Category Archives: Masters

C&S, Masters, Vintage

WEEK TWENTY THREE: SATURDAY 11- SUNDAY 12 MARCH 2023

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C&S ROUND 16 v PADDINGTON AT CAMPERDOWN OVAL, CAMPERDOWN ON SATURDAY 1 1 MARCH 2023: REPORT BY SOREN HUGHES

Last season when  we played Paddington, or perhaps each time, our batsmen are excited at the prospect of scoring a bunch of runs and the bowlers keen to rack up a few wickets for not many runs and bowling them out cheaply.  It is always ‘a win the toss and bat’ situation and Jamie Murtha- captain on the day-  did not disappoint by winning the toss. Notably the author missed all of this and turned up 40 minutes late thanks to the increasingly unreliable Sydney train services. On arrival someone appeared to have taken over Tom Robertson’s soul and was able to easily flick balls off his legs behind square with confidence. I was informed this had occurred since the start of play and he was 50 odd after 7 overs. Unfortunately that display was soon over with the Tom and Gerry show coming to a close after a century opening partnership with Tom on 79 and Gerry O’Shea  out not long after for 38 (and a near impenetrable defense). Harry Bridge missed out but Declan Thomas (24), Matt Leong (17) and  Sumeet Kudal (30) chipped in with runs. Despite a rather lack-lustre last 3 overs, we made it to 201 from the 35 and most had an opportunity to bat.

Jamie Murtha and Matt Edge opened the bowling for us and Paddington were mostly tied down despite their apparent intent to chase us down. Both Jamie and Matt picked up 2 wickets each for 29  runs after 7 overs  straight by each of them. Soren Hughes and Ed Robertson were first change and after 3 or 4 good overs and a wicket each, a couple of young Paddington batters with ambition took after them, sadly right after one had been  dropped at mid on. Soren won the prize, going for 16 in an over and Ed going for  15. A change of bowlers was required and the slow off spin of Adam Khamis and leg spin of Sumeet Kudal clogged them up and cleaned up whatever was left. Paddington all out for 155 after 30.5 overs. Good on them for coming to Camperdown on a Saturday given the reluctance of so many C&S sides to commit to Saturday games.

Kudos to Sumeet Kudal who has now picked up 6 wickets at an average of 10 and scored 30 runs in one innings in his first two games for CCNSW. 

The Team was: – Tom Robertson 79, Gerald O’Shea 38 , Harry Bridge 0,  Sumeet Kudal 30, Matt Leong (w) 17, Declan Thomas (w) 24, Soren Hughes 7*, Ed Robertson 2, Adam Khamis 0, Jamie  Murtha dnb, Matthew Edge dnb

The Result was: –

C.C.N.S.W.: – 8-201 (35 overs) (T. Robertson 79; G. O’Shea 38)

Defeated

Paddington CC (playing 10): – All out 155 (30.5 overs)

By 46 runs

FoW: – 1-107 (T. Robertson); 2-107 (H. Bridge); 3-125 (G. O’Shea); 4- 168 (M. Leong). 5-185 (S. Kudal); 6-196 (D. Thomas ); 7-201 (E. Robertson); 8-201 (A. Khamis).

The Bowling was: – J. Murtha 7-0-29-2; M. Edge 7-2-29-2; S. Hughes 5-1-30-1, E. Robertson 4-0-28-1; A. Khamis 4-0-14-1; S. Kudal 3.5-0-21-2

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: – One to M. Leong

Catches: – Two to M. Leong (w)

Run outs: – Nil

Player points (awarded by captain): – 3 points to T. Robertson; 2 points to G. O’Shea; one point to M. Edge

MASTERS ROUND 11  v RYDE/HUNTERS HILL ‘PIRATES’ AT BORONIA PARK, RYDE ON SUNDAY 12 MARCH 2023: REPORT BY ANDREW DADSWELL

Round 11 saw CCNSW and Ryde Pirates play off for sixth   spot on the ladder. The word on the street suggested Boronia Park would be a tricky wicket and with that in mind the captain won the toss and batted first because, well, why not…Match highlight here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEdh9X18K9E  

Showing boundless versatility, David Craig was promoted to open the batting and took to the task with zest. In perhaps his last game of Masters – surely not, but it seems the Vintage crew have him on their recruitment list for 2023-24 – David looked solid in defence before his bat grew a few inches and he went big to a ball that popped off a length to be caught behind. This foreshadowed how the pitch would play for the next few hours.

With David Craig dismissed, the other opener Rob Lawther went about his work with some nicely timed cut shots and some trademark pulls to the boundary. In one over he advanced to the spinner and lofted him for a thumping boundary over mid-off, but in the next he tried the same tactic only to be smartly stumped for a well-made 24 runs.

The Masters are known for their top order runs this season and much faith was placed in the likes of Dan Turner, Jason Kenn and Paul Nash who have all had excellent seasons. However, Dan Turner was adjudged lbw, Jason Kenn’s defence was broken by a slider and Paul Nash was caught out on the pull. 5 for 50 in the 11th over and it looked a little dodgy.

Enter Scott Wells.

Whilst most other batters throughout the day struggled to find their timing by virtue of the challenging conditions, Wells latched on to anything remotely full and hit a series of lofted drives for 4s and 6s to retire at 40* in no time at all.

After Dadswell came and went the momentum was maintained by gun recruit Matt Johnston. He continued his good start for the Club my amassing 38 well-made runs and extracted a heavy toll against the spinners. Matt was out to a sharp caught and bowled.

Mick Tarrant was another strong contributor and made an important 24 with support from Ben Stanic and Dave Abreu to get the total past 160. Passers-by could be forgiven for mistaking Mick for a janitor with all the sweeping he was doing.

Wells returned from retirement in the dying overs only to be run out in what might be controversial circumstances as the bowler first knocked off the bails before removing the stump with ball in hand to effect the run out, or did he?

CCNSW made 10-169 which we thought was 20 over par given the conditions. Still, we left some runs out there by being bowled out in the 37thover.

The Pirates put on sandwiches and chocolate crowns for afternoon tea which proved a hit.

In defence of our total, the early overs were dominated by accurate bowling from Ben Stanic and Tarrant, as usual. Ben has been consistently good all season and was unlucky not to get an early wicket. However, in the sixth over he got the first breakthrough, albeit via a direct hit run out from backward square. Great intent shown there.

Three balls later and Mick Tarrant found Bailey’s edge to get him out for a duck – a huge moment because the dude can bat. This wouldn’t be Mick’s last big moment in this game.

Dave Abreu came on first change and as usual bowled a mix of swingers and cutters and troubled the batters without reward whilst Matt Johnston started shakily before hitting his groove and getting three middle order wickets. Matt is tough to play and gets extra bounce which combined with some outswing is a great asset. His spell, combined with his 38 runs would earn him 3 player of the season points. But like Mick, Matt would also have a say towards the end of the match.

Dadswell and Nash bowled to their plans and kept things tight in the latter overs. Nash grabbing a wicket caught behind. With four overs to go the Pirates needed 41 runs to win. Stanic came back and bowled tight lines, getting an lbw along the way. But it was all set up for a dramatic final over.

With 23 needed off 6 balls it was surely in the bag. Mick Tarrant wasn’t too bothered at the start of the over until Grace decided to go 4,4,2 off the first three balls. Now with 13 still needed off 3 balls we were still looking solid and when Mick bowled a nice yorker that was squeezed to the leg side everyone drew a sigh of relief, that’s everyone except Matt Johnston who saw a chance for a run out and went for it. Let’s just say they scored 5 off that delivery and now needed 8 off 2 to win.

Next ball was another attempted yorker but this time Sheddan got under it and scooped it to the leg side boundary for 6! Game on. 2 to win. 1 to tie.

To have a bet each way, the skipper kept the field unchanged. The infielders were ready to pounce. The outfielders were focused. But none of them were needed. Tarrant bowled wide of the off stump and got the swing-and-miss he was after, allowing keeper Lawther to run in and take out the stumps to get the run out and the win.

So, for the Masters the season ended the way it started, with a last ball victory. We seem to know how to win the close ones, just.

The Pirates put on some beers and were great hosts. Post-match we headed to the HHH (Hunters Hill Hotel) and celebrated a successful season, winning 6 of 8 matches played. Jason Kenn gets the prize for best story at the pub.

The Team was: – Rob Lawther (w) 24, David Craig 5, Dan Turner 6, Jason Kenn 4, Paul Nash 1, Scott Wells 40,  Andrew Dadswell (c) 7, Matthew Johnston 38, Michael Tarrant 24, Benjamin Stanic 8, David Abreu 7*

The Result was: –

CCNSW 10-169: – (37 overs) (S. Wells 40; M. Johnston 38)

Defeated

Ryde/Hunters Hill Pirates: – 9-168 (40 overs)

By one run

FoW: – 1-30 (D. Craig); 2-36 (R. Lawther); 3-36 (D. Turner); 4-40 (J. Kenn); 5-50 (P. Nash); 6-98 (A. Dadswell); 7-143 (M. Johnston); 8-158 (M. Tarrant); 9-162 (B. Stanic); 10-169 (S. Wells).

The Bowling was: – B. Stanic 9-0-31-1; M. Tarrant 9-2-37-1; M. Johnston 7-0-35-3; D. Abreu 5-1-21-0; A. Dadswell 6-0-21-0; P. Nash  4-1-20-1

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: – Nil

Catches: – 4 to R. Lawther (w)

Run outs: – Three: -One to D. Turner; one to B. Stanic and one to R. Lawther (w) 

Player points (awarded by umpire): – 3 points to M. Johnston; 2 points to S. Wells; one point to M. Tarrant

See: – https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/org/sydney-masters-cricket-association/masters-summer-202223/masters/game-centre/cfaef661

VINTAGE ROUND 11 v NORTHERN STARS AT CAMPERDOWN OVAL, CAMPERDOWN ON SUNDAY 1 2 MARCH 2023

CCNSW won by forfeit and also won the Premiership; Table below

Sydney Masters Cricket Association – Sydney Vintage Over 60s

League Table 2022-2023

 
 TEAMPWLN/RBONUS POINTSPOINTS
   1CCNSW11920157.40352.4
   2Lindfield11821157.05344.0
   3Sri Lanka11830144.25339.2
   4Cyclones1173142.70307.7
   5Southern Highlands11521134.15298.1
   6Northern Stars11713  84.20264.2
   7Ashfield  DLS Old Boys11362117.00217.0
   8Hunter11252109.45209.4
   9Burwood11372103.05203.0
 10Castle Hill11380123.40191.4
 11Roseville11172  96.20178.2
 12Georges River11282  95.80155.8

SOCIAL GAME (VINTAGE DOUBLE WICKET IN LIEU OF FORFEIT FROM NORTHERN STARS FOR LAST GAME OF THE SEASON) AT CAMPERDOWN OVAL, ON SUNDAY 12 MARCH 2023 : REPORT BY PETER ROLLS 

TEAMS FOR CCNSW VINTAGE DOUBLE WICKET SUNDAY 12 MARCH 2023
Back Row: Jim Hadley, David Wilkinson (guest), Frank Baliotis, Gerard O’Shea, Graham McDonald, Ashok Peiris (guest wk/1), Ajoy Roy.
Front Row: Craig McKenzie (wk/2), Peter Rolls, Michael Carman, Paul Georgiadis.
Absent: Daniel Pellen

Even though the forfeit by Northern Stars (who could only raise 6 players) all but guaranteed us the premiership, it would have been nice to play them for the last game of the Vintage season. We received 40 points for the forfeit so it meant to beat us, second place Lindfield needed to get 278 runs in 40 overs then bowl out third place Central Coast for under 20 overs ie. a miracle needed for a win with huge bonus points…which didn’t eventuate.

So it was decided with so many keen Vintage players still eager for a game, to have a game amongst ourselves.

The Rules:

Six teams of two for a total of 12 players. Each team bats for 4 overs against another team who bowls 2 overs each. Minus 3 runs for a wicket. No LBWs. Eight fielders including the two bowlers. Next game two batsmen padded up as the two umpires. Two rounds of three games then a final if time permitting.

Perfect conditions for cricket with 24°C and a nice breeze. Camperdown oval looking its best for the season and a new pitch prepared that was dry and hard as a goats head. Even a couple dozen spectators to see us in our glory.

Thanks to Ashok Peiris who was going to fill in as keeper (against Northern Stars) for John Finucane who was in India watching the fourth and last test India v Australia (booked before our Vintage season). Ashok plays in a local Sri Lankan comp and has helped us out a couple of seasons ago (a recruit thanks to Sittampalam Ragavan (better known as ‘Raga’). Even though we had a forfeit, Ashok was still keen to play and did a fine job behind the stumps with a sharp catch and an easy stumping in this throw-the-bat competition.

Craig McKenzie (better known as “Bomber”) was a late inclusion and shared the keeping duties with Ashok. ‘Bomber ‘claimed when he got the late call the day before, that he had nightmares that night about bowling. The rules stated he would have to bowl. Not something he has done for over 30 years! These nightmares were a self-fulfilling prophecy that was to come to pass like a Lancaster squadron over Dresden.

Michael Carman (better known as “Opera”) also helped us out on late notice and sings the praises of the Vintage team for given him the opportunity to perform on the big stage of Camperdown.

David Wilkinson (Peter’s soccer mate) who has played against CCNSW C&S for Hunters Hill Pirates kicked some bowling backside with the bat but produced almost as many ball bombs as Bomber as he too is only a keeper/batsman.

Graham McDonald seized the opportunity to enjoy more social cricket with a different flavor to the Raga XI Social games he has played in previously. Also he enjoyed playing with Jim after a few nets sessions during the season with the Coogee locals.

For Jim Hadley, Frank Baliotis, Gerry O’Shea, Paul Georgiadis, Ajoy Roy and Peter Rolls it was a great to celebrate a fine season with like-minded individuals.

The Teams (selected by Peter Rolls with no correspondence entered into):

Round one:

Gerry O’Shea and  Frank Baliotis vs Jim Hadley and Graham McDonald – Jim Hadley and Graham McDonald  batted first and scored 51. Gerry O’Shea and  Frank Baliotis in reply 31 runs. Jim Hadley taking a liking to Gerry O’Shea with three 6s and Frank 1 x 6. Graham doing a fine job of turning over the strike to Jim who was having a day out with bat and ball.

Ajoy Roy and  Daniel Pellen  vs Paul Georgiadis & Craig McKenzie (“Bomber”) – Ajoy Roy  and Daniel  Pellen batted first and scored 34. Bombs away from Craig McKenzie who manage to get a few to land on the strip and even got a wicket (jubilation!). Paul Georgiadis snared 3 wickets in one over to halt the two big hitters run frenzy. Paul and Craig in reply 28 with both getting out once to make the difference in a nail biter. Daniel Pellen  showing some toe off a 14 step run up but more wayward than a Manly ferry with stalled engines. Craig McKenzie lucky to survive a beamer at his melon then another fully off his gloves onto his check. Luckily no major damage to Craig although Daniel is now having therapy for nightmares too!

Michael Carman  and  Ashok Peiris vs Peter Rolls  and  David Wilkinson – Michael Carman and Ashok Peiris batted first and scored 28. Peter Rolls and David Wilkinson in reply with 42. Michael  bowled tidily but Ashok showing more promise with the ball than Bomber with his ‘offies’ and bowled Peter Rolls with a genuine tweaker! Still not enough wickets to reel in some big hitting, especially from David Wilkinson with four boundaries including a 6.

Round two:

Gerry O’Shea and  Frank Baliotis vs Ajoy Roy and  Daniel Pellen – Gerry O’Shea and Frank Baliotis batted first and scored 17 with Ajoy’s 2 wickets halting their momentum. Ajoy Roy and  Daniel  Pellen replied with  28 and a comfortable win as no outs.

Paul Georgiadis and  Craig McKenzie vs Peter Rolls  and David Wilkinson – Paul Georgiadis and Craig McKenzie batted first and scored a respectable 40 even with 3 outs. Peter Rolls and David  Wilkinson in reply with 70 and taking a very long handle to ‘Bomber’ with 4 x 6s and 3 x 4s. Paul  Georgiadis again very miserly.

Jim Hadley and  Graham McDonald  vs Michael Carman and  Ashok Peiris – Jim Hadley  and  Graham McDonald batted first and scored 47. Michael Carman and Ashok Peiris in reply 22 and having more difficulty with the leg spin of Jim Hadley  than a ballerina on a stage covered in confetti. Graham  McDonald also hard to get away with no boundaries off his bowling or Jim’s.

So the winning teams were (2 wins apiece):

Jim Hadley  and Graham McDonald

Ajoy Roy and Daniel Pellen

Peter Rolls and David Wilkinson

Round 2 finished at 5pm so it was decided early beers was the winner. Then all the “what if’s” came into play to finish an enjoyable competition and afternoon.

Runs per player:

Jim Hadley 45+31=76, Graham McDonald 5+16=21, Gerry O’Shea 12+8=20, Frank Baliotis 16+9=25, Ajoy Roy 9+11=20, Daniel Pellen 20+12=32, Michael Carman 16+5=21, Ashok Peiris 9+11=20, Paul Georgiadis 9+11=20, Craig McKenzie 19+28=47, Peter Rolls 17+25=42, David Wilkinson 23+40=63.

