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C&S, Social

WEEK TWENTY FOUR: WEDNESDAY 15-SATURDAY 18 MARCH 2023

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SOCIAL GAME  v XXIX CLUB AT THE ALBERT GROUND, ST KILDA, MELBOURNE ON WEDNESDAY 1 5 MARCH 2023: REPORT BY GREG BROOKS

Back row: Soren Hughes, Joe Scarcella, Greg Brooks (c), Stuart Ridge, Garry James, Bill Blair.
Front row: Mark Henwood, Jim Hadley, Stuart Stockdale, Tom Robertson, Jake Rothnie (w).

One of the highlight fixtures of the season resumed Wednesday 15th March in Melbourne after a 2 year Covid induced hiatus.

What was most pleasing was the appetite of club members to get to Melbourne and enjoy all that the XXIX Club provide. With Victorian CCNSW  member Bill Blair moving his work schedule to play for the club,  Victorian CCNSW member Stuart Stockdale putting up his hand to play  and Victorian CCNSW  member Steve Kish arranging a young wicket keeper, the other 8 club members all made the trip from Sydney.Indeed your President along with Stu Ridge, Joe Scarcella and Garry James drove to Melbourne including a 2 night farm stay outside of Cootamundra along the way to  further build team spirit! 

On to the game.

As there was only one scorer I have asked for the details of the book to be shared but it has not arrived yet so some of the details are missing…yes I should have taken a photo!

The  Albert Ground in St Kilda is the first grade oval for the Melbourne Cricket Club. The MCC play in the Premier Cricket competition which is the highest level grade cricket in the city.

The oval is in magnificent condition with a carpet like out field and a well grassed square even this late in the season.Along with perfect autumn weather the day was well set up. The XXIX club kindly provided two grade umpires, a scorer and large electronic scorebook showing  the good, the bad and the ugly. We lost the toss and were sent in with young wicket keeper/ batter Jake Rothnie paired with Tom Robertson.Tom clipped the first ball off his pads for 4 and then was plumb LBW the second ball ! Not the start we were looking for! Jim and Soren came and went quickly leaving Bill Blair and Jake to rebuild.And rebuild they did with a fine partnership at a good clip. We reached 3/70 from 11 overs before Bill fell for a well made 20 odd.Jake is a fine young player and produced a solid innings of 74 with three sixes and several boundaries as the total moved past 120.From here on we failed to kick on and were eventually all out for 152.

Following a short break we opened our attack with Stu Ridge and Bill Blair who both bowled accurately against quality opening bats. With the score past 50 Soren Hughes gained the breakthrough and followed it up with another shortly after. Garry James bowled a good spell from the tennis court end and was rewarded with a wicket as the XXIXs approached our total.

While it was a tough ask to defend a small total against a strong side on a good batting deck and fast outfield, we stuck at our task and everyone fielded really well.

After the presentations and short speeches we enjoyed good food, cold beer and quality courtesy of the wine writer Jeremy Oliver with our hosts and plenty of stories from both sides.

While not the result we had hoped for all players agreed it was a terrific day out in Melbourne.We look forward to hosting the XXIX club next season in Sydney and returning the hospitality shown to us.

Greg Brooks

President.

The Team was (in batting order): – T.Robertson, J.Rothnie, S.Hughes, J.Hadley, B.Blair, S.Stockdale, G.Brooks, J.Scarcella, G.James, M.Henwood, S.Ridge.

The Result was: –

C.C.N.S.W.: –  10/152 ( overs) 

Lost to 

MCC XXIX club:- 3/157 (overs)

by 7 wickets.

FoW: – 1- (); 2- (); 3- (); 4- (). 5- (); 6- (); 7- (); 8- (); 9-  (); 10- ().

The Bowling was: – 

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: – 

Catches: –

Run outs: – 

C&S ROUND 17 v THE PRIMARY CLUB OF AUSTRALIA AT CAMPERDOWN OVAL, CAMPERDOWN ON SATURDAY 1 8 MARCH 2023: REPORT BY JAMES MURTHA

There was a real buzz of excitement around the ground for the CCNSW vs PCA grudge match, it’s always competitive! It was a warm day reaching approx. 32 degrees. PCA skipper Damien  Langley (former CCNSW member) won the toss and elected to bat on a rather flat looking wicket.

