLASSICS ROUND 11  v WESTERN SUBURBS AT CAMPERDOWN OVAL, CAMPERDOWN  ON SUNDAY 15  MARCH 2020:  

Cancelled by rain

SOCIAL GAME v VICTORIA BARRACKS XI FOR THE BARRACKERS’ CUP AT VICTORIA BARRACKS, OXFORD STREET ON THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2020:

Game cancelled by rain

(Editor’s note) It was the Victoria Barracks player who in the 1850s, originally developed what became the SCG; they also claim that their soldier spectators who came from the Barracks and supported them are the originators of the term “to barrack” as used in Australia.  (This is disputed by etymologists who ascribe the term either to Melbourne or Ireland)

C.C.N.S.W. was invited by Cricket NSW to represent the civilian population of NSW v the Army at the SCG to commemorate the 150^th anniversary of the foundation of the SCG. Arising from that game C.C.N.S.W. and the Army jointly bought “The Barrackers’ Cup” which is kept in the Army Museum at Victoria Barracks and occasionally at the request of the C.C.N.S.W. Match Manager brought out on the day

The ball with which C.C.N.S.W. bowled in the150th anniversary game can be seen in the SCG Museum.

To quote from the Army web site

“Victoria Barracks is one of the best-known examples of military architecture in Australia. The Regency-style Victoria Barracks were designed by Lieutenant-Colonel George Barney, who also built Fort Denison and reconstructed Circular Quay. Most of barracks was constructed using locally quarried sandstone between 1841 and 1849. The barracks were occupied by British troops up until 1870 and then taken over by the New South Wales colonial forces. After the Federation in 1901, Victoria Barracks housed the various headquarters responsible for administering and co-ordinating the military. Between 1931 and 1936 the barracks was home to the Royal Military College of Australia and from July 1938 to July 1940 it also housed the Command and Staff School. Today, Victoria Barracks is home to the Headquarters of Forces Command. The Barracks are widely considered to be one of the best examples of a military barracks in the world”

C&S ROUND 14 v BEAVERS  AT CAMPERDOWN OVAL, CAMPERDOWN  ON SUNDAY  8 MARCH 2020: REPORT BY MARK HENWOOD

Who put the covers on the pitch? (Editor’s Note: Sydney University 5^th Grade) Two overlapping covers had both drained onto the pitch, leaving one end unusable. The Beavers skipper was adamant that play could only take place from the Mallet Street end, and an extra 30 minutes was given to allow some “drying” to take place on a humid afternoon.

Jim Hadley won the toss, and inserted the Beavers to bat. There were a couple of Beavers that swung hard and send the ball out of the park, but for the most part, the quicker bowlers kept on top. Notable was Mick Tarrant’s spell of 2-10.

The spinners continued the good work, all amongst the wickets, and the result was that C.C.N.S.W. were chasing 117 for the win. The team was confident at the break, although the afternoon tea had descended into a mere shadow of the glory days earlier in the season.

Batting… Well… Good batsmen don’t get bowled. Not like the top 4. 4-19. Not the best start, and it only got worse until at 8-35, Jim Hadley joined Soren Hughes at the crease. Gloom descended.

Slowly, a single here, a leg bye there… a partnership developed. Hadley’s consecutive 6s off the spinner broke the atmosphere of doom. From then on C.C.N.S.W. believed they were in the game. C.C.N.S.W. were well on top with an over to play when Hadley’s third 6 threatened the life of some unsuspecting spectators.

The result was an unthinkable win, a great escape, by 2 wickets with 1 delivery to spare. The perfect way (as it turned out later with our final game v Primary club called off) to finish the season for the C&S side, followed by a few icy beverages on the boundary.

The Team was: – Richard Clark 0, Tom Robertson 5, Scott Williams 8,Mitch Hetherington (w) 4, Brett Favell 1, Martin Speiser 4, Sam Skoulis 2, Soren Hughes 34*, Mick Tarrant 0. Jim Hadley 44* (c) and Mark Henwood dnb

The Result was:-

Beavers: – 10-116 (30 overs)

Lost to

C.C.N.S.W.: – 8-117 (J. Hadley 44*; S. Hughes 34*)   (32 overs)

By 2 wickets

FoW: – 1–5 (T. Robertson); 2- 6 (R. Clark); 3-18 (S. Williams); 4- 19 (B. Favell); 5-25 (M. Hetherington); 6-25 (M. Speiser); 7- 29 (S. Skoulis); 8-35 (M. Tarrant).

The Bowling was: -S.  Hughes 5-0-18-1; S. Williams 4-11-0 M Tarrant 6-1-10-2; S. Skoulis 2-1-10-1, R. Clark 4-0-21-1, M. Speiser 4-0-21-2, M Henwood 5-0-24-1;

The Fielding was: –

Stumping: – Nil

Catches: –   2 to M. Tarrant and one to both R. Clark and S. Skoulis

Run outs: – One to M. Hetherington

 Player Points: – 3 points to M. Tarrant; 2 points to S. Hughes; One point to M. Speiser.