C&S, LMS, Masters, Social, Vintage

WEEK TWENTY ONE : WEDNESDAY 22 FEBRUARY-THURSDAY 2  MARCH 2023

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LMS T20 (8-a-SIDE) EASTERN SYDNEY MIDWEEK DIVISION 2  ROUND 14 v ‘JOHNNY CASH MEMORIAL’ AT MP 5 ROBERTSON ROAD, MOORE  PARK ON WEDNESDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2023 

Cancelled by rain

C&S ROUND 14A v YARALLA  AT GODDARD OVAL, CONCORD ON SATURDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2023

Pitch unable to be prepared by groundsman because of rain the previous Thursday

C&S ROUND 14B v REG BARTLEY XI AT REG BARTLEY OVAL, RUSHCUTTER BAY ON SUNDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2023: REPORT BY JAMIE MURTHA

It was a stunning late February day for our match against the RBXI at their home ground in Rushcutters Bay. As you turn down Waratah Street you see the picturesque oval, lush green grass surrounded by a cream picket fence, with large trees scattered around the perimeter, a similar feeling to Camperdown. On the North side of the ground is Sydney harbour, home to hundreds of sail boats floating there in the still deep blue water.

It was a warm afternoon, as the teams got ready, the captains tossed a coin, falling against CCNSW this time and we were sent into field.

James Murtha took the new ball from the Paddington end, the conditions produce some inswing in the first over, but the assertive opener looking to capitalise on anything slightly short managed to start well getting a few runs on the board. Andy Durant took the new ball from the harbour end and delivered a quality maiden over, beating the bat a couple of times. In his second over, Murtha found his line and length removing the opener with a sharp cutter that hit the batsman in front (playing on the back foot), after a long appeal the umpires fingers went up! 1 down.

Durant kept toiling and bowled economically without luck, his bowling suited the conditions and made the batters very uncomfortable! A quick change from the Paddington, Toby Forbes too made good use of the conditions, bowling short of a length; the batters couldn’t find their timing on the back foot as Mick McGrath prevented any opportunity for runs at cover.

Henry Davis the leg spinner on debut replaced Durant and was unlucky not to take a wicket, several balls in his 3 over spell going either side or just short of the fielders. A double change at around 1-60 after 14 overs:  McGrath bowled from the harbour end and Rhys Longbottom from the Paddington end. Both produced exceptional spells. Longbottom was fast, full, and providing real problems for the batters. McGrath was superbly accurate in his spell of 6 overs 1-6, including the critical wicket setting up RBXI’s No.3 batter in his first over, getting one to nip away and take the edge, with  Declan Thomas taking a great catch with the gloves moving to his right.

With the end of the innings approaching, Aaditya Mahata, Luke Holman and Toby Forbes bowled well, creating half chances, it was a good contest, with the batters continuing to tick the scoreboard over. Longbottom returned to bowl the final over of the innings with devastating effect. 2 wickets and a run-out from cover by McGrath assisted by Thomas behind the stumps,  to restrict the score to 8-132.

— Innings Break —

As we know, anything above 130 is a tough score to chase at this ground, made tougher by being effectively one down as a result of losing previous John McDonald Medal recipient Forbes to work commitments. 
Our openers Michael Carman and James Bonkowski went out to get us underway. The opening spells were tight. Our first run didn’t come until the fourth over, ‘Bonkers’ with a tidy flick of the legs for one; unfortunately he fell only two overs later to a sharp return catch by the bowler. 6 overs 1-5.

Rhys Longbottom was positive from the outset  but was forced to run ones and twos against his natural game due to the long boundaries, Carman was solid in  defence at the other end. Longbottom’s luck ran out after being struck right in front moving across the crease for 16. 13 overs 2-32. Followed shortly after by Carman, caught for 15 and Holman caught for 1 (another excellent return catch.) 

We were reeling at 4-45. Henry Davis dug in to try and stabilise the innings, while debutant Aaditya Mahata counter attacked effectively from the other end. He too was forced to run ones and twos but did manage to hit three particularly clean fours towards the square leg boundary. The pitch unfortunately had his number when a mistimed pull shot was skied and comfortably taken, out for an attractive 30. Declan Thomas was dismissed without troubling the scorers. It took a good catch, hit hard and flat. 6-70 after 25.

Henry Davis was out for 10 trying to pick up the scoring; he got decent hold of a pull shot in front of square straight to the fielder. Durant and McGrath boxed the ball around with good intent. They put pressure back on the bowling with a quick-fire 20 run partnership. Durant felt hard done by to be adjudged lbw for 12. Perhaps he got a tickle on it? Few could corroborate his feeling on the day.

Murtha was the last batter in, and solidly negotiated the final ball of the over back down the pitch to the bowler. The equation was 21 runs to win off 12 balls, McGrath on strike loaded up for the big pull shot, which had been a feature of his innings so far, but unfortunately picked out the man right on the boundary, out for 21 and closing out the innings. Murtha stranded on 0* entertained with a tongue in cheek request to bat alone, smiles all round.

Despite the outcome a good time was had by all at the beautiful Reg Bartley oval, the game was played in excellent spirit against a good side. Post-match underneath an orange sky the teams shook hands and shared beers and recollections of the enjoyable match and the hopes for even more fixtures in the future.

The Team was: – Michael Carman 15, James Bonkowski 1, Rhys Longbottom 16, Luke Holman 1, Henry Davis 10, Aaditya Mahata 30, Declan Thomas (w) 0, Mick McGrath 21, Adam Durant 12, Jamie Murtha (c) 0* Toby Forbes absent

The Result was: 

Reg Bartley XI: – 8-134 (35 overs) (R. Longbottom 3-18)

Defeated

C.C.N.S.W.: – All out 112 (33.1 overs) (A. Mahata 30)

By 22 runs

FoW: – 1-4 (J. Bonkowski); 2- 32 (R. Longbottom); 3-38 (M. Carman); 4-43 (L. Holman).5-93 (A. Mahata); 6-93 (D. Thomas); 7-105 (H. Davis); 8-108 (A. Durant ).; 9-112 (M. McGrath); 

The Bowling was: – J. Murtha 3-0-19-1, A.  Durant 6-1-25-0, M.  McGrath 6-3-6-1, H. Davis 3-1-13-0, A.  Mahata 3-0-20-0, R. Longbottom 7-2-18-3, T.  Forbes 5-1-24-1,  L. Holman 2-0-11-1

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: – Nil

Catches: – 2 to D. Thomas (w) and one to A. Durant

Run outs: – One to M. McGrath

Player points (awarded by captain): – 3 points to M. McGrath; 2 points to R. Longbottom; one point to D. Thomas

MASTERS ROUND 10  v LINDFIELD   AT CAMPERDOWN PARK, CAMPERDOWN ON SUNDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2023: REPORT BY ROB LAWTHER

Another hot humid day at Camperdown Park. No one was looking forward to running around in the heat so Andy Dadswell winning the toss and electing to bat was well received by all. Lindfield only had 9 players (including one child filling in) so we agreed to lend them a fielder. A late withdrawal due to illness from CCNSW meant it was 10 v 10 in the field – game on. 

The opening partnership of Rob Lawther (16) and Ed Cross (14) was steady if relatively uneventful. The pitch was a bit slow with the odd ball keeping low, with batsmen wary of going on the back foot. Eventually both openers were removed lbw (both adamant it was sliding down leg, obviously), bringing Dan Turner and Paul Nash to the crease. Some solid batting brought us to 2-80 at drinks – a “solid platform” as described by the skipper.

From there Nash and Turner continued their great partnership, accelerating the scoring and each retiring at 40* in style. Dadswell had a swashbuckling innings, featuring some lovely drives over cover, finally undone being bowled for 39 going for one big shot too many. Some big hitting by Michael Johnston in the final overs saw him to a quick-fire 21* not out, and brought the team to a very respectable 5-215 off our 40 overs.

After a few too many ‘twisties’ and ‘choccy bikkies’ it was time to take the field. Ben Stanic and David Abreu opened the bowling knowing we needed a good start to apply some pressure to the Lindfield openers. They did just that, keeping the runs down and watching the required run rate slowly creep up. Abreu got one of the openers to play across the line and pinned him lbw (smashing middle, obviously). Stanic then had the perfect set up the next over – first a long hop which was smashed for four through midwicket. Then a length ball just outside off which was back-foot cover driven with ferocity to the pickets. Finally one just short of a length that didn’t get up and cannoned into the base of middle stump. Classic.

With the Lindfield openers gone and the run rate going up, some great tight bowling from Jose Poothokaren and Johnston meant Lindfield were never in the hunt. Pick of the bowlers was Poothokaren with 3-11 off 6 including a one-handed ‘speccy’ by the keeper, rob Lawther diving to take an under-edge that wouldn’t have carried to first slip. Special mention also for Johnston’s miserly spell of 1-4 off 6, including some of the best long (and lone!) lbw appeals you’ve ever hear. Eventually Lindfield limped to be all out for 74 after 32 overs.

Thanks to Lindfield for a good day of cricket played in the right spirit, and good work to the CCNSW boys on a good win.

The Team was (playing 10): – Rob Lawther (w) 16, Ed Cross 14, Dan Turner 40* ret not out, Paul Nash 41* ret not out, Sanjeet Bhandari 1, Andrew Dadswell 39, Michael Johnston 21*, Jose Poothokaren 4, David Abreu 6*, Ben Stanic dnb, Peter Constantinou dnb (absent ill)

The Result was: –

C.C.N.S.W.: – 5-215 (40 overs) (P. Nash 41* ret not out; D Turner 40* ret not out; A. Dadswell 39)

Defeated

Lindfield CC: – All out 74 (9 players) (32 overs) (J. Poothokaren 3-11)

By 141 runs

FoW: – 1-26 (E. Cross); 2-37 (R. Lawther) 3-111 (S. Bhandari); 4-191 (A. Dadswell); 5-195 (J. Poothokaren).

The Bowling was: – B. Stanic 6-1-22-1; D. Abreu 6-1-21-1; M. Johnston 6-2-4-1; J. Poothokaren 6-0-11-3, E. Cross 4-0-8-0, A. Dadswell 4-1-4-1

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: – One to R. Lawther

Catches: – One to R. Lawther (w)

Run outs: – Nil

Player points (awarded by umpire): – 3 points to A. Dadswell; 2 points to P. Nash; one point to D. Turner

See:–www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/org/sydney-masters-cricket-association/masters-summer-202223/masters/game-centre/02d9be0e

VINTAGE ROUND 9  v  CENTRAL COAST AT ROGERS PARK OVAL No 1, WOY WOY ON SUNDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2023: REPORT BY PETER ROLLS

A performance for the ages by the Prez!

A hot 32°C and humid day with plenty of sunshine and only a slight breeze. No rain in sight or forecast.

A top of the table clash with the Central Coast only a couple of points behind us and only two losses like us and two teams in third and fourth place only a few points further behind.

The pitch was well grassed but a bit soft in patches where there was no grass after 40mm rain mid-week. Phone calls were made by Central Coast reassuring us that the wicket would be ready and covered the night before but they failed to inform the groundsman. No covers but luckily no rain overnight and the groundsman had an hour to prepare. Luckily there was a game played on the same wicket on the Saturday so it did have some preparation on the Friday. Even though the wicket looked dodgier than a vindaloo left out in the sun, the groundsman said 200 runs were scored on the Saturday and with the current stifling heat and humidity the decision to bat was made after winning the toss.

It was apparent after a few overs that this was going to be a difficult wicket to bat on and we were to be told,  half way through the game by a local, that 100 runs is a good score in 40 overs and typical of many Vintage games here. CC took advantage of the seam and slow bounce by bowling on a good length and letting the ball do the work. As nothing was coming off the bat we had to work the singles and the thick kikuyu outfield meant aerial was the only way to get boundaries.

The CC fielding was sublime when Frank Baliotis (2) smashing a rare loose ball hard to mid-on and was snapped up.1-2 off 3 overs. There followed a bizarre run out of John Finucane (4) initially turning back  for a second run after his good aerial shot over mid-on but then  deciding not to go, His bat appeared to get stuck in the grass, while he was trying to slide it into the crease. 2-16 off 10 overs.

CC’s fine fielding continued with finger tips scraping the grass diving forward to get Gerry O’Shea (16) cutting a short ball that popped on him. 3-26 off 16 overs. 

Peter Rolls (10) and Greg Brooks were starting to get some momentum when Peter flicked a ball hard off his pads towards mid-wicket when the 70 yr old CC  Captain Grieg Buscombe stuck his right hand out at full stretch at short mid-wicket for it to stick. 4-50 off 25 overs.

Mick McCormick  (0) tried to go aerial too early off a ball that bounced slowly off the pitch which meant his off drive went straight up in the air and was  caught. 5-57 off 26 overs.

Greg Brooks threw his quality willow at anything slightly full or short for five boundaries including a mighty 6 and soon retired not out at 30. A much needed one in the bank with smart aerial play on this “tennis ball” bounce wicket.

Mel Lucas (0) replaced Greg and had no choice but to throw the bat as soon as he entered the fray with only 11 overs remaining in a fine show of team spirit. A good cut shot but straight to point who held it. 6-71 off 29 overs.

Ajoy Roy(4) in his first game for 12 months (after having long Covid and other health issues) looked in command until a poor umpiring decision had him caught behind hitting the ground with an attempted drive. Even Garry James at the non-striker’s end,  saw a 4 inch gap between the bat and ball as it went past the outside edge. 7-76 off 32 overs.

Garry James (17) had combined well with Greg Brooks, then Ajoy Roy and then Stuart Ridge until he got one of the occasional massive off cutters that skittled his stumps. 8-92 off 37 overs.

Paul Georgiadis (0) was a gracious team man again (like against Southern Highlands) in throwing his bat at the onset and was bowled off the second ball he faced. 9-92 off 37 overs. Paul’s great team spirit allowed the return of a recycled Greg Brooks for what would be the finest display of big hitting I have ever seen in Vintage cricket. With three overs to go Greg and Stuart ridge put on a show for the last wicket that was cheered every ball. Even when Stuart blocked the last ball of an over he got a cheer as we knew Greg would get to face the next over. Over 38 went for 19 runs; over 39 went for only 3 runs but over 40 went for 18 runs with balls dispatched in all directions for a total of 9-133 and a score with “hope” for our bowlers. Greg 64* (including a further two 6s and four 4s) and Stuart 10*, both unconquered.

At tea, a well earned breather for all from the humidity and then we took the field with a spring in our step with the wicket still doing a bit. CC needing 3.3 per over.

Stuart Ridge  fresh from representing Australia in Overs 60’s ODI tournament in Barbados (and voted the second MVP for the tournament) was on song (even though congested with a cold from the flight back) and picked up our first wicket in his second over courtesy of a stunning reflex one handed catch at first slip by Greg Brooks when the ball was edged between keeper and first slip. 1-6 off 3 overs.

Paul Georgiadis opened at the other end and bowled a good line and length except for the odd short ball which CC pounced on as they knew they would get nothing from Stuart who took our second wicket in his fourth over bowling their number 3 with an in-swinger. 2-18 off 7 overs.

Both Stuart and Paul bowled only 4 of their max 7 overs due to the humidity and saving them for later. Greg Brooks replaced Stuart Ridge and kept it tight with a great line and length and Garry James  came on after Paul Georgiadis to great effect with two wickets in his first over (one bowled and one caught Ridge at cover). Wickets 3 and 4 for 33 off 10 overs.

Garry James then bowled their dangerous swinging left handed opener on 20 with an ‘offie’ he pushed through quicker. 5-40 off 14 overs.

Greg Brook’s fine spell was rewarded in his fifth over with an lbw. 6-48 off 17 overs. He was rewarded again in his sixth and seventh overs with a wicket in each (bowled middle peg and caught by a superb outstretched one handed grab from a snick by keeper John Finucane). 8-57 off 21 overs.

Then in the next 12 overs, a partnership developed between their numbers 6 and 10. Our fielders were throwing their bodies around like Greco-Roman wrestlers (which is not easy at our age) but Frank Baliotis, Gerard O’Shea and Mel Lucas saved many runs with their acrobatics. This CC partnership got them to 100 in the thirty third over by smart cricket just waiting for the odd loose ball from Mick McCormick, Gerard O’Shea and Ajoy Roy  who all put in sterling efforts under tense pressure. Even Stuart Ridge came back for one over to try to get a break through. Hopes were fading with only 35 runs required off 7 overs. (5 per over).

Enter partnership breaker Paul Georgiadis and in his second returning over, he had their number 10 hole out to Stuart Ridge at mid-wicket with a good and important catch. 9-100 off 33 overs.

The CC number 11 could also hold a bat and was feeding the strike to their number 6 who had reached 30 but continued batting as the last wicket was in. Over 34 went for 5 runs; over 35 went for 3; over 36 went for 5.

Stuart Ridge returned for over 37 and on his second ball CC number 6 made a strong cut shot that flew behind square.  Greg Brooks fielding at deep fly slip, launched like NASA, diving to his right to take a spectacular one handed catch to win us the game. Euphoria erupted from the team with hugs to Greg, lifting him off the ground which is some feat for this massive man.

A win by 18 runs but it felt like a win by one run so the beers went down well with Greg the stand out man of the match winner with 64* not out, 3 wickets and 2 excellent catches to get a bottle of red he knows his wife will love. (Ed note: Greg is a teetotaler) An individual performance I have not seen before in Vintage cricket but still also ten other players that all contributed in different ways to make this a special team effort. 