Soren Hughes and ‘Jonno’ Shaw bowled extremely well early, PCA were 10 overs in for as many runs when the first wicket fell: ‘C .Brown out lbw to J. Shaw’. There was a collective groan and a loud call from Tom Robertson:“Why’d you get him out, knucklehead!?” followed by a few laughs.

Our bowlers continued to threaten in the first session without much luck as the PCA batters were happy to deal in dots and singles. We were on top at drinks with the score around 1-50, on a pitch that wasn’t offering a lot for our seamers.

After drinks, Aaditya Mahata was brought on from the Rotunda End and had an immediate impact. The pitch complemented his left arm finger spin as he took 3 wickets in his tidy spell. Jamie Murtha building good pressure at the other end and bowling full at the stumps was hard to get away early on.

PCA knew they had to get a move on and started playing some risky shots, balls were flying around the park and falling everywhere except the fielders’ hands for a while!

Paul Nash and Jim Hadley grabbed three important wickets and looked good, but one over of slogging and good fortune for the batters boosted their total significantly in the last 10 overs. Adam Khamis chipped in with an important wicket too which likely saved a couple of runs.

The catches that were taken on the day were particularly challenging with a lot of power behind them, but regular boundaries and naked aggression saw the PCA batters score a very competitive 8-184 off their 35 overs.

The team gathered in the shed for a 10 minute change over and much needed drink!

The Tom (Robertson) and Gerry (O’Shea) show got underway and threatened to provide us with another solid start. Gerry took on a risky single which required a direct hit, unfortunately for him there was a direct hit! Tom was clearly rattled after the loss of his opening partner and was bowled for 15 trying to hit a yorker out of the park. Nash copped a good ball and ended up on the wrong side of a 50/50 lbw decision, not a good start to the chase with CCNSW 3-37 after 9.

Jamie Murtha and Harry Bridge dug in for a while trying to ensure there were no further wickets lost, both played some nice shots as the afternoon sun started to bite, they made it to drinks with the team score on 3-71.

After drinks the pair came out positively and moved the score onto 94 before both losing concentration and getting out caught in consecutive balls.

Soren Hughes fell soon after to a ball that slowed off the pitch while Aaditya  Mahata in his second game for the club was at the other end and took on the bowling with a rapid 29; it would take a good catch on the fence to remove him, but that’s exactly what happened.

Mike Weaver started out positively, and hit a nice boundary behind square, but unfortunately tried to work an offside ball to the leg side and was bowled through the gate taking the score to 8-145 with 5 overs remaining.

It was a tough task to win from here, but the team still had a lot of belief with Jim Hadley and ‘Jonno’ Shaw at the crease, Jonno was happy to rotate the strike while Jim looked in superb touch. Shot of the day went to Jim, slapping one off the back foot over the pavilion for 6, the pair scored at around 7 an over and brought the equation down to 10 runs off the last over. Jim looked to take the bowler downtown and middled a lovely straight drive only to be outdone by the bowler who stuck his hand in the path of the ball which regrettably stuck. 

Mike Pinter (“Punter”) the last man played and missed, and an eager Jonno called him through for a single, but the keeper’s throw was on target and again regrettably Punter was run out at the non striker’s end to end the match 7 runs short.

 A disappointing loss for the team in blue who believed the entire time a win was possible. A little more discipline from the top/middle order could have seen the result go in our favor, but credit to PCA who fielded well and took any chances that came their way. In any case, some positives could still be taken away from the match and we will go into the next one a better team for it!

Spirits were still high at the end of the match and both clubs shared a drink together and discussed highlights from the match overlooking the beautiful Camperdown oval under a gold and orange sky.