MASTERS ROUND 10  v RYDE HUNTERS HILL AT BORONIA PARK, HUNTERS HILL ON SUNDAY 8  MARCH 2020:

Game cancelled by rain

VINTAGE ROUND 6  v GEORGES RIVER  AT BLAND OVAL, RIVERWOOD   ON SUNDAY 8 MARCH 2020:

Game cancelled by rain

C&S  JACK PACE ROUND 5 v SYDNEY UNIVERSITY LIONS AT CAMPERDOWN OVAL, CAMPERDOWN ON SATURDAY 14 DECEMBER 2019: REPORT BY SOREN HUGHES

For us, it was a chance to stroll through the ordinary Jack Pace Shield rounds undefeated. For them, it was a must win, do or die contest against their old foe and sworn enemy, Cricketers’ Club of NSW.

Sydney University Cricket was proud to announce the introduction of the Sydney Uni Lions to its pride for the 2017-18 season, a rebranding of the Sydney University Veterans. The Lions would closen ties to its Grade club and maybe even give those Metro Cup kids a second game against some old blokes like Peter Buruma (how’s the hammy mate?) and an unnamed pensioner who taps on with a gold card on his way to the game these days.

The Lions were however to be a ‘social’ team competing in the City & Suburban competition for 2017-18 and provide students with a fun and flexible cricket experience, whilst connecting with a vast network of its Alumni who play for C.C.N.S.W. and enjoy afteroons spent spanking balls around Camperdown as a new forms of “pure maths”, “cricket laws” or “advocacy by sledging”.

We won the toss and batted. Curtis Murray looked the part with a solid on-drive but chipped one to mid-off. 1 for 5. Simon James joined Tom Robertson and made sure of every opportunity to run Tom out by reply. At one point, the keeper fumbled one at the stumps with Tom halfway down and the partnership grew with a number of well struck boundaries to 2 for 91 at drinks. Tom (on 30) edged one to the keeper and Mr Paul Nash (18) was a suitable replacement until a fielder on the fence saved a six on the fence off Paul Moorhouse. 

Simon eventually missed a straight one on 51, leaving Sam Millar to do some damage. 6, dot or 4 was the order of business and a quick 42 from 23 balls was ended by yet another catch on the boundary. The new Robertson (Ed), looked to be building a good innings however a mishit on 17 led to his demise, caught, and left Soren Hughes and Jim Hadley to scrap it out over the last three overs. It was a victory for Jim on a count back, having connected more often. 6 for 225 meant time for the best (and only) tea in City and Suburban.

The Lions were well fed at tea so as not to take issue with the same bowler opening from both ends. He must been tired after 10 overs straight but we’re all still wondering if it was Ed or Ian Robertson. Edwian? Well bowled either way, with figures of 2 for 46 from 10.

Not much has happening with the bat for the Lions who were 3-75 at the interval thanks to a wicket from Mr Nash. He and Jim Hadley tied them in knots for a while before Tim Croft decided the Lions’ JPS existence could still be recovered and so he started to hit the boundary. Taking singles on nearly every ball, we put Edwian back in the game with a couple of run outs in succession.  Edwian’s father hit the stumps in the field at the expense of Paul Moorhouse and Mark Henwood also picked up a couple of wickets. With Mr Croft gone and not too much hitting left in the bag, the Lions crawled along to the end until we finished their JPS dreams with a last ball wicket.

So it’s a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all and let’s hope we all get through bushfire season without incident. Enjoy the break lads. Solid start to the season. 

The Team was: Curtis Murray (w) 4, Tom Robertson 30, S. James (c) 51, Paul Nash 18, Sam Millar 42, Ed Robertson 17, S. Hughes 19*, Jim Hadley 20*, Jed Wesley-Smith dnb, M. Henwood dnb, Ian Robertson dnb.

The Result was:-

CCNSW: 6-225 (S. James 51, S. Millar 42)  (35 overs)

Defeated

Sydney University Lions: 10-205 (35 overs)

By 20 runs.

FoWs: – 1-5 (Murray); 2-77 (T. Robertson); 3-108 (Nash); 4-139 (James); 5-184 (Millar); 6-195 (E. Robertson).

The Bowling was: – I. Robertson 7-0-40-3; E. Robertson 7-1-37-0; P. Nash 7-1-23-1; J. Hadley 6-0-29-1; J. Wesley-Smith 2-0-17-0; S. James 2-0-13-1; S. Hughes 2-0-16-0; M. Henwood 2-0-24-2.