A tough final match against Northern Stars on Sunday 12 March to finish the season. Let’s hope we can all put in a big effort to finish on a high to stay on top with what has already been a special season of good sportsmanship and fun camaraderie.

The Team was: –  Frank Baliotis 2, Gerard O’Shea 16, John Finucane (w) 4 , Peter  Rolls (c) 10, Greg Brooks 64*, Mick McCormick 0, Garry James 17, Mel Lucas 0, Ajoy Roy 4, Stuart Ridge 10*, Paul Georgiadis 0

The Result was: 

C.C.N.S.W.: – 9-133 (40 overs) (G. Brooks 64*)

Defeated

Central Coast: – 10-115 (37.2 overs) (S Ridge 3-8; G. James 3-9; G. Brooks 3-21)

By 18 runs

FoW: – 1-2 (F. Baliotis); 2-16 (J. Finucane); 3-26 (G. O’Shea); 4-50 (P. Rolls); 5-57 (M. McCormick); 6-72 (M. Lucas); 7-76 (A. Roy); 8-92 (G. James); 9-92 (P. Georgiadis).

The Bowling was: – S. Ridge 5.2-1-8-3; P. Georgiadis 7-0-33-1; G. Brooks 7-1-21-3; G. James 7-3-6-3; G. O’Shea 5-0-15-0; M. McCormick 2-0-14-0; A. Roy 4-0-14-0

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: – Nil

Catches: – 2 to G. Brooks; 2 to S. Ridge and one to J. Finucane (w)

Run outs: – Nil

Player points (awarded by umpire): – 3 points to G. Brooks; 2 points to S. Ridge; one point to G. James

See: https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/org/sydney-masters-cricket-association/vintage-summer-202223/vintage/game-centre/f8494563

SOCIAL GAME v VICTORIA BARRACKS XI AT VICTORIA BARRACKS, OXFORD STREET  ON THURSDAY 2 MARCH 2023 

Game cancelled by Army as ground not available; being used for other military purposes.

LMS, Masters, Social, Vintage

WEEK NINETEEN: THURSDAY 9 FEBRUARY-SUNDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2023

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LMS T20 (8-a-SIDE) EASTERN SYDNEY MIDWEEK DIVISION 2  ROUND 12 v ‘JOHNNY CASH MEMORIAL’ AT CP 4 BRAZILIAN FIELD , CENTENNIAL  PARK ON THURSDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2023

Cancelled because of rain.

MASTERS  ROUND 9 v  BURWOOD BRIARS  AT RON ROUTLEY OVAL, ROTHWELL PARK, CONCORD ON SUNDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2023: REPORT BY JASON  KENN  

A glorious albeit a little warm day greeted both teams as Burwood hosted CCNSW at Ron Routley Oval.

CCNSW welcomed 3 debutants Kieren Purnell, Sandeep Bhandari and Matthew (‘Matty J’) Johnston into the team to bolster an already strong CCNSW squad.  Welcome to the Club, gentlemen.

The day started on a winning note, with Andrew Dadswell winning the all important toss and having no hesitation in batting first on a deck that would come to resemble Nagpur by the end of the day’s play.  A new opening combination of Rob Lawther and Kieran Purnell strode to the crease, and started positively with a partnership of 21, until Kieran was trapped in front for 4 by a new ball that didn’t bounce more than a few inches.  Enter an in-form v/c Dan Turner who continued the momentum with Rob scoring freely as both took control on a tricky pitch.  

Rob worked his way to 40*  retired prior to drinks and never gave the opposition a chance with his stylish shots all around the ground, and even ducking a weaving a few head high full tosses. This brought last season’s leading run scorer to the crease Jason Kenn.  Dan and Jason survived some tight stump to stump bowling to go to drinks at 1-79.  On resumption, Jason put one over the fence (because it would be rude not too), before I tried to replicate the same shot, but the pitch demons got the better of me and I was bowled for 9.

Enter another debutant Sandeep Bhandari who joined Dan who continued to look like another retirement looming, before he played and missed for a well earned 31.  Quick wickets fell in succession and we were in trouble before our third debutant Matt Johnston came to the crease for the first time in 18 months after shattering his finger in a club game.  Showing no rust, he joined Sandeep who was also victim to the bounce and trapped lbw for 10.  Mick Tarrant came in at 6-119 in the 29th over and he and ‘Matty J’ regained control of the innings, constantly finding the gaps and the boundary, before Mick hit one straight back to the bowler to be dismissed for 19.  Dave (reverse sweep specialist) Craig joined Matty J (who was running out of puff), and showcased his skills to keep pushing the score past 160 before Matty J was stumped for a well deserved 28.  Ben Stanic pushed the scoreboard to 170 before being run out on the last ball of the innings.  CCNSW headed to the sheds for a well earned drink 9/170 after 40 overs. 

As we sat around and contemplated how to go about defending this total on a pitch on which it was becoming more difficult to score runs, our philosophy was to bowl full and straight, and that’s what our opening pair of Ben Stanic and Mick Tarrant did. The plan worked in Mick’s first over trapping their opener on the pads.  Burwood found scoring tough early on and Ben Stanic struck next helped out by a reflex catch by Dave Craig (who still probably hasn’t seen the ball).  

Runs then flowed at a steady pace for Burwood before a 60 run partnership was broken in the 25th over by a glorious delivery from Jose Poothokaren  to remove their opener for 39 (ouch).

Burwood looked to be gaining the upper hand in the middle stages, but enter our captain, Andy Dadswell who worked his magic to remove their dangerous middle order batter, bowling him around his legs.  A few field changes to try and dry up the singles paid off with a sharp catch at short mid wicket by Jason Kenn to remove their hitter for 27.  The game was in the balance with Burwood needing 24 of 18 balls, as Mick Tarrant came back for his second spell, and changed the game in CCNSW favour, only going for 3 runs in the 38th over.  Tight bowling from Ben Stanic in the 39th over. 15 now needed off 6 balls but Mick Tarrant continued his line and length with 2 wickets in the final over sealing the game for CCNSW.  Mick Tarrant finished with 4-21, Andy Dadswell 3-30 and wickets each to Ben Stanic  and Jose Poothokaren.  

This was a great game to be part of,- tight to the very end, and played in the true spirit of the game.  

The Team was: – Rod Lawther (w) 40* ret not out; Kieren Purnell 4, Dan Turner 31, Jason Kenn 9, Sanjeet Bhandari 11, Andrew Dadswell (c) 5, Jose  Poothokaren 0, Matthew Johnston 28, Michael Tarrant 19, David Craig 7*, Ben Stanic 3

The Result was: –

C.C.N.S.W.: – 9-170 (40 overs) (R. Lawther 40* ret not out)

Defeated

Burwood Briars CC: – 9-161 (40 overs) (M. Tarrant 4-21)

By 9 runs

FoW: – 1-21 (K. Purnell); 2-83 (J. Kenn); 3-95 (D. Turner;) 4-100 (A. Dadswell); 5-108 (J. Poothokaren),;6-119 (S. Bhandari); 7-153 (M. Tarrant); 8-163 (M. Johnston); 9-170 (B. Stanic).

The Bowling was: – B. Stanic 9-0-38-1; M. Tarrant 9-0-21-4; D. Craig 4-0-17-0; M. Johnston 5-0-24-0; J. Poothokaren 7-0-27-1; A. Dadswell 6-0-30-3

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: – Nil

Catches: – One to R. Lawther (w); and one to each of D. Craig, J. Kenn and B. Stanic

Run outs: – Nil

Player points (awarded by umpire): – 3 points to R. Lawther; 2 points to M. Tarrant; one point to M. Johnston

See: https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/org/sydney-masters-cricket-association/masters-summer-202223/masters/game-centre/7794ae53

VINTAGE ROUND 9  v SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS  AT CAMPERDOWN PARK, CAMPERDOWN ON SUNDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2023: REPORT BY GERALD O’SHEA

CCNSW (in white shirts) and Southern Highlands (in blue shirts) in a pre-match barefoot ceremony as recommended by Cricket NSW

After a pre-match barefoot ceremony honouring and showing respect for local Indigenous Country the Vintage side went on to win a thriller at Camperdown Oval last Sunday in a high quality encounter with the strong Southern Highlands side. This victory has taken a few years to come around so spirits are high heading into the last two rounds. Cricketers’ Club won the flip and batted first and after a slowish start (2-8 off 6 overs) against a very accurate bowling attack were soon able to change gear through solid knocks from Joe Scarcella (34*) and Peter Rolls (31). Greg Brooks (30*) then came to the wicket and followed them into the shed with his signature ball striking that accelerated our run rate, taking pressure off instantly. This is what he does. The back end of the innings was fortified by Jim Hadley’s sublime 32* and Sittampalam Ragavan’s (‘Raga’) accompanying 23* giving the Highlanders requiring a fair shot to pass CCNSW total of 8-170.

The Southern Highlands boys started well enough, keeping abreast of the 4.25 run rate but little by little CCNSW’s accurate bowling saw them gain the upper hand. Southern Highlands were 7-150 off 37 overs with 3 overs to go and 21 needed. In the 38th over Hadley  only conceded  2 runs and a wicket and in the 39th over Brooks only 3 runs and a wicket . this halted their momentum and the match went into the last over with southern highlands  requiring 16 runs to win, Raga (2-14) held his nerve in the last over to see us close out the match out and win  by 9 runs (with only 6 runs off Raga’s over). 

CCNSW bowling was on display last Sunday and wickets were shared around including Greg (2-32), Jim Hadley (2-23), raga (2-14),  Joe Scarcella (1-18) and Garry James  (1-37) digging deep with a dodgy knee and rewarded with a wicket at the games critical turning point. Special mention goes to keeper John Finucane whose skill is quite breathtaking at times. He snapped up 3 sharp catches, and a fourth snick, although heard all over the field was denied.  Also good catches by Joe Scarcella and Paul Georgiadis and a special one hander by Greg off his own bowling in his final over. Joe Scarcella’ all-round performance saw him named MOM on a memorable Sunday at Camperdown where Peter Rolls and his merry men were a reminder of how well a team can stick together when it matters.

Special thanks to Carla Stacey (Inner West Council’s ‘Coordinator Sporting Partnerships’) and her lady helpers from the Inner West Council for putting on afternoon tea as part of Council’s Seniors’ Festival. Cakes were amazing with Joe Scarcella (having the first shift off the field as 12thman) being the only one able to take advantage of the Pavlovas as the rest of the team had to bowl and field after tea!

The Team was (playing 12): – Gerard O’Shea 7, Frank Baliotis 0, Joe Scarcella 34*, Peter Rolls (c) 31, Jim Robson 0, Greg Brooks 30* ret not out, Garry James 1, Mick McCormick 5, Jim Hadley 32 * ret not out, John Finucane (w) 1, Sittampalam Ragavan, 22* Paul Georgiadis 1

The Result was: –

C.C.N.S.W.: – 8-170 (40 overs) (J. Scarcella 34*; J. Hadley 32* ret not out; P. Rolls 31; G. Brooks 30* ret not out)

Defeated

Southern Highlands: – 8-161: – (40 overs) 

By 9 runs

FoW: – 1-6 (F. Baliotis); 2-8 (G. O’Shea); 3-82 (J. Robson); 4-101 (G. James); 5-107 (M. McCormick); 6-108 (J. Finucane); 7-161 (P. Georgiadis); 8-163 (P. Rolls)

The Bowling was: – M.  McCormick 3-0-19-0; P. Georgiadis 5-0-17-0; S. Ragavan 6-0-14-2; G. James 7-0-37-1; J. Scarcella 5-1-18-1; J. Hadley 7-0-32-2; G. Brooks 7-1-32-2

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: – Nil

Catches: – 3 to J. Finucane (w); one to each of G. Brooks, P. Georgiadis and J. Scarcella

Run outs: – Nil

Player points (awarded by umpire): – 3 points to J. Scarcella; 2 points to J. Hadley; one point to G. BrooksSee: https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/org/sydney-masters-cricket-association/vintage-summer-202223/vintage/game-centre/43233f7f

SOCIAL GAME   v MOLONGLO  AT KIPPAX OVAL, HOLT,  CANBERRA ON SUNDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2023: REPORT BY SOREN HUGHES [ASSISTED BY AI CHATBOT]

Back row: Luke Holman, Brendon Kay (w), Brett James (c), Mark Henwood, Jack Luff, Tim Kerr
Front row:  Ziggy James, Tom Robertson, Soren Hughes, Rhys Longbottom , Harry Bridge

Molonglo Cricket Club was founded in 1956 as a nomadic social cricket club originally with a strong connection with Canberra Grammar Old Boys. Its logo is a keg of beer which perhaps over-emphasises the social aspects of the Club which contains very competent cricketers. It has no geographic connections with the Molonglo River or valley in Canberra 

With only six players mid week, MCC recruited some local Sri Lankan players for the day, including an opening batter from the local first grade side. CCNSW was also short despite the best efforts of Tom Robertson to persuade more C&S players to come and in the end we recruited 2 local players for the day including most relevantly a keeper and also gave a opportunity to Brett James’ 15 yr old son Ziggy- a promising young bowler.

The game was at the first Grade ground at Kippax Oval 1, located in the suburb of Holt in the Belconnen district of Canberra. 

Tom Robertson  and Rhys Longbottom (recruited from our LMS Mid week team)  opened the batting scoring at a run a ball and put on 84 for the first wicket in 14 overs before Longbottom retired at 50* off 42 balls and Tom was out,  hit wicket  for 31 off 38 balls. The partnership built a strong foundation for the rest of the team but unfortunately the opportunity was not taken. Apart from 39 off 54 balls from Harry Bridge and an obdurate 19 from Brett James off 28 balls the rest of the batting failed and we ended with 8-178 off 40 overs, only adding 94 runs from the last 26 overs

Brett James and Rhys Longbottom opened the bowling and Brett dismissed both openers in his first four overs to reduce Molonglo to 2-26 in the seventh over  but their numbers 3 and 4 batters were a class above us and both reached 50^ ret not out. Apart from a very economical spell by Soren Hughes (7 overs for 12 runs) the rest of our bowlers failed to contain them until the late introduction of young Ziggy James who brought us back into the game with only a few overs left and took 2-10 from 7 overs on his CCNSW debut. 

At 6-149 with only 6 overs left the game seemed in the balance. Unfortunately their number 10 batter (current First Grad top order batter), dealing mainly in boundaries was too good for us and delivered blow after blow to win the game for Molonglo on the first ball of the 40th over. We did drop a couple of catches so the game was there to be won by us but we didn’t take the opportunities.

A great day was had by all and the fun and merriment was reflected in the post game banter and a speeding ticket for one lucky driver who didn’t lose any demerit points on the ACT side of the border. 

This report was partly generated for you by a chat bot who has, in so doing, perhaps delivered possibly our first AI generated match report. (Ed note: a lot of factually incorrect information generated by the ChatBot has been deleted and Soren Hughes takes responsibility for what remains above)

The Team was: – Tom Robertson (c) 31, Rhys Longbottom 50* ret not out, Harry Bridge 37, Tim Kerr 2, Soren Hughes 12, Brett James 19, Brendan Kay (w) 5, Luke Holman 10, Mark Henwood 2, Jack Luff 2*, Ziggy James 3*

The Result was: 

C.C.N.S.W.: – 8-178 (40 overs) (R. Longbottom 50* ret not out)

Lost to

Molonglo CC: – 6-179 (39.1 overs) 

By 4 wickets

FoW: – 1- 84 (T. Robertson); 2- 85 (T. Kerr); 3- 111 (H. Bridge); 4-150 (S. Hughes); 5-157 (B. James); 6-159 (B. Kay); 7- 168 (M. Henwood); 8-170 (L. Holman).

The Bowling was: – B. James 7-0-30-2; R. Longbottom 8-1-35-0; S. Hughes 7.1-3-12-0; L. Holman 2-0-9-0; J. Luff 2-0-22-0; H. Bridge 3-0-15-0; Z. James 7-1-10-2; M. Henwood 3-0-24-0

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: – Nil

Catches: – One each to M. Henwood, B. James and T. Robertson

Run outs: – One to J. Luff

C&S, LMS, Masters, Match Reports, Social, Vintage

WEEK SEVENTEEN: WEDNESDAY 25 JANUARY-SUNDAY 29 JANUARY 2023

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LMS T20 (8-a-SIDE) EASTERN SYDNEY MIDWEEK DIVISION 2  ROUND 10 v ‘NRLCC’ AT MP 8, ROBERTSON ROAD, MOORE PARK ON WEDNESDAY 25 JANUARY 2023: REPORT BY SCOTT WILLIAMS 

CCNSW win the toss and elected to bowl. Things got off to a great start with Mick McGrath being unplayable and even bowling a maiden-a very rare event in LMS cricket. Scott Williams and Mick kept things tidy for the first 8 overs and NRLCC never recovered, only scoring 5-106 off their 20 overs with new keeper and English debutant Freddie Greenwood getting a stumping and 2 catches..  

CCNSW needed to score 107 within 16 overs to get the bonus point and Stephen Sheakey (13 off 9 balls) and Rob Shone (30 off 35 balls) got us off to the start we needed. Once ‘Sheaks’ departed, Freddie Greenwood (50* off 34 balls) picked up where ‘Sheaks’ left off and we managed to win in the sixteenth over with a bonus point. 