The Team was (playing 12): – Tom Robertson 15, Gerald O’Shea 4, Paul Nash 5, Jamie Murtha 34, Harry Bridge 25, Aaditya Mahata 29, Soren Hughes 1, Michael Weaver (w) 9, Jonno Shaw 14*, Jim Hadley (c) 23, Mike Pinter 0, Adam Khamis dnb

The Result was: – 

The Primary Club of Australia: – 8-184 (35 overs) (A. Mahata 3-28)

Defeated

C.C.N.S.W.: – 10-177 (34.3 overs) (J. Murtha 34)

By 7 runs

FoW: – 1-12 (G. O’Shea); 2-31 (T. Robertson); 3-37 (P. Nash); 4-94 (H. Bridge).5-94 (J. Murtha); 6-102 (S. Hughes); 7-138 (A. Mahata); 8-145 (M. Weaver); 9-177 (J. Hadley); 10-177 (M. Pinter);

The Bowling was: – S. Hughes 7-1-16-0, J. Shaw 7-0-26-1, J. Murtha 7-0-36-0, A. Mahata 7-0-28-3 P. Nash 3-0-23-1, J. Hadley 3-0-39-2, A. Khamis 1-0-10-1

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: – 2 to M. Weaver

Catches: – 2 to A. Mahata and one each to S. Hughes and J. Murtha, 

Run outs: – Nil

Player points (awarded by captain): – 3 points to A. Mahata; 2 points to J. Murtha; one point to S. Hughes

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, Classics, Social

WEEK EIGHT: WEDNESDAY 9- SUNDAY 13 NOVEMBER

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LMS T20 (8-a-SIDE) EASTERN SYDNEY MIDWEEK DIVISION 3  ROUND 3 v ‘’ AT ROBERTSON ROAD, MOORE PARK ON WEDNESDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2022: 

Report to come.

SOCIAL GAME v SCG XI AT DRUMMOYNE OVAL, DRUMMOYNE, ON WEDNESDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2022:

Report to come.

C&S JACK PACE  ROUND 3 v YARALLA AT GODDARD  OVAL CONCORD ON SATURDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2022:

Report to come.

CLASSICS ROUND 4 v MOSMAN CC AT CAMPERDOWN PARK, CAMPERDOWN  ON SUNDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2022: REPORT BY DAVID CRAIG

How good is cricket?! At the appointed starting time of 12.15pm there were 20-odd blokes standing around watching a light drizzle fall on the covered wicket, all wondering when the game would be called off and the pub beckoned. Half an hour later the crucial North-West passage above the grandstand started to lighten, and then turn blue, the sun came out and a game was deemed possible, albeit with a slight reduction to 38 overs per side. (Some of us had bothered to read the competition rules and had an inkling that this meant maximum 8 overs per bowler instead of the usual 9. The opposing captain M. Hall was not amongst this rare group of cognoscenti, a fact which would prove important later…)

CCNSW skipper Scott Wells won the toss and batted on a mostly dry deck – fortunately the wet patch was right in the middle of the bed and had no real effect on the players. Ed Cross (2) was the unlucky recipient of one that “did a bit early” & disturbed the castle. Paul Nash joined Mike Pinter and they consolidated as the Mosman opening bowlers (Greenwood and Turner) bowled an extended spell in mostly good areas, although the odd short one was whacked away contemptuously by the in-form Nash. After 12 overs (1-36), Mosman made the double change with Varasdi and Hall coming on. Although we were under a bit of run-rate pressure, their best bowlers had only 2 overs each for the death, a factor which would prove costly later. Pinter and Nash continued to build a steady partnership with Nashy’s selective aggression netting a couple of boundaries before Punter (22) nicked off to Varasdi, leaving us 2-59 off 18 overs, and an early drinks break was taken.

With a decent platform, acceleration in the back half was the name of the game, and new batter Scott Wells immediately greeted new bowler Frost with a couple of hard hit boundaries. After Nashy cruised to retirement (31*), Mick Weaver joined the skipper, taking on a new role as a bustling & busy middle order bat with relish & aplomb. Unfortunately, when Hall switched ends the first delivery of his second spell was a loopy in-dipper that deceived Wells, LBW for 10. In the next over, Weaves was caught off Frost trying to force the pace: at 4-95 in the 25th and 2 new batters at the crease, it was advantage Mosman.