The Fielding was: –

Run-outs: T. Robertson 2, I. Robertson 1

Catches: C. Murray (w) 2, S. James 1, J. Hadley 1

Stumping: C. Murray 1

Player Points: – 3 to Ian Robertson; 2 to S. Millar; One to Edward Robertson

SOCIAL vs XXIX, AT BRADMAN OVAL, 15 DECEMBER 2019: REPORT BY SOREN HUGHES

Bradman Oval is the proverbial jewel in the crown for Bowral, a high point of tourism and cricket anthropology. According to the colony, the land formed part of Governor Thomas Brisbane’s original land grant of 2,400 acres in June 1823 to John Oxley, Surveyor. His son gave it to The United Church of England and Ireland, who promptly renamed it ‘Glebe Park’ and cricket commenced in 1891.

Lord Sheffield brought an English team captained by Dr W.G. Grace whom soundly defeated the  Twenty Four of Boural, all out for 46. The locals invented Don Bradman to return the lashing and eventually some statues of him and the museum et al, and in 1947 that the ground was formally marked as Bradman Oval.

The pitch is international standard is one of the most sought after playing grounds in Australia. For the club, it was an opportunity to take some 4 by 2 planks to the MCG “Mexicans” and make good a couple of close losses in recent memory. 

Losing the toss and being sent in to bowl, the XXIX team had erred in realising this was actually to Tom’s liking and probably a disadvantage to them given the haze of bushfires nearby impairing general visibility. The pitch was also dry and reminiscent of the now usual Camperdown wicket. 

Stu Ridge and Mr Knox opened for us, with some quality ball polishing locking in a good dose of swing bowling, Stu impeccable with 0 for 10 from 5 overs and Mr Knox impossible to get away with 8 overs 1 for 19. Brett James replaced Stu at one end, starting with a first ball bowled and another wicket fourth ball. A strong bowling partnership between Brett and President Brooks lasted until after drinks with only the occasional strike getting away from the fielders and Brooks picking up another batsman via a diving catch. 3 for 68 at drinks was a clear win in the contest for us and became a significant advantage.

The Melbournians had lay quiet in consolidating their way back into the game from 3 for 28. The next session would require more ambition. We too had tired a little and relaxed our fielding standards somewhat. While it was hot and the smoke had also cleared a little, there was still no explanation for Soren’s shirt shrinking 3 sizes after drinks. He looked a little like the Marshmallow Man in his 13 year old son’s playing shirt but alas, we digress.

XXIX ambition soon arrived in the form of Curtain and initially Brown (bowled by Brooks) then Stein who took a liking to Henshaw (aka Henwood) and Hughes (whose wardrobe stylist made his plump stomach seen upon each delivery) and scored 9 per over. Stu came back on for a bit, returned with interest, and they had set 207, Curtain with 104* to take back over the border.

From here it seemed smooth sailing. We rated it a 250 par score on a plush outfield, low and slow pitch and beautiful batting conditions on an international ICC accredited ground. Brando and Curtis opened up. Curtis was solid, evident from his first on-drive which seemed enough for the XXIX’s to move “Lightning Man” to straight on and save about 30 runs. Brandon was seeming them well but for some reason was hitting them directly at each of the fielders in succession. We had made a sliwish but positive start but lost Brando and Curtis shortly before drinks at 2/73. 

From here Simon and Tom were called to appear and the rest of us would be invited to watch a somewhat chanceless partnership that took us over the line with some ease. Both batsmen looked comfortable and assured of an imminent victory and the ball was hit to all parts of the ground. Some highlights were Simon nearly enacting revenge on Tom for running him out the week prior, Tom’s confidence on legside, Brett James and Soren (now struggling to breathe in his ever shrinking shirt) sitting on the sideline next in hoping Simon and Tom would run each other out and the elation and pure happiness on Mr Brooks’ face when we drew level with about 5 overs to spare.

We spent the next 40 mins enjoying the sunlight and some cold beverages in the Bradman Library discussing whether the XXIX’s would host us at the MCG next year, how difficult it would be for them to beat us again and how well we played. Mr Brooks and some of the lads then continued the conversation late into the night at the Imperial Hotel and we were all better off for the experience. Well done lads, a good victory.

The Team was: P. Brandon 9, C. Murray 44, T. Robertson 71*, S. James 54*, B. James, S. Hughes, G. Brooks, G. Mortell, M. Henwood, S. Ridge, M. Knox.

The Result was:-

XXIX: 5-207 in 40 overs (M. Curtain 104*, M. Stein 44*)

Lost to

CCNSW: 2-208 in 35 overs (T. Robertson 71*, S. James 54*)

By 8 wickets.

FoWs: – 1-42 (Brandon); 2-61 (Murray).

The Bowling was: – S. Ridge 8-1-40-0; M. Knox 8-3-19-1; B. James 8-0-39-2; G. Brooks 8-0-33-2; S. Hughes 5-0-49-0; M. Henwood 3-0-26-0.