The Team was: –  Steven Sheakey 13, Rod Shone 30, Fred Greenwood (w) 50*, Tom Richardson 9, Mick McGrath 0, Scott Williams 5, Jim Hadley (c) dnb, Soren Hughes dnb and Will Jacobs dnb

The Result was:- 

NRLCC: – 5-106 (20 overs)

Lost to

CCNSW: – 3-107 (15.2 overs) (F. Greenwood 50*; R. Shone 30)

By 5 wickets

The Bowling was: – S. Williams 4-0-14-1; M. McGrath 4-1-13-2; T. Richardson 3-0-21-0, S. Sheakey 3-0-13-0; R. Shone 3-0-16-1; J. Hadley 3-0-27-0

The Fielding was:-

Stumpings: – 2 to F. Greenwood

Catches: – One to F. Greenwood (w)

Run outs: – Nil

Player points (awarded by captain): – 3 points to F. Greenwood; 2 points to M. McGrath; 1 point to R. Shone

See:  https://www.lastmanstands.com/leagues/scorecard/2nd-innings?fixtureid=370871

SOCIAL GAME V ‘RAGA’ INVITATION XI   AT CAMPERDOWN PARK, CAMPERDOWN  ON THURSDAY 26 JANUARY 2023: REPORT BY PETER ROLLS

[PETER ROLLS REPORT TO FOLLOW]

The Team was: –  John Finucane  4, Andrew Thurlow 3, Michael  Carman 10, Mel Lucas 30*, Peter Rolls (c) 7, Greg Brooks 5, David Craig 13, John Jackson 25. Paul Kumar 1, David Wright 9, Joe Scarcella 0

The Result was: 

Raga Invitation XI: – 9-199 (40 overs) (J. Finucane 3-14; G. Brooks 3-24)

Defeated

C.C.N.S.W.: – 10-119 (38 overs) (M. Lucas 30)

By 80 runs

FoW: – 1-4 (A. Thurlow); 2- 9 (J. Finucane); 3-50 (G. Brooks); 4-50 (P. Rolls). 5-72 (D. Craig); 6-73 (P. Kumar); 7- 94 (J. Scarcella); 8-113 (D. Wright); 9-117 (M. Carman); 10-119 (J. Jackson).

The Bowling was: – G. Brooks 6-0-24-3; J. Scarcella 6-1-20-1; D. Craig 6-0-41-0; M. Carman 4-0-23-0; P. Rolls 6-0-31-0; J. Jackson 5-1-23-1; J. Finucane 4-0-14-3; A. Thurlow 3-0-21-0

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: –

Catches: – 2 to M. Carman; 2 to P. Kumar, one to P. Rolls and one to J. Scarcella

Run outs: – One to anonymous

CITY AND SUBURBAN ROUND 10  v HUNTERS HILL  AT BORONIA PARK, HUNTERS HILL ON SUNDAY 29 JANUARY 2023: REPORT BY TOM ROBERTSON

Always interesting playing at Boronia Park. Wicket is full of spice. To help bowlers even more, the humidity at Hunters Hill may have exceeded 100%. 

Craig Kitson took the reins and went and lost the toss. Hunters Hill decided to have a bat.

Avi Bhandari and Toby Forbes opened the bowling and the scoring rate was dour. Hunters Hill amassed 1-29 from  their first 18 overs. After drinks wickets steadily fell. We knew their best batter hated spin so Adam Khamis  came on and bamboozled him and got his wicket not long after. One of their middle order batters so struggled with his pads that he eventually just batted without them. Something you don’t see every day. Hunters Hill ended at 9-109 after 35 overs

Our turn to bat to chase a small total. The modern vogue in cricket is to attack the bowling but Hunters Hill’s strength is bowling so we needed to be careful about our chase. Tom Robertson  and  Jamie Murtha opened the CCNSW batting and went at over a run a ball. The ground is probably the biggest in C&S and that made it ripe for threes. We certainly earned our runs the hard way.

A 50 opening partnership all but ensured victory. Tom proved his inability to finish again by choking within sight of the line. Harry Bridge and Paul Nash took us home with more threes. One real point of difference in the sides was our catching; we caught everything (Oh except Declan when his Dad arrived to watch).

The Team was: – Tom Robertson 56, James Murtha 15, Paul Nash 18*, Harry Bridge 11*, Peter Constantinou dnb, Soren Hughes dnb, Toby Forbes dnb, Declan Thomas (w) dnb, Craig Kitson (c) dnb Avinash Bhandari dnb

The Result was: 

Hunters Hill: – 9-109 (35 overs)

Lost to

C.C.N.S.W.: – 2-111 (16 overs) (T. Robertson 56)

By 8 wickets

FoW: – 1- 54 (J. Murtha); 2- 93 (T. Robertson)

The Bowling was: – A. Bhandari 9-4-17-2; T. Forbes 6-2-10-0; S. Hughes 5-0-21-2; P. Nash 3-0-4-0; C. Kitson 3-0-13-1; A Khamis 7-0-35-2; P. Constantinou 2-1-5-2

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: – Nil

Catches: – 3 to T. Forbes; one each to A. Bhandari S. Hughes, A Khamis, C. Kitson and T. Robertson

Run outs: – Nil

Player points (awarded by captain): – 3 points to T. Robertson; 2 points to A. Bhandari; one point to T. Forbes

MASTERS ROUND 8 v STRATHFIELD CC AT CAMPERDOWN OVAL  ON SUNDAY 29 JANUARY 2023: REPORT BY ANDREW DADSWELL  

A tough day in the office against some genuine quality cricketers

It was hot. It was humid. The opposition was high quality.

After two washouts the CCNSW Masters were keen to get on the field and have a crack at the defending premiers and undefeated Strathfield on our home soil. We presented a strong line-up by CCNSW standards, but so did Strathfield, in fact they seemed to have all their gun players on show and boy did they come ready to play.

Strathfield skipper Pasupati won the toss and happily batted first, taking advantage of the hot conditions. The pitch was an unknown factor and gave us some hope of early damage. Brett James didn’t disappoint with a fine display of left arm medium new ball bowling. But the Strathfield openers played the right shots at the right times until Ben Stanic got a wicket first ball of his spell to remove the dangerous Patel. Strathfield went about seeing off the good balls and punishing anything remotely loose. Four of their top seven batters reached 40*+ retirement scores as we struggled to make inroads in the middle overs. It wasn’t so much a case of bad bowling – it’s just that the batting was very, very good.

Ben Stanic continued to create chances and Mick Tarrant’s second spell was high quality. Their efforts created our best period in the field as we took wickets after drinks. But when Strathfield’s Paul Maraziotis came back to the crease he played his shots and ended up on 92* – just 98 short of his highest score of 190 for the NSW 2nd XI against the likes of Mitch Johnson back in the 2000s!

Against this kind of quality batting if we were to restrict them we needed to hold every half chance. We had our moments in the field with a brilliant one handed diving catch by Brett James, Jason Kenn’s great pair of hands and a beauty of a direct-hit run-out by Ed Cross. However we let a few chances slip too which proved costly, as they always do.

Strathfield’s 8-320 was going to be tough to chase down and it didn’t start well as both openers, Ed Cross and Jason Kenn, departed for ducks. Dan  Turner looked very good against the pace of Kish ‘I don’t bulk bill’ Nadesan and Scott Wells saw off the good bowling early before cashing in with some lusty blows and retiring at number 4. They were ably supported by Rob Lawther who continues to show his quality against good bowling.

But as each quality Strathfield bowler’s spell ended, another quality one would begin There was no let up and we ended up being all out for 134.

Beers were enjoyed after the game and the Strathfield guys are a good bunch.

It is easy to see why they keep winning the over 40s Masters competition each year. With Paul Maraziotis, the 8th highest run scorer ever in Grade Cricket, followed by two current representatives in the Australian  over 40s side  and a bunch of other quality players, they are the yardstick and they showed us the level to which we need to get  if we are to threaten the top sides.

The pitch played excellently and provided good consistent bounce throughout the day.

The Team was: –  Ed Cross 0, Jason  Kenn 0,Dan Turner 26, Scott Wells (w) 43, Rob Lawther 19, Brett James 2, Andrew Dadswell (c) 7, Jose Poothokaren 0, Michael Tarrant 11, David Abreu 11*, Ben Stanic 0

The Result was: –

Strathfield CC: – 8-320 (40 overs) (B. Stanic 4-77)

Defeated

C.C.N.S.W.: -10-134 (35 overs) (S. Wells 43)

By 86  runs

FoW: – 1-0 (E. Cross); 2-0 (J. Kenn); 3-39 (D. Turner); 4-83 (B. James); 5-91 (A. Dadswell); 6-98 (J. Poothokaren); 7-100 (R. Lawther); 8-118 (M. Tarrant); 9-118 (B. Stanic); 10-134 (S. Wells)

The Bowling was: – B.James 9-0-36-1; M. Tarrant 8-0-69-1; B. Stanic 9-0-77-4; D. Abreu 6-0-51-0, A. Dadswell 6-0-57-1; J. Poothokaren 2-0-28-0

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: – Nil

Catches: – 2 to J. Kenn; one to each of S. Wells (w), B. James and R. Lawther

Run outs: – One to E. Cross

Player points (awarded by umpire): – 3 points to S. Wells; 2 points to B. Stanic; one point to D. Turner

See: https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/org/sydney-masters-cricket-association/masters-summer-202223/masters/game-centre/b54ac9dd

VINTAGE ROUND 8 v GEORGES  RIVER   AT BLAND OVAL, RIVERWOOD  ON SUNDAY 29 JANUARY 2023: REPORT BY GREG BROOKS  

When you’re hot, you’re hot!!

The over 60s CCNSW side arrived at Bland Oval with the conditions best described as hot and humid. Clouds were gathering and the first thought from the ‘Weather Oracle’ (Mr. G. James) was rain by 3pm.

Georges River won the toss and sent us in on a well grassed, hard wicket. We had a slow and measured start by Gerard O’Shea alongside guest player Neville Emerson who joined us via the “Raga network”, a very extensive network as we know! Neville was first to go adjudged lbw and Gerry was joined by Frank Baliotis, resplendent in his new CCNSW long sleeve shirt. He has now worn it twice and made consecutive 30 not outs! Further steady progress was made until Gerry (23) was stumped with the score on 43. Peter Rolls and Frank both batted well and were in complete control. On Frank’s retirement at 30* ret not out, ‘the Prez’, Greg Brooks  joined the Skipper, Peter Rolls to initiate some acceleration. The fours and sixes flowed and with the ‘Prez’s’ departure (34* ret not out) Mick McCormick joined Peter who retired not long after for 31*. Garry James (30* ret not out) then strode out… (perhaps more of a shuffle with his sore knee!) and smacked it to all parts of the ground continually “encouraging” Mick to follow suit! Mick (33* ret not out) changed bats and started to find the middle with regularity.

‘The Oracle’ was only 10 minutes off and sure enough at 2:50pm we retreated to the pavilion as a thunderstorm came through with solid rain. As a result we lost three overs. John Finucane  (8*), Sittampalam Ragavan (0) and Joe Scarcella (8*)  then came out swinging on the resumption and we finished with a very healthy total of 3-218 off 37 overs.

The umpire for the day Scott did a great job in managing the break between innings. Both teams wanted to get back out there and play some cricket as the covers had done their job. A target of 219 from 37 overs was always going to be tough so getting through the first 15 overs as quickly as possible to ensure a game was our first objective.

Georges River got off to a terrible start with the opener chopping down on his stumps (hit wicket) in the first over. Joe Scarcella (3-15) and Paul Georgiadis (1-20) did all the early damage backed up by some great catches from Neville Emerson (2) and Gerry O’Shea (1). With Garry James and Greg Brooks  replacing the openers Georges River found the going tough. Six of the runs from Garry’s bowling came in one blow yet the next ball saw a smart stumping by John Finucane and GR’s best batter was on his way! From  5-58 there was no recovery but two more wickets to Garry James (3-8) , one to Greg Brooks (1-14) and a destructive 2 ball /2 wicket spell from David Craig (2-0) meant the last 5 wickets fell for nothing!!  All out 58 in 21.2 overs.

David Craig as a 58 yr old ‘youngster’, played his first Vintage competition match thanks to permission from the Vintage Association Committee (and with the consent of the Georges River captain) and he duly delivered! Excellent in the field as always and limited to a 4 over bowling, he short changed himself by needing only 2 balls to wrap it all up.

Georges River were good sports and we had a laugh and a beer to finish.

Tough matches lay ahead starting with Southern Highlands at Camperdown on Sunday February 12th, followed by Central Coast and Northern Stars to finish.

If we continue to back our batting and bowling with good fielding we can give this competition a shake!

The Team was (playing 12): – Gerard O’Shea 23, Neville Emerson 4, Frank Baliotis 30*, Peter Rolls 31*, Greg Brooks 34*, Mick McCormick 33*, Garry James 30*; John Finucane 8*, Sittampalam Ragavan 0, Joe Scarcella 8*, Paul Georgiadis dnb, David Craig dnb

The Result was: –

C.C.N.S.W.: – 3-218 (37 overs) (G. Brooks 34*; M. McCormick 33*; P. Rolls 31*; G. James 30*)

Defeated

Georges River CC: -10-58 (21.2 overs) (G. James 3-8; J. Scarcella 3-15)

By 160 runs

FoW CCNSW: – 1-18 (N. Emerson); 2-43 (G. O’Shea); 3-209 (S. Ragavan).

FoW GR: – 1-0, 2-21, 3-27, 4-31, 5-48, 6-58, 7-58, 8-58, 9-58, 10-58.

The Bowling was: – J.Scarcella 7-3-15-3; P. Georgiadis 5-0- 20-1; G. Brooks 5-1-14-1; G. James 4-2-8-3; D. Craig 0.2-0-0-2

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: – One to J. Finucane

Catches: – One to J. Finucane (w) and two to N. Emerson and one to G. O’Shea

Run outs: – Nil

Player points (awarded by umpire): – 3 points to G. James; 2 points to G. Brooks; one point to J. Scarcella

See: https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/org/sydney-masters-cricket-association/vintage-summer-202223/vintage/game-centre/45652d38

C&S, Masters, Vintage

WEEK FOURTEEN: SUNDAY 8  JANUARY  2023

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CITY AND SUBURBAN ROUND 7 v SYDNEY UNIVERSITY VETERANS  AT ST PAUL’S OVAL, SYDNEY UNIVERSITY ON SUNDAY 8 JANUARY 2023 FOR THE BROOKS-MANNING-MOORHOUSE SHIELD: REPORT BY HARRY BRIDGE

CCNSW retain the Shield

Most players were excited to be playing on the picturesque St Paul’s Oval at Sydney University for the first time to defend the Brooks-Manning-Moorhouse Shield. Conditions were perfect but parking restrictions in the University grounds caused early chaos. Jim Hadley dropped a regulation catch at first slip first ball off Avinash Bhandari, who had another dropped behind in his five overs to leave him wicket less in an impressive spell. The wicket proved more conducive to spin and  the catches began to stick, seven  in all. The University Lions crumbled, with our spinners picking up a couple of wickets each with some nice variety. The Lions were all out in 31 overs for 145. 

The University Lions started their bowling strongly and rattled Tom Robertson and Rhys Longbottom with some chin music. Longbottom was caught behind for 6 off a short ball and then Robertson was yorked for 11 soon after. Karthick Subramanian was out for a duck, lured into driving a full ball early which cut in through the gate, leaving us looking precarious at 3-18. Longbottom then came on to umpire and perhaps swept up by the Lions’ momentum, gave Harry Bridge (scribe) out for a fifth ball duck, to a ball with so much bat on it (feet and pads well clear behind the ball) that the University skipper at first slip didn’t appeal. 

This left us in trouble at 4-18 in the sixth over. Fortunately we knew we had a solid batting line-up. Both Jamie  Murtha (44) and Brett  James (65*) soaked up the pressure and carried on their good form to turn the game and take us to 105 before Murtha was out for 44, with some lovely clips to the short boundary into St Paul’s college. In the end we came home comfortably in the thirtieth over with 7 down, retaining the shield and enjoying a few celebratory drinks with the opposition.

The Team was (playing 12): – Tom Robertson 11, Rhys Longbottom (w) 6, Karthick Subramanian  0, Harry Bridge 0, James Murtha 44, Brett James 65*, Peter Constantinou 6, Matthew Edge 2; Tim Litherland 4*, Adam Khamis dnb, Jim Hadley (c) dnb and Avinash Bhandari dnb

The Result was: 

Sydney University Lions: – 10-145 (31 overs) 

Lost to

C.C.N.S.W.: – 7-146 (29.2 overs) (B. James 65*; J. Murtha 44)

By 3 wickets

FoW: – 1-15 (R. Longbottom); 2-18 (T. Robertson); 3-18 (K. Subramanian); 4-18 (H. Bridge).5-105 (J. Murtha); 6-135 (P. Constantinou); 7- 139 (M. Edge)

The Bowling was: – A. Bhandari 5-0-15-0; B. James 5-1-34-1; J. Hadley 7-1-30-2; T. Litherland 7-0-22-2; A Khamis 3-0-24-1 , J. Murtha 3-0-15-2; M. Edge 1-0-3-2

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: – Nil

Catches: – Two to H. bridge and one  to each of A. Bhandari,  H. Bridge, M. Edge, B. James, R. Longbottom (w), and  J. Murtha 

Run outs: – Nil

Player points (awarded by captain): – 3 points to B. James; 2 points to J. Murtha; one point to T. Litherland

MASTERS ROUND 7 v SCHOFIELDS CC  AT OAKVILLE RESERVE, OAKVILLE ON SUNDAY 8 JANUARY 2023  

Cancelled by rain

VINTAGE ROUND 7 v HUNTER TAVERNERS VETERANS AT CAMPERDOWN OVAL, CAMPERDOWN   ON SUNDAY 8 JANUARY 2023: REPORT BY STUART RIDGE

After a wet week, summer returned to Camperdown with a fine Sunday afternoon for cricket. The Hunter skipper won the toss and spotting a couple of damp patches from a leak in the new covers, put us in to bat.