Time for a Classic(s) CCNSW Fightback! Andrew Davis and Michael Tarrant got busy, running a rare 3 off the first ball of the partnership. Davis clubbed Frost to the boundary, and Tarrant answered by lofting Bulluss out of the ground next ball. After adding 26 in 3 overs, Micky T (18 off 13) coughed up a catch off Frost. Paul Devaney, in his last opportunity for Classics this season, was promoted to number 8 and set about clubbing Frost out of the attack with a succession of boundaries. At the other end Davis was turning over the strike and stroking the odd boundary of his own as the partnership climbed to 42 off 30 balls (CCNSW 6-165 with 5 overs remaining). Mosman brought back the opening bowlers in a mostly unsuccessful attempt to stem the flow of runs. Turner’s 8th over brought Devaney (26 off 19) undone a slog short of retirement, bringing the newly re-hipped el Presidente Greg Brooks to the crease for his first dig in the Classics this season. After a few sighters the Prez unloaded, taking Greenwood downtown for successive boundaries.

At this point a heated discussion was observed between the Mosman skipper and the umpire, as Mr Hall received the unwelcome news that neither opening bowler was in fact entitled to a 9th set, and the last 3 overs had to be cobbled together from the remaining Mosman bowlers. Brooksy greeted new bowler Hall with back to back boundaries (4 fours in 5 balls to the Prez at that point). Frost returned (grumpily?) to the other end, and Davis (33* off 30) clubbed a boundary to retire. This initiated another first-time 2022/23 Classics appearance, bringing to the crease Andrew “Bash” Bachelard (having shed an impressive 25 kgs in the offseason, I might add! Bang, bang, bang, bang went the not-so-big fella, hitting his first 4 balls to the fence! At the other end Brooksy was hitting the boundary and running 2s like a youngster as the final partnership yielded 24 off 9 rocks (Brooks 30* off 19, Bachelard 17* off 5, strike rate 340 if you don’t mind). 

A shell-shocked Mosman outfit retired to the shed with the task of chasing 220 for the win off 38 overs with 10 men. Against an 11 man CCNSW with 10 genuine bowling options (sorry, Punter!), this looked a big ask, even on the fast scoring Camperdown outfield.

Varasdi and Bulluss started well, playing a bit of block, block, block, bash stuff against opening bowlers Stuart Ridge and Mick Tarrant. Both looked set to retire imminently, but Tarrant had other ideas, encouraging Bulluss (24) to guide one into the safe hands of Nashy at slip, and a few overs later having Varasdi nicking off to keeper Davis for 29. Devaney relieved Ridge at the Mallett St end and he had no hesitation in letting Aitcheson know that he was getting rather bogged down. This did seem to get into the batters mind a little, though as far as Classics sledging goes, I would have thought this was merely approaching the line and gently tapping foreheads like a mature and mellowing Nathan Lyon.

In any event, Bachelard replaced Devaney and induced a top edge from Aitcheson, caught by Nash (I want to say at backward point?). When Tarrant finished a fine spell at the Australia St end (2-35 off 8), Mosman needed 151 to win off 132 balls, with 6 wickets in hand. Turner and McLean set about rebuilding the innings, getting Mosman to drinks at 3-88 off 19. After the interval they began to score freely against the seamers Bachelard and Nash, precipitating the introduction of spin (Dave Craig) and the return of the economical Ridgey. This turned out to be a tactical masterstroke, as the leg-spinner put the brakes on the innings by allowing both batters to hit a boundary and retire!

Devaney relieved Craig and immediately castled Mosman skipper Hall through the gate (4-133 after 27). Job done, and Devaney was preserved for later, replaced by Brooks. Some useful hitting from Kingsman and Frost kept Mosman in the hunt, and with six overs left they needed just 44 with 5 wickets in hand, two set batters in and two in the shed. Things were looking – shall we say “tight” – with WinViz putting Mosman slightly ahead at this point.