The Fielding was: –

Catches: S. Hughes 1, M. Henwood 1

Player Points:- T.B.A.

MASTERS ROUND 6 v  GEORGES RIVER  AT BLAND OVAL, RIVERWOOD ON SUNDAY 15 DECEMBER 2019: REPORT BY MIKE WEAVER

A decimated C.C.N.S.W. Masters side  suffered their second humiliating defeat of the season, this time on their travels to Riverwood to meet Georges River.

Coupled with the late overnight withdrawal of Andrew Dadswell due to family matters, C.C.N.S.W. could only manage to field 9 players. This thanks to some last minute recruiting work by David Craig to obtain Sam Skoulis, formerly of Cronulla Seagulls and rushed to the ground via ‘Uber’ transportation. 

Unable to summon any other reinforcements, which was largely due to the club having 3 fixtures scheduled on the same day, captain Mike Weaver exacerbated the situation by calling incorrectly at the coin flip. Georges River duly elected to bat first.

Responding somewhat to the Skipper’s pre-game talk that ‘this will be the greatest win in the Club’s history’, Ben ‘Buzz’ Stanic and Lee ‘ Leeroy’ Witherden opened the bowling with zest and with Georges River donating a sub fielder. Ben picked up the GR opener early, well caught at 1st slip by new chum Mike Dahl. 

One for 8, things looking positive for C.C.N.S.W.. Thereafter, things went to steady, then to bad and then to worse. 

In a period where Georges River had 5 successive retirees until the 2nd wicket fell with their score at 261, there were at least 4 easy catches put down and several mishit shots lobbed into the air ,falling in between fielders. Wicketkeeper Brett Favell struggled in the very hot, low air quality conditions. Unable to stop the several balls down leg side, and distressed when instructed to wear a helmet by the umpire  when standing up to the stumps, he was uncomfortable wearing it. Also ‘Favs’ went off the field at another point to rest a sore neck he had carried into the game. So C.C.N.S.W. had even less troops to use, to plug gaps in the field. Mike Dahl did a good job taking the gloves for a few overs until Brett returned, in a debut game for the club he may long remember. 

Lee Witherden and David Craig sent down some good deliveries without much luck. Mike Dahl acquitted himself well considering the small ground and the time he was introduced into the attack. He will have success in future games bowling his off spin when the wicket is more suitable and he is afforded more protection on a smaller ground. Craig Fletcher bowled with a good plan and unfortunately suffered as well, as C.C.N.S.W. simply didn’t have enough fielders on the day. Good effort from Craig Fletcher (‘Fletch’) in his return match, considering the circumstances. 

Mike Weaver was the sixth mandatory bowler used and the seventh, Emerson Wilshier, could only bowl one over before his shoulder gave way. Weaver, after being punished for two overs, switched himself to the other end later, to produce some reasonably effective death bowling. 

David Craig came back well also to ‘jag’ two late wickets, which were well deserved. 

But by far and away the best bowler on the day for C.C.N.S.W. was Ben Stanic. For the first time for the club, he completed the individual maximum of 9 overs and there was only one wayward set amongst this. In his return spell, at ‘the death’, he picked up a very good wicket with a yorker and kept the runs down. Georges River were 4-316 at the close of their 40 overs and it could have been worse if not for the ‘never give up’ attitude of Ben. He is a player of immense promise in Masters and will continue to improve with regular nets training. 

Facing a monumental task with only nine batsmen and with ‘keeper Favell requesting to be number 9 due to fatigue/stress/sore eyes, Mike Weaver and Emerson Wilshier opened up with a resolve to be positive and keep up with the required run rate of 8 runs per over. Emerson struck a couple of nice shots before skying a catch to deep mid-on after attempting to smash the ball up onto the outside motorway. Mike Dahl, in at number 3, received a long hop early which he unfortunately hit straight to square leg to be well caught for no score. 

Lee Witherden and Weaver then looked good to put on a nice partnership only for ‘Weaves’ to mistime a pull shot to be caught for 17. Lee top scored with 21 and Ben Stanic played a useful innings of 17 runs. Both players cracked three 4s each in a fighting effort. In between their occupation of the crease, Craig Fletcher was unfortunately bowled off his pads for a duck and David Craig run out with just one run to his name. At the end it was a stodgy performance by Sam Skoulis who was the final wicket to fall. Sam displayed great determination in his first cricket match for 10 years. Brett Favell remained nought not out, facing just one over.

The final score of just 75 runs was a reflection of the terrible conditions that had prevailed. It was a very bad toss to lose under the sweltering, ‘ fire smoko’ conditions and C.C.N.S.W. simply did not have the energy to mount any realistic challenge batting second, with such a large target runs required and with two players down. 

With more players available to select from, the new year of 2020, for C.C.N.S.W, promises plenty.