Following a steady start from Frank Baliotis and Gerry O’Shea, that decision looked vindicated when Gerry got a couple of nasty lifters, nicking one to the keeper for 15. Joe Scarcella then joined Frank, both working the ball around well and, with good running between the wickets, put on 44 in the next 9 overs before Frank retired for a well made 30.  Without any further addition, Joe popped up a leading edge to square leg to depart for 21 to bring Greg Brooks out to join Peter Rolls as the two new batsmen. 

The skipper and president upped the run rate bringing the 100 up in the 22nd over. Brooskie in particular was looking threatening with four well struck boundaries before missing one to be bowled for 18, leaving us 3-100 in the 22nd over. Mick McCormick and Peter then added another 28 to set us up for a big total with wickets in hand and 12 overs remaining at 3-128. Looking to hit the accelerator, Peter (22) hit a glorious sweep to the long boundary but trod on his stumps in the process. 

We still had high hopes of a total close to 200 but after Mick (24) miscued to be caught, Mel Lucas (4), Garry Winney (9) and Garry James (4) quickly followed in a collapse of 4-10 to take the wind out of our sails. Stuart Ridge (11) and Paul Georgiadis (13*) eked out another 20 runs and a returning Frank Baliotis was stumped in the last over for a total of 180 all out.

While not what we had hoped, 180 was still a defendable total with a strong CCNSW bowling attack and things were looking good when Greg Brooks removed Hunter danger man Spruce leg before in his first over. Stuart Ridge was looking dangerous from the other end but the next Hunter pair were able to consolidate. 

Mick McCormick and Garry James kept things tight but were unable to dislodge a frustrating 50 partnership for the second wicket. Finally another bowling change brought the breakthrough with Paul Georgiadis picking up a wicket first ball and with the opener reaching 30* shortly afterwards, we had two fresh batsmen to bowl at. 

Hunter reached drinks at 2-82 with the game evenly poised. However, straight from the break, new bowler, Joe Scarcella jagged one back sharply to take a wicket with the first ball of his spell before Garry James deservedly struck in his last over with the help of a smart catch by Paul Georgiadis. Joe then hit the stumps again and Gerry O’Shea kept up the trend of first over wickets to leave Hunter 6-100 after 26 overs with the required run rate climbing. 

Hunter stemmed the flow of wickets but required 65 runs off the last 10 overs before some good counter attacking and a couple of expensive overs swung the pendulum back their way. Brooksie returned to break the partnership with another lbw but Hunter’s injured captain maintained the onslaught, regularly striking boundaries to spare his runner. Another retirement and late wicket to Mick McCormick brought their number 11 to the crease with 8 down and 11 needed. Stuart Ridge  came back but despite shaving both leg and off stumps could not make any further breakthrough with Hunter completing the chase with 4 balls to spare.

A lot of ifs, buts and maybes and a result to bring us down to earth in the New Year after finishing last year a couple of points off the top of the ladder. It was disappointing not to be able to defend 180 but Hunter batted well and deep. Having batters to come back makes a big difference and we definitely missed an opportunity to set a larger target with all of our top 6 making good starts  but with only one reaching retirement. 

The Team was: –  Gerard O’Shea 15, Frank Baliotis 34, Joe Scarcella 21, Peter Rolls (c) 22, Greg Brooks 18, Mick McCormick 24, Garry Winney 9, Mel Lucas 4, Garry James 4, Stuart Ridge 11, and Paul Georgiadis 13*

The Result was: –

C.C.N.S.W.: – 10-180 (39.5 overs) (F. Baliotis 34)

Lost to

Hunter Taverners: – 8-184 (39.2 overs) 

By 2 wickets

FoW: – 1-23 (G, O’Shea); 2-67 (J. Scarcella); 3-100 (G. Brooks); 4-128 (P. Rolls); 5-143 (M. McCormick); 6-148 (M. Lucas); 7-149 (G. Winney); 8-153 (G. James); 9-173 (S. Ridge); 10-180 (F. Baliotis).

The Bowling was: – M. McCormick 5.2-1-30-1; S. Ridge 6-1-15-0; G. Brooks 7-1-31-2; G. James 7-1-26-1; P. Georgiadis 2-0-14-1; J. Scarcella 6-0-24-2; G. O’Shea 5-0-30-1

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: – Nil

Catches: – One to each of P. Georgiadis, M. Lucas and G. Winney

Run outs: – Nil

Player points (awarded by umpire): – 3 points to G. Brooks; 2 points to F. Baliotis; one point to J. ScarcellaSee: https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/org/sydney-masters-cricket-association/vintage-summer-202223/vintage/game-centre/0dd26857

C&S, LMS, Masters, Vintage

WEEK THIRTEEN: THURSDAY 15 DECEMBER –WEDNESDAY 21 DECEMBER 2022

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LMS T20 (8-a-SIDE) EASTERN SYDNEY MIDWEEK DIVISION 3  ROUND 7 v ‘ONE MORE BEER’ AT CENTENNIAL PARK CP 5  ON THURSDAY 15 DECEMBER 2022: REPORT BY JAMIE MURTHA

The second last game of the calendar year was played on one of the larger grounds, the grass was heavy and conditions both overcast and windy.

We batted first and made a promising start going at around 8 RPO  but after 5 overs, a middle order collapse and series of unfortunate dismissals made it difficult to post a competitive total. Mick McGrath played some sublime lofted cover drives in his total of 67* and was the only one on the day who could punish the ordinary middle over bowling. Rod Shone (17*) supported McGrath nicely at the end, presenting the full face of the bat as he rotated the strike, however, the opposition lifted at the death with excellent bowling and fielding to limit our total to 124 off 20 overs.

The opposition openers struggled early against an excellent opening spell from both Rhys Longbottom and McGrath with the former delivered an early breakthrough hitting the top of off. We generally bowled well but luck went the opposition’s way with chances just out of reach as Hardy continued his run of form against us with his second half century this season. Jamie Murtha applied some pressure with a wicket stumped by Will Jacobs, a great piece of keeping off balance. However  he bowled one too many overs and was punished for it in the third. Unfortunately ‘One More Beer’ scored the runs easily with over 3 overs left and 6 wickets in hand. With one game remaining for the calendar year we will be looking to finish with a win next week against the LMS NRL CC. 

The Team was: – Rhys Longbottom 8, James Murtha (c) 14, Mick McGrath 67*, Peter Constantinou 4, Ben Digan 2, Rob Shone 17*, William Jacobs (w) 5, Jim Hadley1

The Result was:- 

CCNSW: – 6-124 (20 overs) (M. McGrath 67*)

Lost to

One more Beer: – 2-128 (16.3 overs) 

By 6 wickets

The Bowling was: – R. Shone 4-0-25-0; R. Longbottom 4-0-25-1; M. McGrath 3.3-0-32-0; J. Murtha 3-0-27-1; J. Hadley 1-0-5-0; B. Digan 1-0-14-0

The Fielding was:-

Stumpings: –  One to W. Jacobs (w)

Catches: – Nil

Run outs: – Nil

Player points (awarded by captain): – 3 points to M. McGrath; 2 points to R. Shone; one point to W. Jacobs

SEE: https://www.lastmanstands.com/leagues/scorecard/1st-innings?fixtureid=370881

CITY AND SUBURBAN ROUND 6 v ST GEORGE VETERANS AT CAMPERDOWN OVAL, CAMPERDOWN ON SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER 2022: REPORT BY JIM HADLEY

CCNSW lost the toss and were sent in. Tom Robertson and Mike Pinter opened and gave us a steady start against accurate bowling till Tom got a good delivery clipping his off stump and was out for 17. Peter Constantinou and Pinter looked to be settling in till a mix up had Constantinou run out for 5. Craig Kitson hit some quick boundaries to up the run rate till he tripped over a ball he had covered and was judged lbw for 15. Pinter was then bowled by a good off cutter for 23. Harry Bridge and Soren Hughes then took over and put on a 100 stand, Bridge 61 and Hughes 54. Tom Litherland 10 and Adam Khamis 14 * finished off our innings. CCNSW 6-227 off 35 overs. 

‘Jonno’ Shaw and  Soren Hughes (‘Big Sooz‘)opened the bowling, Jonno brushing off the rust with a steady 6 overs 0-24, Sooz a tidy 4 overs 0-8. Tim Litherland’s off-spin  hit a length from the first ball and with attacking fields he finished with 6 overs 1-25. Tom Robertson was then introduced and bowled a barnstorming 5 overs 2-17 and St George were in a hole. Adam Khamis mesmerised their lower order with his leggies and googlies finishing with 4 overs 3-9 and Craig Kitson chipped in with an accurate 4 overs of off-spin 3-9.  St George  Veterans finished all out for 119 in the 33rd over.

The Team was: – Tom Robertson 17; Mike Pinter 23, Peter Constantinou 5, Craig Kitson 15, Harry Bridge 61, Soren Hughes 54, Tim Litherland 10, Adam Khamis 14*, Declan Thomas (w) 2*,  Jim Hadley (c) dnb, Jonathon Shaw dnb

The Result was: 

C.C.N.S.W.: – 7-227 (35 overs) (H. Bridge 61; S. Hughes 54)

Defeated

Saint George Veterans: – 10-119 (32.2 overs) (A. Khamis 4-14; C. Kitson 3-9)

By 108 runs

FoW: – 1-25 (T. Robertson); 2-35 (P. Constantinou); 3-68 (M. Pinter); 4-70 (C. Kitson). 5-172 (S. Hughes); 6-195 (T. Litherland); 7- 207 (H. Bridge); 

The Bowling was: – J. Shaw 6-1-29-0; S. Hughes 4-1-8-0; T. Litherland 6-1-25-1; J. Hadley 1-0-2-0; T. Robertson 5-2-7-2; A.  Khamis 6.2-14-4; C. Kitson 4-1-9-3

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: – Nil

Catches: – One to D. Thomas (w) and one to each of H. Bridge, C. Kitson and M. Pinter

Run outs: – Nil

Player points (awarded by captain): – 3 points to H. Bridge; 2 points to S. Hughes; one point to A. Khamis

MASTERS ROUND 6 v GALUNGARA  AT CAMPERDOWN OVAL, CAMPERDOWN ON SUNDAY 18 DECEMBER 2022

Cancelled by rain leaking through hole in the covers

VINTAGE ROUND 6 v ROSEVILLE ROGUES AT NORMANHURST OVAL, NORMANHURST  ON SUNDAY 18 DECEMBER 2022: REPORT BY PAUL GEORGIADIS

Back row: Sittampalam Ragavan, Greg Brooks, Garry James, Stuart Ridge, Gerry O’Shea
Front Row: Paul Georgiadis, Joe Scarcella, Frank Baliotis, Peter Rolls (c) & (w), Mick McCormick, Garry Winney

A damp and chilly summer morning (with 19°C and a 20km/h wind making it feel like 13°C) at Normanhurst for a match on the synthetic pitch rather than the available turf wicket at Marrickville left many bemused. Last season at Marrickville in our previous encounter our bowlers had bowled the Roseville Rogues out for 39 runs when they were chasing 139. Certainly one would assume that a synthetic wicket would give the batters the upper hand but as it turned out, good line and length bowling always makes things difficult for batters and brings rewards but more of that later.

Sittampalam Ragavan (“Raga”) brought along a stack of food to celebrate his 65th birthday and Peter Rolls provided a pink iced donut with candles for us to sing happy birthday. With that formality out of the way, we had a team photo. Only 5 candles used to signify 65 as using all to match Raga’s age would have brought the fire brigade (who happened to be in the same street!)

The Rogues won the toss and elected to bat. Four balls into their innings and without any runs having been scored Stuart Ridge (Ed note: newly selected for Australian over 60s squad) clean bowled the opening batter. Stuart struck twice in his fifth over and once again in his sixth over finishing up with the impressive figures of 4 for 17 off his seven overs (3 bowled and 1 lbw) – an excellent bowling spell that set the match up for us. Raga came on at the other end after Paul Georgiadis who had not taken any wickets in his four overs but had been unlucky as one difficult catch  was put down by an outstretched keeper. Raga’s first over went for 11 runs but he recovered his line and length and in the next 4 overs took 2 wickets for 9 runs. Greg Brooks chimed in with 2 wickets of his own from his seven overs for 19 runs which included a remarkable one handed reflex catch at first slip by Gerry O’Shea, taking it to his right side and behind him. Mick McCormick at second slip said “I decided not to go for it so as not to put Gerry off” but in real fact hadd not move as he had not see it!. Garry James bowled exceptionally well for 2 wickets conceding only 3 runs off his 6.3 overs. Special mention for Frank Baliotis whose fielding continues to impress and also for Peter Rolls as our stand in wicket keeper with John Finucane overseas. A couple of casualties for our fielders with Frank Baliotis straining a quad and Garry Winney straining a back flexor when both were chasing down balls heading to the boundary. Joe Scarcella gave them his physio contact after the game as he did not bowl as he was still getting physio for his groin (HCF are still questioning the legitimacy of his claim!) The opposition were all out for 99 in the thirty fourth over leaving us a target of 100 for victory.

Gerry O’Shea and Peter Rolls opened the batting in a steady fashion defending good balls and finding the gaps to keep the scoreboard ticking along at about 3 runs an over until the ninth over when Gerry was surprised by a rising ball that he could not get his top edge out of the way of – 1 for 23. Joe Scarcella (who seems to be enjoying a break from bowling) joined Peter in the middle and together they started to increase the run rate. In the twelfth over Peter hit the accelerator smashing 16 runs (including two fours and a six into the car park) to retire not out on 32* with the team score on 1-50 and only another 50 required from the remaining 28 overs

Raga joined Joe Scarcella and together they put on a quick 19 runs before Raga was run out in the fifteenth over (2 – 69). The word was then sent out that we wanted to finish the game within 20 overs to maximize bonus points. Joe was out for 29 followed by Greg  Brooks (10) and Garry James (0) with Mick McCormick on 5* and Frank Baliotis on 28 in the twentieth over – the objective having been achieved by our two new “Finishers” with Mick hitting a boundary for the winning runs. A good overall team effort with plenty of great and good individual performances.

The Team was: – Gerard  O’Shea 10, Peter Rolls (c) & (w) 32* ret not out, Joe Scarcella 29, Sittampalam Ragavan 8, Greg Brooks 10, Garry James 0, Mick McCormick 5*, Frank Baliotis 2*, Stuart Ridge dnb, Paul Georgiadis dnb,  Garry Winney dnb 

The Result was: –

Roseville Rogues: – 10-99 (33.4 overs) (S. Ridge 4-17)

Lost to

C.C.N.S.W.: – 5-103 (19.4 overs) (P. Rolls 32*; J. Scarcella 29)

By 5 wickets

FoW: – 1-23 (G. O’Shea), 2-69 (S. Ragavan), 3-85 (G. Brooks), 4-93 (J. Scarcella), 5-93 (G. James)

The Bowling was: – S. Ridge 7-1-17-4; P. Georgiadis 4-1-16-0; S. Ragavan 6-0-26-2; M. McCormick 3-0-17-0; G. Brooks 7-2-19-2;  G. James 6.3-3-3-2

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: – Nil 

Catches: – Two to G. O’Shea and one to S. Ragavan

Run outs: – Nil

Player points (awarded by umpire): – 3 points to S. Ridge; 2 points to G. James; one point to P. Rolls

See:  https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/org/sydney-masters-cricket-association/vintage-summer-202223/vintage/game-centre/699e4a66

LMS T20 (8-a-SIDE) EASTERN SYDNEY MIDWEEK DIVISION 3  ROUND 8 v ‘NRL CC’ AT MP 5, ROBERTSON ROAD, MOORE PARK ON WEDNESDAY 21 DECEMBER 2022:REPORT BY JIM HADLEY

CCNSW lost the toss and were sent in. James Bonkowski and Rhys Longbottom put on an opening partnership of 70 till Bonkowski departed for 39. Longbottom retired soon thereafter for 50 * and Scott Williams took over, hitting some heavy balls to and over the boundary till departing for 46. Peter Constantinou 17 and Mick McGrath 18 * made the most of the final overs helped by Craig McKenzie 6*. CCNSW 3-176 off 20 overs.

 McGrath opened the bowling and was untouchable for 3 overs for 7 runs, backed by Williams 2 overs 2-10 and Rod Shone 3 overs 3-38. Craig McKenzie was a trump for us keeping taking 2 catches and 1 stumping. NRL CC were all out for 110.    