Ed Cross and Paul Devaney were entrusted with death bowling duties, and straight away Devaney castled Frost (21) with a beauty. When Cross bowled Greenwood in the next over, the momentum was shifting back our way, and sure enough Kingsman (28) skied one into the safe hands of Mike Pinter off Devaney. Turner returned to the crease to join last man Paine, but after scoring just a few more he perished, bowled by another accurate Ed Cross inswinger. Three balls later Cross trapped last man Paine in front, and the game was ours, Mosman losing 5-18 in their last 4 overs to fall 20 runs short with 13 balls remaining.

This was a highly satisfying victory against a perennially tough opponent, a great day played in a fine spirit, highly competitive and at the same time social. Post-match beers tasted especially good, despite the fact I personally contributed little apart from stopping the odd ball with my face & jogging from long-on to long-on for most of the afternoon (Scotty, what did I do? I’ve done the covers, sorted out gear for the new blokes, brought the soft drinks, scored all day, and collected the money, what else do you want from me?!). 



The Team was (playing 12): – Ed Cross 2 (12), Mike Pinter 22 (60), Paul Nash 31* (44) rtno, Scott Wells (c) 10 (12), Mike Weaver 17 (13), Andrew Davis (wk) 33* (30) rtno, Mike Tarrant 18 (13), Paul Devaney 26 (19), Greg Brooks 30* (19), Andrew Bachelard 17* (5), David Craig dnb, Stuart Ridge dnb, Sundries 13

The Result was: –

C.C.N.S.W.: 6-219 (38 overs max) (A. Davis 33*, P. Nash 31*, G. Brooks 30*)

 Defeated

Mosman C.C.:  9-199 all out (35.5 overs)

By 20 runs

FoW:  1-6 (E. Cross); 2-59 (M. Pinter); 3-89 (S. Wells); 4-95 (M. Weaver); 5-121 (M. Tarrant); 
6-163 (P. Devaney)

The Bowling was: S. Ridge 6-0-27-0; M. Tarrant 8-2-35-2; P. Devaney 7-0-28-3; 
A. Bachelard 4-0-21-1; P. Nash 3-0-27-0; D. Craig 2-0-13-0; G. Brooks 2-0-23-0; E. Cross 3.5-0-15-3

The Fielding was: Catches to P. Nash (2), A. Davis, M. Pinter. No runouts, no stumpings.

Player points (awarded by umpire): – 3 points to P. Devaney ; 2 points to G. Brooks ; one point to A. Davis

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, Classics, Social

WEEK SIX: WEDNESDAY 26 – SUNDAY 30 OCTOBER

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SOCIAL GAME v VICTORIA BARRACKS XI AT VICTORIA BARRACKS, OXFORD STREET  ON THURSDAY 27 OCTOBER 2022: 

WASHED OUT

LMS T20 (8-a-SIDE) EASTERN SYDNEY MIDWEEK DIVISION 3  ROUND 1 v ‘’ AT ROBERTSON ROAD, MOORE PARK ON WEDNESDAY 26 OCTOBER 2022: 

Report and scores to come.

C&S JACK PACE  ROUND 2 v OLD ALOYSIANS CC AT ST ALOYSIUS COLLEGE OVAL, KIRRIBILLI  ON SUNDAY 30 OCTOBER 2022: REPORT BY BRETT JAMES

It was orange, it was bright and it was beautiful but what was this strange phenomenon..after much googling and conversations with the smart people on the team (no I am not looking at you Tom Robertson) we came to the conclusion the sun was shining on us today!  Cricket and hopefully the Cricketers Club would be the winner on the day.  Unfortunately someone forgot to tell Old Aloysians and their grade level line up how things should play out.

The old Aloysians ground was in top nick.  It is a beautiful place to play cricket, fast outfield, good facilities and a decent pitch.  I was internally thanking the gods for the outrageous school fees imposed on our struggling banking, financial and legal fraternity members who that just want a decent education for their little ones…..good on you all!