The Team was (9 players): Mike Weaver (c) 17, Emerson Wilshier 5, Mike Dahl 0, Lee Witherden 21, Craig Fletcher 0, David Craig 1, Ben Stanic 17, Sam Skoulis 6, Brett  Favell 0*.

The Result was:-

Georges River: 4-316 (40 overs)

Defeated

C.C.N.S.W.: all out 8-75 (26.2 overs)

By 231 runs.

FoWs: – 1-22 (E. Wilshier); 2-23 (M. Dahl); 3-28 (M. Weaver), 4-28 (C. Fletcher); 5-34 (D. Craig); 6-56 (L, Witherden); 7-74 (B. Stanic); 8-75 (S. Skoulis).

The Bowling was: L. Witherden 9-0-53-0; B. Stanic 9-1-48-2; C. Fletcher 6-0-49-0; D. Craig 6-0-52-2; M. Dahl 4-0-53-0; M. Weaver 5-0-41-0; E. Wilshier 1-0-13-0.

The Fielding was:

Stumpings: Nil

Catches: Nil

Run outs:  Nil

Player Points: – Three points to B. Stanic; Two points to D.Craig; One point to L. Witherden

VINTAGE  ROUND 3 v LINDFIELD AT CAMPERDOWN OVAL, CAMPERDOWN ON SUNDAY 15 DECEMBER 2019:REPORT BY PETER ROLLS  

Crashing back to earth in the third round with our first loss!

Well done Garry Winney for getting the team on the park with thanks for help from John Parker, an import from Georges River. A 27°C sunny/cloudy day with smoke around from the bush fires. Lindfield won the toss and decided to bowl on what looked like a grassy but true wicket. But turned out to be a bit slow and a bit of seam.

C.C.N.S.W. innings:

The cricket gods failed to smile on us this day.Sittampalam Ragavan (“Raga”) was unlucky to be caught down the leg side off the third ball of the day. Credit to Billy the wicket keeper who did brilliantly for a mid sixty year old to take a diving catch. Ross Dalgleish was LBW to a ball that was angling down the leg side. Jim  Robson had a freakish slower ball from Paul Adams that pitched a foot outside off stump and came back to take the top of off. Peter Rolls was caught at first slip by an overhead fully outstretched one handed catch by Michael Collins.

Accurate bowling by Lindfield saw John Mesar bowled and Joe  Scarcella caught trying to force the pace. Garry Winney was looking good until stumped. John Parker was run out by a mix up with Jay Patel . Paul Georgiadis was LBW after a flurry and Jay Patel top scoring with quick running andwas the  last man out with a couple of overs to go. Our only hope was to get early wickets and bowl them out.

Lindfield innings:

A very exciting start with John Mesar hitting middle stump with his very first ball and finishing the over with a wicket-maiden.  Paul  Georgiadis followed John’s great start with bowling the other opener with his 3^rd ball. 2 for 4.

Then on comes Raga and strikes with his first ball bowling their number 3 but by then their total was 37 and less than 50 to get.Jim Robson tried to weave his spinning magic but Ron Ness was up to the task and retires at 30 and they look home and hosed

Jay Patel bowled tight and got the fourth wicket after John Parker asked Ian Iveson to “Have a go”! which he did next ball but missed it and was clean bowled.

John Parker had one economical over before the next over by Jay and theythey made the required runs. Lindfield won with 19 overs to spare so at least we had enough time after the game to have a leisurely drink and a good sporting chat. The reason we play the game at this age in the first place.

The Team was (playing 11): –  Sittampalam Ragavan 0, Ross Dalgleish 2 , Peter Rolls 11(c),  Jim Robson 6, Joe Scarcella 8, John Mesar 10, Garry Winney 12, Jay Patel 18, John Parker 7, Paul Georgiadis 8, David Wright 1*.

The Result was: –

C.C.N.S.W:  10-84 (Patel 18) (37.4 overs)

Lost to

Lindfield:  4-85 (21.1 overs)

By 6 wickets

FoW: – 1- 0 (S. Ragavan); 2-11 (R. Dalgleish); 3-19 (J. Robson); 4-25 (P. Rolls); 5-38 (J. Mesar); 6-38 (J. Scarcella); 7-58 (G. Winney); 8-73 (J. Parker); 9-83 (P. Georgiadis); 10-84 (J. Patel).