The Team was: – James Bonkowski 39, Rhys Longbottom 50*, Scott Williams 46, Peter Constantinou 17, Mick McGrath 18*, Craig McKenzie (w) 6*, Jim Hadley (c) dnb, Rod Shone dnb

The Result was:- 

CCNSW: – 3-176 (20 overs) (R. Longbottom 50*; S. Williams 46)

Defeated

NRL CC: – 8-110 (16.3 overs) (R. Shone 3-38)

By 66 runs

The Bowling was: – R. Shone 4-0-38-3; M. McGrath 3-0-7-0; J. Hadley 2-0-18-2; S. Williams 2-0-10-2; R. Longbottom 2-0-14-0; J.  Bonkowski 2-0-11-0; P. Constantinou 1.3-0-6-0

The Fielding was:-

Stumpings: – One to C. McKenzie

Catches: – 2 to C. McKenzie (w) and 2 to S. Williams and one each to J. Bonkowski and R. Shone

Run outs: – One to Jim Hadley

Player points (awarded by captain): – 3 points to C. McKenzie; 2 points to M. McGrath ; 1 point to S. Williams

See: https://www.lastmanstands.com/leagues/scorecard/1st-innings?fixtureid=370879

LMS, Masters, Vintage

WEEK ELEVEN: WEDNESDAY 30 NOVEMBER -SUNDAY 4 DECEMBER 2022

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LMS T20 (8-a-SIDE) EASTERN SYDNEY MIDWEEK DIVISION 3  ROUND 5 v ‘ONE MORE BEER’ AT MP 4, ROBERTSON ROAD, MOORE PARK ON WEDNESDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2022:REPORT BY JAMES MURTHA  

(Editor’s note: When one of the opposition players opens  and  scores 80* and later opens the bowling and  takes 3 wickets in his first over, with figures of 3-11 in 4 overs, it is difficult to win!)

A  tough loss to swallow considering we bowled well. One of their players, Michael Hardy was great and a distinct class above the other 15 players. After scoring 80*, he took 3 wickets in his first over and we could not recover.

 We lost the toss and were sent in to the field.  The team bowled well, limiting the boundaries and taking a couple of early wickets. Rod Shone’s leg spin was extremely well bowled, he took 3 genuine wickets in his 4 overs and was the pick of the bowlers. Dan May on debut bowled mostly yorkers and looked very dangerous too. Our fielding standard was also very high especially considering we had no experienced keeper.

We were happy with our effort restricting them to 157, we set out to chase the runs, unfortunately 3 wickets in the first over and 1 in the second flattened our hopes of winning the game easily, Jamie Murtha and Craig Fordham started a nice partnership before a mix up lead to a run out, Rod Shone entertained as the last man for a while but we were soon wrapped up by the opposition for 75. 

We have six games remaining for the season before the Finals and need to win most or maybe all of them to have a chance of making the Finals!

The Team was: – Daniel May 1, Peter Buruma 2, Ben Digan 0, Steve Middleton 1, Jamie Murtha (c) & (w) 25, Adam Durant (w) 1, Craig Fordham 24, Rod Shone 15

The Result was:- 

One More Beer: – 6-157 (20 overs) (R. Shone 3-36)

Defeated

CCNSW: – 8-75 (17.2 overs) 

By 82 runs

The Bowling was: – A Durant 4-0-46-0; R. Shone 4-0-36-3; J. Murtha 4-0-19-0; C. Fordham 4-0-27-0; D. May 3-0-12-2, P. Buruma 1-0-12-1

The Fielding was:-

Stumpings: – One to A. Durant

Catches: – 2 to D. May and one to J. Murtha

Run outs: – Nil

Player points (awarded by captain): – 3 points to Rod Shone; 2 points to Dan May; 1 point to Adam Durant 

See: https://www.lastmanstands.com/leagues/scorecard/1st-innings?fixtureid=370860

C&S   ROUND 5 v KNOX OLD BOYS AT GILLESPIE FIELD, WAHROONGA ON SUNDAY 4 DECEMBER 2022: REPORT BY JIM HADLEY 

CCNSW lost the toss and was asked to bowl. Soren  Hughes and Harry Bridge opened the bowling on an under prepared but consistent surface. Both Harry and ‘Sooz’ were a bit unlucky with anything miscued finding space which seemed to give the Knox openers further licence to try their hand. Bridge eventually got his man but Knox OBs were by then 1-113. Jamie Murtha and Adam Khamis were brought on and troubled the Knox batters but just couldn’t sustain a consistent length, Khamis 8 overs 2-58 and Murtha 6 overs 2-42. Peter Constantinou held a good length for 3 overs 1-15 and Ash Perrot and his son Tom Perrot bowled the final overs reasonably cheaply Ash 3 overs 0-27 and Tom 2 overs 1-17. Our keeper Declan Thomas threw himself everywhere to hardly concede a sundry all innings. Knox 7-245 after 35 overs. 

Tom Robertson and Karthick Subramanian opened the batting with Tom hitting 16 off the first over. Tom soon skied an off drive to be out for 21. Karthick hit some big pull shots before departing for 31 when trying to up the run rate. Constantinou played round an off spinner to be bowled for 14 and Bridge after an encouraging start departed for  23. Ash Perrot got the only low bounce of the day, bowled for 0 and Murtha played on for 2. Hughes skied one hitting out for 0 as did Thomas 0. Lenny Volkov looked solid till being given out lbw and the final overs were played out by Khamis 19* and Hadley 10*. CCNSW finished 110 runs behind at 9-135 after 35 overs. 

The Team was (playing 12): –  Karthick Subramanian 31, Tom Robertson 21, Peter Constantinou  14, Harry Bridge 23, Ash Perrot 0, James Murtha 2, Soren Hughes 0, Declan Thomas (w) 0, Adam Khamis 19*, Len Volkov 2, Jim Hadley (c) 10* and Tim Perrot dnb

The Result was: –

Knox Old Boys: – 7- 245 (35 overs)

Defeated

C.C.N.S.W.: – 9-135 (35 overs) (K. Subramanian 31)

By 110 runs

FoW: – 1- 33 (T Robertson); 2- 59 (Peter Constantinou; 3-76  (K. Subramanian); 4-76 (A. Perrot).5-86  (J. Murtha); 6-86 (S. Hughes); 7- 95 (D. Thomas); 8-122 (H. Bridge).; 9-119  (L. Volkov)

The Bowling was: – S Hughes 7-0-55-0; H. Bridge 6-1-34-0; Adam Khamis 8-0-58-2; J Murtha 6-0-42-2; Peter Constantinou 3-0-15-1; A Perrot 3-0-27-0; T. Perrot 2-0-17-1

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: – Nil

Catches: – One to D Thomas (w); one to S. Hughes and one to A. Perrot 

Run outs: – One to Tom Robertson

Player points (awarded by captain): – 3 points to K. Subramanian; 2 points to D. Thomas; one point to H. Bridge

MASTERS ROUND 5 v NORTHBRIDGE AT CAMPERDOWN OVAL, CAMPERDOWN ON SUNDAY 4 DECEMBER 2022: REPORT BY DAVID CRAIG 

CCNSW MASTERS TEAM V NORTHBRIDGE CC AT CAMPERDOWN OVAL ON SUNDAY 4 DECEMBER 2022
Top row L-R: Jason Kenn, David Craig (w), Ed Cross, Ben Stanic, Mike Pinter, Tony Campey, Jose Poothokaren 
Bottom row L-R: Dan Turner (v/c), Andrew Dadswell (c), Dave Abreu, Mike Weaver

Well, it’s that time of the year and every team I know of seems to be scrambling for eleven players. (Personally I can’t understand this, but then “I don’t like cricket, no, no, I love it!”), and Tex had to put a late Saturday evening call out for a batter. When NSW Emus rep Michael Pinter answered the call (11.03pm), skip gladly confirmed his spot in the team (11.05pm) – good call! Another good call was winning the toss and batting on the same old Camperdown strip (nearest the fig trees), which looked terrific but had already been used about six times this season and was either mutton dressed as lamb or a wolf in sheep’s clothing, depending on your personal platitude  and cliché proclivities. It started to break up from ball one, and while a lot of balls from the Australia Street end kept disconcertingly low, it was true enough to allow a decent contest between bat and ball.

Ed Cross and Mile Pinter (“Punter”) took to the crease against a Northbridge team new to the competition, and perhaps more suited to Classics than Masters. Twelve off the first over was a bright start and CCNSW were never really under pressure from this point on. (Game over, six points and a song, where’s the beers!). Nevertheless, it was a beautiful warm summer’s day and another 79 overs of cricket scheduled, so we played on regardless. In the fourth over Zatz got one to move in and got the lbw decision to send Ed on his way for 9. From there Pinter and Dan Turner compiled an excellent partnership, with Punter turning the strike over nearly every ball, while Dan dealt primarily in boundaries to quickly reach 40 retired not out at 1-79 in the twelfth over

Northbridge may have been relieved to see the back of the (first) mountain man, but there was to be no respite as Jason Kenn strode to the crease. There are strong Matthew Hayden vibes about the Springwood lefty, with his muscular build and belligerent hitting down the ground, but whereas ‘Haydos’ preferred catching in the gully, ‘JDo’s prowls around point or midwicket saving bulk runs and creating run out opportunities. The runs continued to flow with both Pinter and Kenn regularly finding the boundary and keeping the singles ticking over before retiring either side of the drinks break (1-136 after 20).

As often happens, the double retirement put the brakes on the scoring for a little while, and when  Tony Campey making his CCNSW Masters debut (Ed note: Tony became a financial member in January 2020 c 3 years ago),  and veteran Mike Weaver perished in consecutive overs we were 3-156 in the twenty fifth over and with a slight feeling of the old revolving dressing room door, new batters Andrew Dadswell (c) and Dave Craig set out to consolidate for a few overs. Eventually the shackles were broken as Tex drove extravagantly and yours truly fulfilled his contractual obligations by reverse sweeping the spinner to the third man boundary. The partnership yielded 56 before Craig mowed across the line once too often and the skied top edge presented little challenge for the Northbridge ‘keeper. Skipper Dadswell continued on his merry way to a quick 40*, whereupon David Abreu demonstrated why he is a highly regarded new ball bowler by swinging lustily: the willow moving plenty of air but not a lot of leather! Some late hitting by Jose Poohokaren in a nice partnership with a scampering Ben Stanic lifted the tally to 5-259 off our allotted 40 overs. 

After a sumptuous afternoon tea with all the major food groups represented (Twisties, lamingtons, muffins, cakes, cookies, snakes) we took to the field. I had the privilege of witnessing a clinical new ball spell from behind the sticks. Ben Stanic charging in from the Australia Street end with the wind at his back was getting good inswing, and with the ball regularly keeping alarmingly low, was a constant threat. From the Rotunda end, left armer Dave Abreu bowled with control and variety, mostly pushing it across the right handed openers, swinging the odd one back in, and occasionally rolling his fingers over a nasty leg-cutter that beat the bat consistently. It was only a matter of time really, as the dots began to fill the scorebook, and sure enough in the tenth over Collins skied Abreu into the safe hands of Ed Cross at mid-off (1-18). His mate Boulton followed next over with a textbook “top of off” from Stanic sending him back to the sheds. A problem for Northbridge quickly became a crisis two overs later when Ben induced a nick and Mike Weaver snared a one-handed screamer at second slip to dismiss Greenlees for a 🦆. Next over DA produced a peach that flicked Smith’s off stump, 4-30 after 14.

The game was still well and truly in the balance though, with Northbridge skipper Monty Noble at the crease. This bloke is good enough to have a stand named after him at the SCG, so commands RESPECT with a capital everything. Fortunately, Stanic got a thin edge and debutant ‘keeper Craig stooped low to scoop up the chance in defiance of the trademark Camperdown mullygrubber-style bounce. 

Tony Campey relieved Abreu from the Rotunda end, and his first delivery was a little off line, crashing into the middle stump instead of the off stump. Very disappointing, but the wicket first ball did help to ease the pain, and at 6-31 in the 16th over this was becoming something of a rout. Stanic bowled out his ninth over at the other end, finishing with the remarkable figures of 9-4-8-3 before handing bowling duties to Jose Poothokaren. For Northbridge Danny Zatz joined Parker at the crease and they built a nice partnership of 41 with some classical straight drives and not-so-classical mows to leg. The drinks break came and went and both batters reached 22 before the pressure eventually proved too much. First Zatz skied a lifter from Campey to a fast moving Mike Pinter running to his right from cover. Soon after Parker chanced his arm against Tony Campey (TC – Top Cat, anyone?) once too often, the lofted slog settling into the hands of “Tex” Dadswell at long-on. Jose Poothokaren toils were rewarded next over when Maw screwed one to backward point where ‘JDos’ Kenn wrapped his mitts around it (9-87). 

Jason Kenn  kept his mitts on the ball to relieve Campey from the Rotunda end, commencing his first bowling spell for CCNSW Masters. It did not last long. Steaming in to a badly wounded Cope (early in their fielding stint he went down as if a sniper had felled him, hamstring gaaawn), Kenn’s pace was just too much, and Cope could only spoon the very first ball to Stanic at mid-wicket.

There were a number of “firsts” for the Club in this one. Tony Campey, in his first official outing for CCNSW Masters  snared a wicket with his first ball, a feat later replicated by Jason Kenn (well into his second season but hitherto not entrusted with bowling duties). Considering Dave Abreu also snared a pole with his first ball for the Club in Round 1, perhaps we could change our recruitment spie to:: “Join CCNSW Masters and you are practically guaranteed a wicket first ball!” And after pestering numerous CCNSW captains unsuccessfully over the years, I finally got the nod to ‘keep and if I had to say (reluctantly, of course) the feedback was pretty bloody positive in fact (thanks for the opportunity Tex).

A great day out against some top blokes (shout out to Northbridge for bringing beers), I’ll be back for more for sure .The Team was: –Ed Cross 9, Mike Pinter 40* (ret not out), Dan Turner 40* (ret not out), Jason Kenn 42* (ret not out), Anthony Campey 5, Mike Weaver 6, Andrew Dadswell (c) 40* (ret not out), David Craig (w) 16, Jose Poothokaren 23*, David Abreu 0, Ben Stanic 5* (and Sundries 33)

The Result was: 

C.C.N.S.W.: – 5-259 (40 overs) (J Kenn 42*, M. Pinter 40*; D. Turner 40*; A Dadswell 40*)

Defeated

Northbridge CC: – 10-87 (27.1 overs) ((B. Stanic 3-8; A. Campey 3-28)

By 172 runs

FoW: – 1-21 (E. Cross), 2-156 (A. Campey), 3-156 (M. Weaver), 4-207 (D. Craig), 5-238 (D. Abreu)

The Bowling was: – B. Stanic 9-4-8-3; D. Abreu 7-2-21-2, A. Campey 6-0-28-3; J. Poothokaren 5-0-26-1; J. Kenn 0.1-0-0-1

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: – Nil

Catches: – One to D. Craig (w) and to each of E. Cross, A. Dadswell, J. Kenn, M. Pinter, B. Stanic and M. Weaver.

Run outs: – Nil

Player points (awarded by umpire): – 3 points to B. Stanic; 2 points to D. Turner; one point to A. Campey

See: https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/org/sydney-masters-cricket-association/masters-summer-202223/masters/game-centre/b29ca527  

VINTAGE ROUND 5 v BURWOOD/KU-RING-GAI AT TURRAMURRA MEMORIAL PARK, TURRAMURRA  ON SUNDAY 4 DECEMBER 2022: REPORT BY FRANK BALIOTIS

La Niña must be on hiatus as we arrived at the picturesque Turramurra Memorial Park under glorious sunshine and a rather warm 33 degrees. Our skipper, Peter Rolls won the toss and decided to bowl on what looked like a dodgy wicket with large pieces of turf missing from both popping creases. 

 The Burwood Ku-ring-gai openers were pretty well tied down by some exceptional bowling from Stuart Ridge and Sittampalam Rafavan (“Raga”). Stuart was a little unlucky, but still managed figures 1-19 off 7 overs and Raga 2-26 of his 7 overs. (Both were amazingly accurate when coming on for last 2 overs each at the death considering they played National Over 60s in Geelong in the previous week). Joe Scarcella was next up but only lasted 4 balls before succumbing to a groin injury sustained in the Nationals the week before. More about Joey’s batting heroics to follow. Gerry O’Shea took over admirably and only conceded 16 runs from his 6.2 overs. He also ran for miles in the outfield and took an exceptional running catch on the boundary. Greg Brooks was also unlucky not to get a wicket and only conceded 25 runs from his 7 overs. It’s amazing what Brooksie can do, given his new hip. Mel Lucas also ran for miles and his bowling continually troubled the batters and combined well with John Finucane for a classy stumping. John also took a catch and kept well given the tricky pitch and heat. Garry James was at his bamboozling best; he’s clearly been doing this for a long time, and took two well-deserved wickets. 

 Even though three Burwood Ku-ring-gai batters scored 30* , we still bowled and fielded very well to contain them to 6-155  runs after 40 overs. 

 Gerry O’Shea and I opened the batting, and unlike me, out for 1, Gerry,went on to make a well played 30*. Mel Lucas was unlucky being given out lbw for 2. Peter Rolls was up next and scored two quick fours then played smart patient cricket until getting caught for 25 trying to smack one over long on. Brooks came in after Gerry O’Shea retired and as only he can, smacked a quick fire 23 before being caught in the deep. We were now 4-100 off 30 overs and plenty of work still required to reach 156. Garry James and John Finucane were now in bat. Garry opens his account with a four and then proceeds to play a controlled innings scoring ones and twos before retiring at 31*. I think Garry continually asking the umpire for centre was a ploy used to catch his breath. Very clever ploy Garry! By this time, John has scored a couple of fours and a bunch of singles when the man of the hour arrives in the name of Joe Scarcella.