Soren Hughes won the toss and in we went.  Tom Robertson  and Gerry O’Shea  started very well with an excellent opening partnership of 43 before Gerry was plum LBW….oh hang on he was actually not out that ball…but the next ball he was comprehensively bowled after day dreaming about the life that our umpire had given him the ball prior.  Tom went on to score a dominant 52 before getting clean bowled and Harry Bridge put on 20 good runs during which time he discovered there seems to be common denominator in his near run outs each time he bats (I’ll leave that one hanging out there).

Brett James decided that one duck wasn’t enough and hit a simple catch back to the bowler for his second duck in a row and the rest of the batting was ho hum until Captain Soren strolled out to the wicket and smashed the best 39 not out off 19 balls we have seen this season –  it was a fantastic captains knock and got us to a defendable 156.

Things started well with Avi Bhandari collecting a wicket on the first ball of the innings.  The team was up, we were on a roll and things were looking good for the W.  Unfortunately no one told us that number 3 had played Second Grade the day before, was in form and loved medium pace, pitched up bowling.  85 runs were taken off our first 10 overs with the number 3 smoking a very fine 65 off less balls than Soren faced.  Stupidly he mentioned that he hated spin bowling so we bought Adam Khamis on and he had him bamboozled for 2 fine overs and then quickly stumped.  A great decision.  Adam bagged another wicket before our old adversary Tim Goh came in a struck a very quick 55* – game over!

Isn’t it great to play cricket!  We didn’t come back with the win but it was fantastic to be out there with mates, running around and trying to compete against a very, very good team.  Let’s look forward to next week and the fact we may get two weeks of cricket in row!

The Team: – Gerry O’shea (17), Tom Robertson (52), Harry Bridge (20), Brett James (0), Jamie Murtha (0), Avi Bhandari (7), Soren Hughes (39*), Nimesh “Fifty” Desai (3), Matt Leong (5), Declan Thomas (9*), Adam Khamis (DNB)

The Result was:-

C.C.N.S.W.: 8- 156  (35 overs)

Lost to 

Old Aloyisians– 3- 165 (21.4 overs)

FoW: – 1-43 (Gerry); 2-76 (Tom); 3-77 (Brett); 4-78 (Jamie); 5-99 (Harry); 6-118 (Avi); 7-133(Fifty); 8-144 (Matt)

The Bowling was: – Avi Bhandari 6-0-41-1; Nimesh Desai 4-0-49-0; Adam Khamis 7-0-56-2; Brett James 5-1-19-0;

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: Declan Thomas

Catches:  Adam Khamis

Run outs:  nil

Player points (awarded by captain): – 3 points to Tom Robertson ; 2 points to Soren Hughes ; 1 point to Adam Khamis

CLASSICS ROUND 3 v LANE COVE CC AT KINGSFORD SMITH OVAL, LONGUEVILLE  ON SUNDAY 30 OCTOBER 2022: REPORT BY ED CROSS

With some fine weather finally upon us, we were pleased to arrive at Kingsford Smith Oval on a bright day. The only issue being that the U14’s match was still underway after they had a delayed start. However, the toss occurred on time and Skipper Scott Wells had no hesitation in batting first.

Mike Weaver and Ed Cross started it off for us. Unfortunately, after looking for a positive start on a hard, dry wicket, Mike went cheaply in the second over to a ball that moved considerably off the seam. That brought Paul Nash to the crease. Both Ed and Paul played strongly and well within themselves to see us off to a reasonably good start. Ed capitalised on some short bowling to retire on 30 runs when the score was 1 or 39 in the 9th over. Scott Wells came to the crease and continued with Paul showcasing some fine batting. Both Paul and Scott retired after hitting their 30-run limit in style. The total was starting to look like it could be something big when we took drinks at 1-111 after 20 overs. 