The Bowling was: -J.  Mesar 4-1-20-1; P. Georgiadis 4-0-14-1; J. Scarcella 3-0-11-0, S. Ragavan 3-0-8-1, J. Robson 3-0-12-0, J. Patel 3.1-1-14-1; J. Parker 1-0-2-0

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: Nil

Catches:  Nil

Run outs:  Nil

Player Points: – Three points to J. Patel; Two points to G. Winney; One point to J. Mesar

Umpire: Juris Turmanis

LMS T20 (8-a-SIDE) EASTERN SYDNEY MIDWEEK DIVISION 2  ROUND 4 v THE DUM BUSHIES AT MP5, ROBERTSON ROAD, MOORE PARK ON WEDNESDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2019: 

The Team was: –  Jim Hadley 87*; Mark Richardson 5; Wade Butler 0; Craig Fordham 12; Ben Bloore 14; Jayantha Perera 4; Andrew Percy 9 and Patrick Scott 3

The Result was:-

The Dum Bushies: 1-207 (20 overs)

Defeated

C.C.N.S.W.:  7-144 (J Hadley 87*) (20 overs)

By 63  runs

The Bowling was: – J. Hadley 3-0-27-0; W. Butler 3-0-25-0; C. Fordham 3-0-45-0; B. Bloore 4-0-45-0; J. Perera 4-0-35-0 and P. Scott 3-0-27-0

Fielding: One catch to J. Perera

C&S vs RANGERS, AT BIRCHGROVE OVAL, 1 DECEMBER 2019: REPORT BY MARK HENWOOD

There are only three sports: mountain climbing, bull fighting, and motor racing. All the rest are merely games, except cricket which is art. Cricketers are all apprentices in an art where no one ever becomes a master.

Birchgrove Oval itself is art. The first cricket field here was reclaimed from the harbour in 1885, and was home to the Sydney Cricket Club from 1897-1942. The field sits over ancient mudflats, where shellfish grew to feed the Eora nation for some 10,000 years, before colonialism and smallpox. Weathered stone seawalls poke through the soil, faintly marking the buried outline of Snail’s Bay, grown old in their easy retirement.

Walk past the old caretaker’s house and changing shed, to the path just below the old site of Birchgrove house, for a view of the harbour bridge past the wharves and sailboats. There was no bridge when Lieutenant John Birch named his home Birchgrove. The humble stone dwelling sat on the hill for 150 years before it was pulled down in 1967 and replaced by a dozen soulless moderns fighting for his view.

The day was overcast with gusty winds blowing off the harbour. It was one of those days that was pleasant enough when the sun shone, but when clouds hid the sun the wind was cool. Simon James, skipper, won the toss and decided to bat. It wasn’t a long deliberation; everyone could see it was a road. Tapping the pitch made a sound like knocking the hardwood top of a well-polished bar and the sunburnt shoots of grass grazed your knuckles.

Hearing this news, Pete Buruma laid out on the grass, rolling on his balls, the kind you put under your back to massage yourself with. He complained about working Saturdays, and in a little while he fell asleep with his cap over his eyes. Jed Wesley-Smith’s new bat was passed around: the grain, the weight, the feel, all drew nods and knowing comments. Eventually, Curtis Murray tied up the long laces of his shiny new boots into long loops, and the game began.

Tom Robertson was dropped by the keep on the first delivery. It shook him a little, and he played test for the next few overs. Meanwhile, Murray was playing straight, and striking some elegant fours down the ground. You could see those new boots glistening in the sunlight as he batted. Art.

An appeal broke over the rustle of the wind through the trees. Wesley-Smith raised the finger, Robertson out caught in gully. To everyone round about it looked a bump-ball. Tragedy. That’s cricket though, anyone of us is only one ball away from a rough call. Use it next week Tom against Knox. 1-28 in the 5th.

James joined Murray at the crease for a quality partnership of 58 runs from 10. Both worked the ball around the field. The outfield was lightning fast so anything past the fielder raced away. Drinks was coming along nicely. Murray struck a particularly fine 4 off the leggie, tried again, and was caught at long-on. A crow cawed moodily, turning his head to survey the field below him, from the roof of the changing shed. 2-86 in the 15th.

Paul Nash joined James at the crease. He was in a boundary striking mood. 4,4,4,4,6, out! Caught in the deep off the leggie too. Jim Hadley followed suit off a full toss by the part-timer not long after. It sounded sweet and crisp off the bat though. 4-126 in the 24th.

Soren Hughes walked out in his new helmet, safety first, swinging his weighty old blade. His first ball was struck sweetly for a 4. It was a sign of what was to come. Together with James the scoring rate lifted, and boundaries were flying all around the ground. Suddenly Hughes was bowled. The opposition skipper had been yelling instructions and trying to set his field, so called him back and the umpire signalled dead ball. Sportsmanship.

James edged a tired shot outside off behind with a couple of overs to go. So Buruma joined Hughes for a brief cameo of well-run 2s and 3s. Hughes then unleashed on the final over in a powerful display of hitting. One 6 landed up near the tennis courts and set off a kookaburra laughing. We all sat on the hill near the changing shed grinning as the over went for 18. That made 98 runs off the final 10. Wesley-Smith will have to wait to test his new bat. 5-233 after 35.