Let me set the scene. Before the game Joe arrives in the dressing room and confides to his teammates that his undergarment is entwined in his heavily strapped groin resulting in an inability to perform on the Royal Dalton. With this in mind and having broken down after bowling 4 balls, he was determined to make a contribution and limped out to bat with the able assistance of Gerry O’Shea as the runner. After a few minutes working out the rules and who would stand where the first ball was bowled and people started running everywhere. Gerry, John and Joe were in no man’s land while the fielders had at least three attempts at removing the bails but inexplicably failed every attempt. It was like watching inebriated Keystone Cops. This happened twice!!

The boys settled as 6 an over was still required from the last 5 overs. But Joe nonchalantly hit two signature consecutive boundaries  behind square leg,  providing the impetus to go on and win the game with John hitting the winning runs (the first time he’s ever done that) with an over to spare. 

A few laughs, a great game of cricket followed by a few drinks. The world is a beautiful place.

The Team was: –  Gerard O’Shea 30*; Frank Baliotis 1, Mel Lucas 2, Peter Rolls (c) 25, Greg Brooks 23, Garry James 31*, John Finucane (w) 19*, Joe Scarcella 12*, Sittampalam Ragavan dnb, Stuart Ridge dnb

The Result was: –

Burwood/Ku-ring-gai: – 6-155 (40 overs) 

Lost to

C.C.N.S.W.: – 4-156 (39 overs) (G. James 31*; G. O’Shea 30*)

By 6 wickets

FoW: – 1-9 (F. Baliotis); 2-17 (M. Lucas); 3-92 (G. Brooks); 4-100 (P. Rolls)

The Bowling was: – S. Ridge 7-2-19-1; S. Ragavan 7-1-26-2; J. Scarcella 0.4-0-0-0; G. O’Shea 6.2-0-16.0; G. Brooks 7-0-25-0; M. Lucas 5-0-25-1; G. James 7-0-38-2

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: – One to J. Finucane

Catches: – J. Finucane (w), G. O’Shea, G. Brooks

Run outs: –  Nil

Player points (awarded by umpire): – 3 points to G. James; 2 points to G. O’Shea; one point to S. Ragavan

See:  https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/org/sydney-masters-cricket-association/vintage-summer-202223/vintage/game-centre/0694425a

LMS, Masters, Vintage

WEEK NINE: WEDNESDAY 16-SUNDAY 20 NOVEMBER

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LMS T20 (8-a-SIDE) EASTERN SYDNEY MIDWEEK DIVISION 2  ROUND 3 v ‘NRL CC’ AT MP 4 ROBERTSON ROAD, MOORE PARK ON WEDNESDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2022:REPORT BY BEN GORHAM

A late ground change and a game starting early (who would have thought?) led  to the writer  to turn up 12 overs late! By the looks of the scorecard the NRL CC got off to a very fast start. We were able to reign the scoring in, in the final 8 overs and take our only wicket with CCNSW debutante, Ben Digan getting one past the slogging batsman. 187 the total to get but with plenty of LMS experience in the top order and a short boundary it looked possible. 

Our batting got off to a solid start with Ben Gorham and Charlie Sharpe starting well but it came crashing down quickly when Ben G held out trying to slog,  with the NRL spinner quickly picking up 3 wickets. Runs became very hard to come by with good cricket shots not getting full value. Unfortunately we fell a long way short of the target reaching only 5-125 at the end of the allocated overs. 

The Team was: – Charles Sharpe 22, Ben Gorham (c) 45, Joel Uddstrom (w) 5, Peter Buruma 33*, Rod Shone 10, Ben Digan 2*, Aditya Hingorani 5, Niall Digan 0

The Result was:- 

NRL CC: – 1-186 (20 overs)

Defeated

CCNSW: – 5-125 (20 overs) ()

By 61 runs

The Bowling was: – Ben Gorham 4-0-17-0; Ben Digan 4-0-38-1; Charles Sharpe 4-0-31-0; Niall Digan 4-0-38-0; Peter Buruma 2-0-24-0; Rod Shone 2-0-27-0

The Fielding was:-

Stumpings: – Nil

Catches: –  Nil

Run outs: – Nil

Player points (awarded by captain): – 3 points to B. Gorham; 2 points to C. Sharpe; 1 point to P. Buruma 

CITY AND SUBURBAN  ROUND 4 v COLLEAGUES AT CAMPERDOWN OVAL, CAMPERDOWN ON SUNDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2022

CCNSW win by forfeit

MASTERS ROUND 4 v AUBURN CC AT GEORGE PARRY OVAL, MONA PARK, AUBURN ON SUNDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2022: REPORT BY ANDREW DADSWELL

After two wins to start the season the Masters were keen to take on Auburn at George Parry Oval. With a number of our top order batters representing NSW in the over 50s Nationals, Peter Constantinou and Kunal Patel made their Masters debuts. Welcome aboard.

Auburn won the toss and batted first, wasting no time as they went after the bowling early. Ben Stanic bowled very well with the new ball and got the first breakthrough. However the runs continued to flow as we dropped 3 tough chances in the first 10 overs that would ultimately prove costly.Auburn proceeded to 3 for 113 off their first 20 overs with Dave Abreu using the conditions nicely in a spell that saw him hit the stumps and draw false shots with clever changes of pace.

After drinks the runs didn’t flow as easily for Auburn as Dave Abreu continued to bowl well and was supported by Paul Nash, Jose Poothokaren and Soren Hughes. ‘Sooz’s’ first ball grabbed an lbw decision despite what the umpire considered the worst appeal he had ever seen. Jose bowled a great line and length and removed the dangerous Ebert.

Auburn made 8 for 218 which was always going to be a challenge on their home track.

The CCNSW innings started steadily. Ed Cross looked set as he flicked a leg side six only to get out the next over. Paul “elbow guard” Anumodu worked the ball around in partnership with Paul Nash until the dreaded run out ended their partnership.

Our middle order of Soren Hughes, Peter Constantinou and Kunal Patel  all came and went just as they started to get going. Auburn’s consistency proved a challenge throughout the innings.

Nash was the one CCNSW batter who found his groove and he retired just after drinks, giving us a chance to play some shots and try to get close to the total. Nash’s bat might need inspection by the rules committee because it literally made no sound whenever he middled the ball, causing much speculation.

A late partnership between Ben Stanic and Andrew Dadswell got us past the 100 mark but it was never enough 

A solid defeat at the hands of quality opposition. Still, a good day was had by all.

Kunal Patel’s great diving catch on club debut was a highlight and he would be a handy inclusion in any side for his keeping alone. Peter Constantinou proved good value around the sheds and we hope to see him get amongst it soon.

The Team was: – Ed Cross 10 (off 23, Paul Anumodu 10 (off 37), Paul Nash 40 (off 62) , Soren Hughes 3 (off 5, Pete Constantinou 8 (off 19), Kunal Patel (w) 7 (off 10), Jose Poothokaren 5 (off 10), Mick Tarrant 0 (off 5, Andrew Dadswell (c) 24 (off 21) , Ben Stanic 3 (off 9), Dave Abreu 5* (off 7)

The Result was: – 

Auburn CC:  8-218 (40 overs) (D. Abreu 3-42)

Defeated

C.C.N.S.W.: – 10-127 – (36.3 overs) (P. Nash 40)

By 91 runs

FoW: – 1-14 (E. Cross); 2-43 (P. Anumodu); 3-50 (S. Hughes); 4-76 (P. Constantinou); 5-86 (K. Patel); 6-86 (M. Tarrant) ; 7-93 (J. Poothokaren); 8-117 (B. Stanic); 9-122 (A. Dadswell); 10-122 (P. Nash) 

The Bowling was: – B. Stanic 7-0-35-2, M. Tarrant 7-0-45-0, D. Abreu 9-0-42-3, A. Dadswell 6-0-32-0, P. Nash 4-0-23-0, J. Poothokaren 4-0-20-1, S. Hughes 3-0-15-2

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: – None

Catches: – two to E. Cross 2 catches, K Patel one (w)

Run outs: – None

Player points (awarded by umpire): – 3 points to P. Nash; 2 points to D. Abreu; 1 point to B. Stanic

https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/org/sydney-masters-cricket-association/masters-summer-202223/masters/game-centre/11423a8f

VINTAGE ROUND 4 v SRI LANKA LIONS CC AT CAMPERDOWN OVAL, CAMPERDOWN  ON SUNDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2022: REPORT BY JOHN FINUCANE

Hot and blustery conditions greeted the players at Camperdown for our round four match against the Sri Lanka lions. Both teams were evenly placed on the ladder going into the game and a win was needed to keep pace with the top team.

Peter Rolls lost  he toss and Sri Lanka batted first, no doubt with an eye on a wearing and drying pitch that could suit their predominantly spin attack later in the afternoon. Stuart Ridge and Paul Georgiadis opened the bowling , and Paul in particular shone with accurate bowling that netted him 2-18 off his 7 overs. Probably his best spell this season and deserved figures. Paul’s early inroads, back up by Stuart grabbing one as well, saw their best batsmen struggle to 3-28 and then 5-69. 

After drinks their middle order consolidated although the bowlers did well to hold back the run rate. What could have been 180-200 or more, on what seemed a reasonable pitch, was held to just 163. Game on!

Sittampalam Ragavan (‘Raga’) turned in a great spell in the latter overs picking up 3-21, and with Gerry O’Shea getting an economical 2-14 off 6, both did the business when really needed. Some great fielding and catching backed up good line and length bowling for a solid all around effort in the field on what could have been a tough afternoon if this strong batting line-up had got away on us. Mick McCormick was a stand out in the field – swan dives, rolls, spectacular action down on the fence impressing (NOT!) the young ladies in the stands. 

Our run chase began with a healthy run rate of just over 4 per over needed for a win. A solid start from openers, debutante Neville Emerson (30*) and John Finucane (31*) saw both retire with the score at 0-60 in the sixteenth over. Dan Pellen (28) and Peter Rolls (17) continued the good progress through to the first wicket falling in the 25th over at 1-92 and the run rate tight, but on track.

Sri Lanka then turned the screws and progress was challenging for a period and the game was going to go down to the wire. Greg Brooks (28) came to the crease and gave the run rate a well needed boost with his usual quick fire batting before being caught behind and stumped same ball.   That was the impetus needed to get the match in hand despite a few finger nails being chewed in the last 5 overs.  Gerry O’Shea and Raga steered the ship home in the 39th over at 4-167 for a good win against a solid team.

We are now sitting in third place with only Lindfield and the Cyclones above us.  A push for points will be important before we play both Southern Highlands and Cyclones in key matches in the home run in February. 

The Team was: – John Finucane 31* ret no, Neville Emerson 30* ret no, Daniel Pellen 28, Peter Rolls 17, Mick McCormick 3, Greg Brooks 28, Gerard O’Shea 6*, Sittampalam Ragavan 14*, Paul Georgiadis dnb, Stuart Ridge dnb, Mel Lucas dnb

The Result was: –

Sri Lanka Lions: – 8-163 (40 overs) (S. Ragavan 3-21)

Lost to

C.C.N.S.W.: – 4-167 (38.3 overs) (J. Finucane 31*; N Emerson 30*)

By 6 wickets

FoW: – 1-91 (P. Rolls); 2-101 (M.  McCormick); 3-140 (D. Pellen); 4-146 (G. Brooks)

The Bowling was: – S. Ridge 7-0-44-1; P. Georgiadis 7-2-18-2; G. Brooks 7-0-32-0; S. Ragavan 7-0-21-3; M. McCormick 5-0-24-0; G. O’Shea 6-0-14-2. N. Emerson 1-0-9-0

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: – Nil

Catches: – 2 to G. Brooks; one to each of P. Georgiadis, M. McCormick, G. O’Shea and S. Ridge 

Run outs: –  Nil

Player points (awarded by umpire): – 3 points to S. Ragavan; 2 points to J. Finucane; one point to G. Brooks

https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/org/sydney-masters-cricket-association/vintage-summer-202223/vintage/game-centre/7ccd6f41

Masters, Social, Vintage

WEEK SEVEN: WEDNESDAY 2- SUNDAY 6 NOVEMBER

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SOCIAL GAME v “RAGA INVITATION XI” AT CAMPERDOWN OVAL, CAMPERDOWN, ON WEDNESDAY 2 NOVEMBER 2022: REPORT BY PETER ROLLS

TEAMS CCNSW AND RAGA’S  INVITATIONAL XII – WEDNESDAY 2 NOVEMBER 2022
Back Row: John Jackson, Paul Georgiadis, Joe Scarcella, Ashok Victor Ponnudurai, Douglas Latto, David Wright (w for CCNSW), Peter Rolls (c for CCNSW), Nadarajah Gowripalan, Sittampalam Ragavan (c for Raga XII), Stuart Ridge, Neville Emerson, Peter Harrison, Gunaratnam Kandakumar, Raj Beadle, Graham McDonald, Peter O’Reilly, Inset: Jed Wesley-Smith (was getting a coffee!).  
Front Row: Garry Budden (w for Raga XI), David Craig, Russell Nation, Wasantha Hettiarachchi, Neil Karunasegara, Mel Lucas, Simon Lyon.

With La Nina still hanging around we were fortunate to get a beautiful sunny day albeit a bit chilly-windy 19°C (with a 15°C wind chill factor). Jumpers and vests pulled out of storage with Simon Lyon’s looking like a gift from WG Grace!

The game was switched to Marrickville Oval as Camperdown was still recovering from a wet rugby season that had shredded the wicket like a horse-drawn plough. 

Sittampalam Ragavan (‘Raga’) and Peter Rolls  managed to get 12 players for each team with more diversity than the United Nations.Peter won the toss and elected to bowl as not sure how the wicket would play after so much wet weather leading up to the game. Raga was happy as he wanted to bat anyway. Luckily, the pitch played fairly true and flat.

Rules for batsman was retire not out at 25 runs or 35 balls (whichever came first) and max 6 overs per bowler and one ball allowed down leg side per over (with second ruled a wide).

Raga’s XII Innings:

Peter O’Reilly and Neville Emerson opened Raga’s XI innings and started strongly with Peter banging 2 boundaries off Stuart Ridge’s first over. Stuart was “not happy Jan” and responded with only a single off his next 3 overs. David Craig  opened from the other end into a strong southerly with his leggies and Neville showed more likes than an Instagram photo by hitting 8 off David C’s first over. No wicket for 53 after 10 overs with  O’Reilly and Emerson soon retiring after scoring their respective 25 runs in quick time including 4 and 3 fours respectively.  Garry Budden continued the onslaught against Paul Georgiadis and Joe Scarcella and also retired after reaching 25* including 4 fours. 

Then the tide turned with Paul Georgiadis bamboozling Neil Karunasegara, bowling him with a slower ball (but many argue they are all slow!). After 20 overs the score 1 for 76 so more pressure on Raga’s men with the run rate slowed after the first 10 overs.  Gunaratnam Kandakumar(“Kanda”) and Simon Lyon both started their innings with more dots than a Dalmatian (10 dot balls each) due to Jed Wesley-Smith  and Peter Harrison ‘muzzle bowling’ restricting them with 5 overs for 16 runs each. They both retired at 13* after reaching their allotted 35 balls. Wasantha Hettiarachchi worked the ball beautifully to up the tempo with more noodling than a Chinese street food peddler and retired on 23* after reaching his 35 balls. However, with 1 for 113 off 30 overs the run rate resembled a trickle from a swollen prostate.

Russell Nation started his innings with intent by working the singles straight away but came undone for 3 courtesy of a very slick stumping by David Wright from the one ball allowed down the leg side from John Jackson. John’s celebration animation will be in the next Disney movie.

Enter captain courageous Raga who slayed our dragon death bowlers with 25* off 21 balls to make for a now fired up run rate of 164 off 40 overs. Raj Beadle (8) kept the momentum going until retiring to a leg injury. Ashok Victor Ponnudurai (15*) and Nadarajah Gowripalan (“Gowr”)i (8*) plundered the final overs well to remain not out after 45 overs with the very respectable score of 2-190. 

CCNSW Innings:

We knew we would have to bat deeper than an accountant’s pockets to get this total. Peter Harrison and Douglas Latto opened our innings. Douglas now having the honour of having played for both teams (as Raga missed his availability email and Peter’s team needed one). Both got us off to a good start with early boundaries. Peter Harrison was the first to go for 10 holing out to a solid catch to Raga at mid on from Gown bowling a tight line. Douglas (17) soon followed but out to a screamer at first slip by Peter O’Reilly off Russell Nation who was on song this day bowling his melodic mediums. 2 for 33 off 11 overs but on track.

Joe Scarcella (1) came and went like a bride’s nightie caught behind by Garry Budden off Russell Nation. Mel Lucas, a newcomer to the Club, showed his class with 20* retired off 35 balls. Peter Rolls needing to lift the run rate made 26* retired off 25 balls. 3 for 75 off 20 overs and still on track.

David Craig (6) looked sharp until Raga threw down the stumps (non-striker end) from mid on to deny him a 7th run. Enter Stuart Ridge and John Jackson who ran like rabbits despite John turning 70 this year. They lifted the run rate until Stuart retired for 25 off 34 balls and John 25 retired off 30 balls. Graham MacDonald didn’t trouble the scorers bowled by Peter O’Reilly and David Wright (7) the team man threw his bat out caught by Simon Lyon at cover off talso he tight bowling of Peter O’Reilly. 6 for 168 off 40 overs and any ones game with 23 required off 5 overs.