Andrew Davis and Dave Benson were next to the crease. However, Dave wasn’t at the crease for long, looking to be aggressive he was stumped for 8. Dave Byrnes came to the crease after a long absence from the Cricketers Club and again looked to be positive and keep the score moving. Unfortunately, his stay was also short as he was bowled for 1. The score had reached 3-124 in the 24th over. Mick Tarrant was next in and continued with some purposeful batting. At the other end, an ever-watchful Andrew was batting confidently and playing some nice shots. Soon he retired on 31 with the score 3-156 in the 27th over.

David Craig joined Mick in the middle and successfully, although predictably, reverse swept the first delivery for 4. He and Mick continue to bat aggressively as the final overs approached with Mick retiring after a well-made 32 before David was bowled for 18. Stuart Ridge and Paul Devaney came out looking to be positive right from the start. Paul started aggressively with a 6 whilst Stuart continued hitting singles to rotate the strike. When Paul was dismissed caught on the boundary for a quick fire 17 the score was 5 to 224 after 35 overs. 

Ed Cross returned to the crease after retiring earlier and he and Stuart did their best to lift the score above 250. Stuart continued to rotate the strike which allowed Ed some batting time to accumulate enough runs to finish on 50 not out. Stuart finished on 18 not out with the score at 5 for 257.

We knew we had a good score on the board, but we were also aware we had to bowl well with the short boundary on one side always in play. Our openers were Stuart Ridge and Mick Tarrant, who both bowled well early on, hitting the right length and moving the ball in the air. The first wicket came in the 6th over with the score at 15 when Mick had their opener caught behind by Jed Wesley-Smith. Lane Cove continued scoring runs slowly due to some tight bowling. A few dropped chances saw their other opener reach 31 before retiring. 

The two Paul’s (Devaney and Nash) took over the bowling and continued the tight lines. However, Lane Cove were batting well. By this time, they had reached 58 runs off 15 overs. The turning point came when they lost their second wicket to a fantastic one-handed catch to Dave Benson off Nash at mid-on that seemed to come from nowhere. This may well have broken Lane Cove’s spirit as the remaining batsmen didn’t seem intent on trying to chase down the imposing total. Both Paul’s continued the fine bowling with Nash picking up 2 and Devaney 1 wicket caught behind by Jed. 

Dave Craig took over from Devaney and immediately found his length. He continued to bowl tightly and was rewarded with 2 wickets off his 9 overs (caught by Scott Wells and Paul Devaney). Dave Byrne took over from Nash and also bowled tightly, further restricting Lane Cove’s scoring. He was successful in his 3rd over with an LBW.  The score had reached 7-101 off 34 overs.

Lane Cove continued to bat stubbornly in the remaining overs. Stuart Ridge came back on and was rewarded with a wicket. The final over was left to Michael Weaver to try and wrap up the last 2 wickets. Lane Cove looked to have survived until a last ball full toss was hit firmly straight to Paul Nash for the 9th wicket. The final score was 9-129 after 40 overs.

A big thank you to Jed Wesley-Smith for umpiring our innings in full. He was then able to back up in the field to neatly keep wickets and encourage the bowlers.

Our first win for the season after the disappointment of our first game. Let’s hope we can turn up each week with the same positive attitude to scoring runs and taking wickets.

The Team was: Michael Weaver 1, Ed Cross 50*, Paul Nash 32* , Scott Wells 33*, Andrew Davis 31*, David Benson 8, David Byrnes 1, Michael Tarrant 32*, David Craig 18, Stuart Ridge 18*, Paul Devaney 17 

The Result was: 

C.C.N.S.W.: 5 – 257  ( 40 overs)

Defeated

Lane Cove: 9-129  (40 overs)

By 128 runs

FoW: – 1-1 (Weaver); 2-121 (Benson); 3-124 (Byrnes); 4-203 (Craig); 5-224 (Devaney)

The Bowling was: Stuart Ridge 7-1-26-1, Michael Tarrant 6-15-1, Paul Devaney 4-1-19-1, Paul Nash 8-1-17-2, David Craig 9-1-28-2, David Byrnes 5-0-15-1,  Michael Weaver 1-0-6-1