No tea was provided by the hosts, so little camaraderie took place between the sides at the break. Instead, both teams rested in the gloomy coolness of the changing rooms. The skip said we probably left 20 odd runs on the field. It’s his style; all stick and no carrot.

Nash and Buruma opened the bowling. The first few overs went by in a chanceless fury of boundaries. Heads went down, though if we could win from here, we could win from anywhere. Buruma pulled up lame. The world breaks everyone sometime. James finished his over. Short and wide, cut to Crooks at point. 1-32 in the 8th.

Greg Brooks came on to replace Nash. Cricketers don’t grow wise, they grow careful. Brooks was careful. After picking up a leg side caught behind, and noticing how easily the batsmen were flicking 4s through fine leg, he bowled outside off to much better effect. (President Brooks wants to make it clear that this was an off side caught behind, but that runs against the narrative). Wesley-Smith bowled tidily from the tennis court end. Dot balls came more frequently, the required run rate started to go up again, and pressure built on the Rangers. Despite a couple of missed chances, the match was turning. Drinks, 2-78 after 18.

The pressure told; Wesley-Smith drew a slog that top-edged to mid-on. The spinners came on. Hadley picked up an LBW. At the other end, Mark Henwood was struggling to find his length. Scores were shouted out, “80 needed off 5”. The batsman decided to go for it and ran down the pitch and missed a wide one. Murray flicked the bails off with a full arm stretch. It’s good to be lucky, but it’s better to be disciplined, then you’re ready when luck comes. The match was all but over, drifting towards a CCNSW win. Up on the hill a red setter bayed and howled in anguish. 5-151 in the 30th.

Hadley had a good LBW shout turned down. It looked plumb from mid-on. Cricket. The opener bought up his 100 by hitting Henwood out of the attack. We all take a beating every day, you know, one way or another. The openers had been a selfish and relentless innings, punctuated by some quality off-drives and flicks to backward square. Next over James, now bowling spin, beat a dirty slog to cow. Bowled. Hadley calmly finished off the match, defending the total. 6-201 after 35. CCNSW win by 32 runs.

Balmain has more pubs than people, everyone knows that, so it was strange there were no beverages on hand. Instead of celebrating the win, Skipper James gave a speech. The fielding had been sluggish and there were too many pastries on offer from the bowlers. There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. There will be tougher matches coming up this season, we will need to improve.

With that the players drifted into the late Sunday afternoon. This is a hell of a dull match report… How about some champagne?

In the style of Ernest Hemingway, Ian Henshaw.

The Team was: Tom Robertson 12, Curtis Murray 41, Simon James 61, Paul Nash 22, Jim Hadley 8, Soren Hughes 68*, Pete Buruma 2*, Greg Brooks, Jed Wesley-Smith, Mark Henwood, Peter Crooks.

The Result was:-

CCNSW: 5-233 in 35 overs (Simon James 61, Soren Hughes 68*)

Defeated

Rangers:  6-201 in 35 overs (Flaherty 116*)

By  32 runs.

FoWs: – 1-28 (Robertson); 2-86 (Murray); 3-116 (Nash); 4-126 (Hadley); 5-200 (James).

The Bowling was: – Paul Nash 4-0-23-0; Pete Buruma 2.1-0-12-0; Simon James 4.5-0-23-2; Greg Brooks 7-1-19-1; Jed Wesley-Smith 6-1-30-1; Peter Crooks 2-0-17-0; Mark Henwood 4-0-41-1; Jim Hadley 5-0-35-1.

The Fielding was: –

Catches: Crooks 1, Murray 1, Hughes 1

Stumpings: Murray 1

Player Points:- T.B.A.

MASTERS ROUND 5 v  WARRINGAH  AT CAMPERDOWN OVAL, CAMPERDOWN ON SUNDAY 1 DECEMBER 2019: REPORT BY MIKE WEAVER

The C.C.N.S.W. Masters side has surprisingly suffered another loss at home last Sunday 1 December 2019, this time to a very well organised Warringah side.

A reshuffled C.C.N.S.W. team took the field at Camperdown after the late withdrawal of Ian Allmey, while Mick Tarrant was also a delayed attendee on the day.  And the ‘Queensland Connection’ – Jono Shaw and Craig Fletcher – had earlier in the week succumbed to influenza and could not be available.

Fortunately C.C.N.S.W. were able to call on the services of UK tourist, Dallas McDermott, and over 50s specialist Mike Pinter to make up the full line up. Both players gave their all in what was an honest performance by the team. For various parts of the game C.C.N.S.W. gained ascendancy but were thwarted by a very determined and talented opposition. 

Captain Michael Weaver took a gamble by inserting the opposition to bat first on a particularly green wicket. The decision looked to be correct as a fresh Brett James commenced bowling with excellent rhythm, moving the ball considerably both ways and with decent carry to ‘keeper Favell. 