Paul Georgiadis (1) also a team man threw his bat for  Simon Lyon  to take another catch but this time off Neil. Jed Wesley-Smith picked up the pace with 19 off 24 balls with exciting death running with Mel Lucas who returned after Paul departed. More tension than a triple D bra as Jed was bowled by Neil Gowripalan in the second last over still needing 6 to win. Peter Rolls returned and took 2 runs off the last ball of Neil’s over. 4 to win off the last over with Mel Lucas facing Captain Raga. A dot ball first ball then Mel unleashed a pull shot for the ages to hit the boundary and winning runs. Another exciting chapter in the Raga social spirit of cricket. 

Thanks to Raga for supplying the tasty bbq chicken and bread rolls although the garnish was warmer than a Northern Territory public bench! The beers helped big time!

Raga’s XII team was (playing 12): – Peter O’Reilly 28* retired not out, Neville Emerson 25* retired not out, Garry Budden 26* retired not out, Neil Karunasegara 2, Gunaratnam Kandakumar 13* retired not out, Simon Lyon 13* retired not out, Wasantha Hettiarachchi 23* retired not out, Russell Nation 3, Sittampalam Ragavan (c) 25* retired not out, Raj Beadle 8* retired (injured), Ashok Victor Ponnudurai 15* , Nadarajah Gowripalan 8*. 

CCNSW Team was (playing 12): – Peter Harrison 10, Douglas Latto 17, Joe Scarcella 1, Mel Lucas 36*, Peter Rolls  (c) 28*, David Craig 6, Stuart Ridge 25*, John Jackson 25*, Graham MacDonald 0, David Wright (w) 7, Paul Georgiadis 1, Jed Wesley-Smith  (w) 19

The Result was: – 

Raga XI: – 2 – 190 (45 overs)

Lost to

C.C.N.S.W.: – 8-192 (44.2 overs) (M. Lucas 36*)

By 2 wickets

FoW: – 1-28 (P. Harrison); 2-28 (D. Latto); 3-33 (J. Scarcella); 4-93 (D. Craig); 5-133 (G. MacDonald); 6-168 (D. Wright); 7-172  (P. Georgiadis); 8-185 (J. Wesley-Smith)

The CCNSW Bowling was: Stuart Ridge 6-0-27-0, David Craig 6-0-35-0, Paul Georgiadis 5-2-15-1, Joe Scarcella 5-0-21-0, Jed Wesley-Smith 5-0-16-0, Peter Harrison 5-0-16-0, John Jackson 6-0-22-1, Mel Lucas 4-0-21-0, Graham MacDonald 3-0-13-0

Raga’s XII Bowling was: –: S. Ragavan 4.2-0-21-0; A. Ponnudurai 2-0-9-0; R. Nation 6-1-19-2; N. Gowripalan 6-1-19-2; W. Hettiarrchchi 6-0-22-0; S. Lyon 6-0-33-0; P. O’Reilly 6-0-24-2; N. Emerson 6-0-29-0; N. Karunasegara 2-0-11-2.

CCNSW  Fielding was: –

Stumpings: – One to Jed Wesley-Smith 

Catches:  -Nil

Run outs: – Nil 

CITY AND SUBURBAN  ROUND 3 v CRANBROOK OLD BOYS AT DANGAR  OVAL, ROSE BAY ON SUNDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2022:

Cancelled – Cranbrook forfeit.

MASTERS ROUND 3 v LANE COVE CC AT KINGSFORD SMITH  OVAL, LONGUEVILLE ON SUNDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2022: REPORT BY ANDREW DADSWELL

What a great day for cricket! Sunshine and a cool breeze. The over 40s made their way to Kingsford Smith Oval looking to replicate the form of the Classics the week before.

The skipper lost the toss and Lane Cove elected to bat first.

The bowling effort was spearheaded by Ben Stanic who made the first breakthrough by trapping the dangerous Howard LBW in the 3rd over. Michael Tarrant and Stanic both challenged the top order with tight bowling and Ben snagged his second wicket to leave Lane Cove in an awkward position at 2 for 19 in the 7th over.

Dave Craig came on early and found some good bounce which helped with the dismissal of Glover, stumped by keeper Rob Lawther.

The danger man for Lane Cove was always going to be the classy Neil McLeod who has dined out on the CCNSW Masters bowlers the last two seasons, but when Dave Abreu had the audacity to bowl a slower ball yorker to remove him for 24 it felt like a big moment in the match. 

The Lane Covians showed good batting depth as their middle order all contributed steadily. Dadswell picked up a couple of wickets with some flighted deliveries and Jose Poothokaren bowled expertly in denying the batters the short boundary and picked up 2 wickets of his own. Jose’s second wicket was caught behind by Robbie Lawther who was having a great day with the gloves, taking two low, fast chances.

In the end Lane Cove made 9 for 160 off their 40 overs.

In between innings, former Masters great Ian Allmey made his presence known and imparted some of his substantial wisdom on the young lads. Or was he really there to check out the Longueville real estate?

In pursuit of 161 Jason Kenn set the tone early by smacking some beautiful boundaries straight down the ground. Ed Cross also looked good, and the mountain men took the total to 1 for 63 off the first 10 overs. A great start to a run chase with Jason undone by one that angled across him.

Ed and Scott Well went in the space of 2 overs to leave us 3 for 68 but the local knowledge of Paul Nash was on display in a dominant innings of 30, punctuated by cracking pull shots and some thumping drives over mid-on.

Nashie ended up hauling out to deep mid-on which brought Lawther and Andrew Dadswell together. They worked the ball around in a 46-run partnership before Lawther nicked off with 30 to get.

Jose looked composed in his innings until he was dismissed by a sensational catch at short mid-on. Michael Tarrant came in and with Tex saw us pass the total with 6 and a half overs to spare.

In the end, with the wicket playing a little up and down from one end being cancelled out by the small boundary, 160 was probably 30 short of par. The consistency of the CCNSW bowlers set up the win. Notably we didn’t bowl any wides – that must be a rare occurrence.

Both teams shared beers after play and we thank Lane Cove for their great hospitality.

The team – Ed Cross (11), Jason Kenn (26), Paul Nash (30), Scott Wells (4), Rob Lawther (25), Andrew Dadswell (c) (34*), Jose Poothokaren (6), Mick Tarrant (12*), Ben Stanic (DNB), Dave Craig (DNB), Dave Abreu (DNB)

The result was:

Lane Cove 9-160 (40 overs)

Lost to

CCNSW 6-163 (33.2 overs)

FOW: 1-39 (Kenn), 2-63 (Cross), 3-68 (Wells), 4-83 (Nash), 5-129 (Lawther), 6-142 (Poothokaren)

The bowling was: Ben Stanic (9-0-2-28), Mick Tarrant (8-2-0-22), Dave Craig (6-0-1-37), Dave Abreu (7-1-2-26), Andrew Dadswell (4-0-2-23), Jose Poothokaren (4-0-2-19), Paul Nash (2-1-0-1)

The fielding was: 

Stumpings: 1 Rob Lawther

Catches: 2 Rob Lawther (WK), 1 Mick Tarrant, 2 Scott Wells

Player points (awarded by umpire): – 3 points to Andrew Dadswell; 2 points to Paulk Nash ; 1 point to Rob Lawther

VINTAGE ROUND 3 v CASTLE HILL  CC AT CAMPERDOWN OVAL, CAMPERDOWN ON SUNDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2022: REPORT BY JOE SCARCELLA

CCNSW returns to Camperdown 

On a glorious sunny day, the Vintage team turned up at Camperdown Oval with more than a little apprehension about the state of the centre square after it was torn apart in the off-season by those evil rugger-heads. The council had spent a considerable amount of money laying fresh couch on the damaged area and it’ll take time to bed in, but the groundsman had managed to prepare a pitch on the edge of the square that was pretty good. So, all systems go for the start.

Our opponents Castle Hill won the toss and sent us in. But more drama awaited us before we took to the field. Where the hell are the stumps and bails??? Michael McCormick was asked to check the store-room and couldn’t find them anywhere!! No matter, the ever-reliable Raga had a couple of sets in his car if they were needed. As it turns out, they weren’t. A further check was made of the store-room by the Prez. In a sadly obvious pointer his mental faculties are on a rapid decline of Biden-esque proportions, the said MM couldn’t see what was under his eyes. The Prez located not just 6 stumps but SIXTEEN. 

But back to the game.

The opening pair of John Finucane and Frank Baliotis started steadily enough, but Frank was trapped LBW playing back to an in-dipper (4). Joe Scarcella came in at first drop and was looking comfortable before falling victim to another LBW decision by our umpires (10). Jim Robson (Jungle) joined John at the crease. John was eventually dismissed for a very solid 29. At this point, we were 3-46. Peter Rolls joined Jungle at the crease, and the pair both batted with great authority and urgency, not looking at all troubled by the bowling and putting on a solid partnership in quick time before both retired unbeaten, on 30 and 31, respectively. Meanwhile, Greg Brooks came in and smashed a quick-fire unbeaten 32, his innings featuring a number of lovely straight hits down the ground that had the bowler diving for cover. Mick came and went (10). Raga followed him, and he wasted no time in taking to the bowling, scoring five 4s on the way to his rapid and valuable 23. Coming in at 9, Gerry O’Shea was cruising along steadily, while Stu Ridge was bowled for 2 in the pursuit of quick runs, and Paul Georgadis at 11 hung around to be unbeaten on 10 with Gerry who was not out 17 at the end of the innings. 

Our total of 6-209 after 40 overs was always going to be very hard to beat. Our bowlers performed superbly to dismiss Castle Hill for 104.

Stuey and Paul opened the bowling and, after bowling a maiden in his first over,  Stu took a wicket in his second. After his successful 6-over spell (1 for 3, including 3 maidens), Joe came in first change and continued the relentless line and length attack which the batsmen could not handle. Joe bowled an excellent spell, finishing with 3 victims (all bowled) for 5, including 5 maidens from his 7 overs. At the other end, Raga chipped in with a wicket in his first spell of 4 overs, before being replaced by Mick McCormick. Mick struck with his first delivery, an outside edge to ‘keeper John. His 2nd wicket followed in the next over, clean bowled, and he took another (caught at 1st slip by the Greg Brooks). It was another excellent contribution by Mick, his 7 overs yielding 3 for 28. Prez Brooksy bowled some steady overs before Raga came back on and took his 2 wicket to finally put the opponents out of their misery.

Overall, it was a very good effort by the team to comprehensively thrash Castle Hill and earn valuable bonus points to celebrate the club’s first outing this season at Camperdown.

The Team was: John Finucane 29, Frank Baliotis 4,Joe Scarcella 10, James Robson 30*, Peter Rolls 31*, Greg Brooks 32*, Michael McCormick 10, Sittampalam Ragavan 23, Gerard O’Shea 17*, Stuart Ridge 2, Paul Georgadis 10*

The Result was: 

C.C.N.S.W.: 6-209  (40 overs)

Defeated

Castle Hill: 9-109  (36 overs) (All-out)

By  100 runs

FoW: – 1-13  (Baliotos); 2-36 (Scarcella);  3-46 (Finucane); 4-136 (McCormick); 5-175  (Ragavan); 6-188 (Ridge)

The Bowling was: Stuart Ridge 6-3-3-1, Paul Georgadis 6-1-24-0, Joe Scarcella 7-4-5-3, Sittampalam Ragavan 4.2-0-16-2, Michael McCormick 7-1-28-3, Greg Brooks 5-0-15-0, Gerard O’Shea 1-0-8-0

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: Nil

Catches: John Finucane, Greg Brooks, Stuart Ridge 

Run outs: Nil 

Player points (awarded by umpire): – 3 points to Joe Scarcella; 2 points to Greg Brooks ; 1 point to Michael McCormick

C&S, Masters, Vintage

WEEK FIVE: SUNDAY 23 OCTOBER

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CITY AND SUBURBAN  ROUND 2 v REG BARTLEY XI AT REG BARTLEY  OVAL, RUSHCUTTERS BAY ON SUNDAY 23 OCTOBER 2022:

WASHED OUT

MASTERS ROUND 2 v BALMAIN/SOUTH SYDNEY RANGERS AT CAMPERDOWN OVAL, CAMPERDOWN ON SUNDAY 23 OCTOBER 2022:

WASHED OUT

VINTAGE ROUND 2 v ASHFIELD DE LA SALLE OLD BOYS AT RON ROUTLEY OVAL, CONCORD ON SUNDAY 23 OCTOBER 2022: REPORT BY MICHAEL MCORMICK

After a week in which many of the team had played 3 or 4 games at the State Championships the creaks and groans were louder and more frequent than normal. Well done to Joe Scarcella, Peter Rolls and Stu Ridge on their Port Jackson Grand Final win.    

The weather over most of the state made cricket a pipe dream but a window of opportunity remained at Ron Routley Oval where only a sprinkle had occurred. 

The now familiar La Nina omnipresence of clusters of dark clouds surrounded the ground, but both the pitch and outfield were in good condition. Fortuitously, the clouds rolled past all day.

Rollsey lost the toss and De La Salle decided to bat on a dry slightly slow pitch. It wouldn’t take long for that decision to be regretted.

Stuart Ridge, fresh from his week at Penrith panthers, pounced, cat- like on the oblivious opposition, bowling their best batsman with a hooping inswinger. He followed this up with two further top of off stump pearlers that hooped in and mercilessly clipped the off bail.

Stuart had better figures than the Bolshoi ballet. 4-1 after 3 overs. Whiley Coyote, Paul Georgiadis was getting back in his Pilates like rhythm seemingly halting the ball in mid flight on its way to the batsman. He kept it tight to allow Stuart to weave his magic. Stu finished with the amazing figures of 4 for 3 with 5 maidens in his 7 overs. 

At 3 for 4 thoughts of under 9 matches started to surface but the De la Salle left-handed opener remained steadfast despite opening a meatworks of butchered opportunities down the leg side.

Garry James bowled tightly coping with a very stiff back. His crooked man appearance would not have caused any concern if had parked in a disabled spot. He floated and beat the bat on several occasions until his “spec savers” moment when he over enthusiastically appealed for LBW. To every player, spectator, umpire and nearby covid tester, it was obvious that the ball had hit the back of the bat which was easily caught by Jerry at first slip.

Joe Scarcella then replaced Stu and used the perfect in swinging breeze to again ask questions of the batsman. He bowled without luck for figures of 0-17

Mick McCormick then replaced Joe and had similar back stiffness to Garry James but more brought about by the weeding stick then the games in Penrith. The inconsistency of line and length probably assisted in surprising the batsman and the good balls reaped rewards bowling the number 6 and then removing the dogged left hander who had a brain explosion and inexplicably made a charge at the bowler. The next ball was full and trapped the batsman inches from the stumps. It was an impossible task for his teammate not to raise the finger (no official umpires this game)

A semblance of excitement momentarily greeted the hat trick ball, but it was left outside the offstump by the batsman prompting Garry James’s encouragement, mentoring and coaching advice to “bowl on the ****king stumps”

Stu came back on to try and pick up the remaining wickets with his final two overs, bowling well but no cigars. Jerry picked up a wicket with a good catch to Frank at mid-off who seemed to lose the ball in the trees but then came forward caught the ball, then completed a perfect forward roll reminiscent of Nadia Comaneci.

New recruit Dan Pellen showed pace in the field all day and was rewarded when he implemented the final wicket via run out. De la Salle all out for 78.

Frank Baliotis opened with John Finucane. Frank got off to a good start punching the ball like Kostya Zhu through the leg and offside. John ably assisted and the score progressed to 36 without loss. Frank unfortunately cut one to point and was out for 28 but had guided the team to a likely victory. Dan Pellen in his first innings for a while, seemed to easily get back on the bike and played some nice shots to score 15.

Jim Robson immediately took control and had the running between wickets tempo upped to a staccato level. He went caught and bowled trying to get the runs by 20 overs. 

John Finucane had to retire owing to some pain in his chest, he headed to hospital for some cautionary tests with the good news that there were no problems, except running with Jungle.

Captain Peter Rolls, Garry James and Mick McCormick hit sufficient runs to get to the total by 20 overs and obtain the maximum bonus points.

An excellent win with Stu’s spell and Frank’s innings the highlights.

The Team was: John Finucane 15 retired, Frank Baliotis 28, Daniel Pellen 15, Jim Robson 4, Peter Rolls 5, Michael McCormick 6, Garry James 0*, Gerard O’shea dnb, Joe Scarcella dnb, Stuart Ridge dnb, Paul Georgadis dnb  

The Result was: 

C.C.N.S.W.: 4-79 ( 18.5 overs)

Defeated

Ashfield De La Salle Old Boys: 10-78  (36 overs) 

By  6 wickets

FoW: – 1-34  (Baliotis); 2-61 (Pellen); 3-67 (Robson); 4-74 (Rolls)

The Bowling was: Stuart Ridge 7-5-3-4, Paul Georgadis 7-2-12-0, Joe Scarcella 7-2-17-0, Garry James 7-1-16-1, Michael McCormick 4-1-15-3, Gerard O’Shea 4-0-21-1

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: None

Catches: Gerard O’Shea, Frank Baliotis

Run outs: Daniel Pellen

Player points (awarded by umpire): – 3 points to Stuart Ridge; 2 points to Michael McCormick; 1 point to Frank Baliotis