A few plays and misses with the ball being too good for the bat and a dropped catch saw Brett finish an excellent 9 over spell with just the one wicket. He did effect the first wicket of the match though, with an excellent throw on the run  from fine leg. It saw the unfortunate Warringah opener O’Connor stranded after being sent back by his partner who has initially called for two runs. After this early breakthrough, Captain Mick Weaver probably erred by not setting a more attacking field – short cover to go with the two slips ,etc. Although this goes the benefit of hindsight. 

The Warringah batsmen worked hard and despite two wickets from Lee Witherden, one a splendid caught and bowled, and some initial accurate bowling by Dallas McDermott,  persevered to  get themselves into a reasonable position at 3-90 off 20 overs. 

For the final 20 overs, despite taking regular wickets, C.C.N.S.W. were not able to stem the flow of runs. Ben Stanic, Luke Holman, Mick Tarrant and Stuart Ridge all had their moments but at other times were thrashed around the park. Luke received the appropriate accolades for dismissing the Warringah captain for a second ball duck and Mick Tarrant picked up a wicket in his 2nd and 5th overs before a final onslaught against him. Stu did well to collect a wicket at the death in his return spell after an accurate wicket-less stint at the start of the innings. 

Emerson Wilshire’s shoulder gave way in his only over and the set was effectively completed by his skipper. A fielding highlight for C.C.N.S.W. was Benn Stanic’s direct hit run out from mid wicket. 

The final 5 overs yielded 58 runs though  C.C.N.S.W. were not able to close the innings off after the 8th wicket fell. Only 4 boundary riders were set during this period. There are no restrictions on field settings in the Sydney Masters Competition, and perhaps this could be looked at in the future by the organising administration. As I believe no more than 4 or 5 is a fair amount. 

Despite the early loss of opener Weaver, who continues his lean trot, C.C.N.S.W. were given a strong start in the run chase by Emerson Wilshier and Scott Wells. Unfortunately Scott was dismissed lbw just 1 short of the 40 retirement mark in the 19th over. So instead of being only one wicket down at the drinks break, CCNSW were 2-95 after 20, a similar position to their opponents at the same stage. 

Emerson Wilshier performed admirably in playing the pace bowlers confidently, producing several strong drives and pulls in his 42* retired. Mike Pinter gene the innings together to prevent  the fall of further wickets with a well made 27 runs. Brett Favell was looking like it was his day after smiting the Warringah finger spinner over the far cover boundary, before he was unfortunately caught at mid-on off the same  bowler, succumbing to a change of pace. C.C.N.S.W. were still looking  a chance when Brett James was joined by Lee Witherden. However an unfortunate mix up saw Lee run out at the bowler’s end before he could inflict any damage. 

This was probably the telling wicket. From there on it was all Warringah as they tightened the screws with defensive fields, using more boundary riders than C.C.N.S.W. had implemented in the first stanza of play. Brett made a solid 35 runs before bowled trying to address the ever increasing required run rate dilemma that had developed. Luke Holman was run out and Ben Stanic bowled, both cheaply, trying to do the same. 

With C.C.N.S.W. 8 wickets down, 22 an over required and Warringah urging themselves to get full bonus points for taking all ten wickets, Dallas McDermott and Mick Tarrant combined to spoil that for the visitors, shutting up shop to prevent any further dismissals. Both players look to be well suited to test cricket, displaying sound defence and smart ‘leaves’.

Well done to Warringah and for C.C.N.S.W., it was back to the drawing board and the search to find a winning combination of players and an improvised selection situation, in so far as player availability is concerned.

The Team was: Mike Weaver (c) 1, Emerson Wilshier 42* ret., Scott Wells 39, Mike Pinter 27, Brett Favell (w) 12, Brett James 35, Lee Witherden 1, Luke Holman 1, Ben Stanic 5, Dallas McDermott 8*, M.ike Tarrant 5*.

The Result was:

Warringah: 9-262 (40 overs)

Defeated

C.C.N.S.W.:  8-182 (E. Wilshier 42*; S. Wells 39) (40 overs)

By 80 runs.

FoWs: – 1-1 (M. Weaver); 2-92 (S. Wells); 3-109 (B. Favell); 4-144 (M. Pinter); 5-147 (L. Witherden), 6-149 (L. Holman), 7-167 (B. James), 8-169 (B. Stanic).

The Bowling was: – S. Ridge 9-1-41-1; B. James 9-1-44-1; L. Witherden 5-0-44-2; D. McDermott 4-1-22-0; B. Stanic 2-0-14-0; L. Holman 4-0-30-1; M. Tarrant 5-0-50-2; E. Wilshier 0.3-0-10-0.M. Weaver 0.3- 0-0-0

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: Nil

Catches: One catch to both L Holman and L. Witherden

Run outs: B. James/B. Favell 1, B. Stanic 1

Player Points: – Three points to B. James; Two points to E. Wilshier; One point to S. Wells