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: Nil

Catches: Jed Wesley-Smith 2, David Benson, Scott Wells, Paul Nash, Paul Devaney

Run outs: Nil

Player points (awarded by umpire): – 3 points to Ed Cross ; 2 points to Paul Nash ; 1 point to Scott Wells

Full scorecard: https://www.playhq.com/account/my-teams/cricket-australia/ccnsw-over-50-men-classics/05ea025f/game/807c085d

Match Reports, Social

C.C.N.S.W. MATCH  REPORTS LMS WINTER 2022

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3 JULY -21 AUGUST: – 7 FIXTURES

(1) PREMATURE WICKET TAKERS AND (2) TWELFTH MAN AND  (3) MARVELLOUS MARKHORS AND (4) TWELTH MAN AND (5) PREMATURE WICKET TAKERS AND  (6) RANDWICK GOLD VIII’ AND (7) SEMI FINAL v PREMATURE WICKET TAKERS

LMS T20 (8-a-SIDE) EASTERN SYDNEY SUNDAY DIVISION 4  ROUND 2 v ‘PREMATURE WICKET TAKERS’ AT MP8 ROBERTSON ROAD, MOORE PARK ON SUNDAY 3 JULY 2022 

Cancelled by rain

LMS T20 (8-a-SIDE) EASTERN SYDNEY SUNDAY DIVISION 4  ROUND 8 v ‘TWELFTH MAN’ AT MP7 ROBERTSON ROAD, MOORE PARK ON SUNDAY 10 JULY 2022:

Cancelled by rain

LMS T20 (8-a-SIDE) EASTERN SYDNEY SUNDAY DIVISION 4  ROUND 9 v ‘MARVELLOUS MARKHORS’ AT MP8 ROBERTSON ROAD, MOORE PARK ON SUNDAY 17 JULY 2022: REPORT BY JIM HADLEY

A late injury left us with 7 men for the fixture and the general view was to bowl first then design a run chase. Toby Forbes 4-0-31 and David Craig 4-0-38 did a great job with the new ball, supported by Joel Uddstrom 3-1-25, Jonathan Seifman 3-1-30 and James Bonkowski hitting a good line with  2-0-13. Williams took the keeping gloves off to provide cheap late overs 2-0-16 and the Marvellous Markhors finished with 2-179 after their 20 overs.

Bonkowski 50* and Forbes 32 got us off to a perfect start against their best bowlers maintaining the required run rate and on their departure we had good reason to be confident that we had their total under control. Scott Williams 52* hit some searing 6s over midwicket with Uddstrom providing an exciting 40* off 19 balls. Seifman sealed the win with 2 boundaries off 3 balls and we got home with an over to spare.   .   

The Team was (playing 7): – James Bonkowski 50*, Toby Forbes 32, Scott Williams (w) 52*, Joel Uddstrom 40*, Jonathan Seifman 6*, David Craig dnb, Jim Hadley (c) dnb

The Result was:-

Marvellous Markhors: – 2-179 (20 overs)

Lost to

CCNSW: – 1-180 (19 overs) (S. Williams 52*; J. Bonkowski 50*; J. Uddstrom 40*)

By 7 wickets.

The Bowling was: – D. Craig 4-0-38-0; T. Forbes 4-0-31-0; J. Uddstrom 3-0-25-1; J. Seifman 3-0-30-1; J. Bonkowski 2-0-13-0; J. Hadley 2-0-21-0; S. Williams 2-0-16-0.

The Fielding was:-

Stumpings: – Nil

Catches: – One to T. Forbes

Run outs: – Nil

Player points (awarded by captain): – 3 points to J. Uddstrom; 2 points to S Williams. ; One point to J. Bonkowski

LMS T20 (8-a-SIDE) EASTERN SYDNEY SUNDAY DIVISION 4  ROUND 3 v ‘TWELTH MAN’ AT UPPER KIPAX SASH RANGASWAMY, MOORE PARK ON SUNDAY 24 JULY 2022: REPORT BY DAVID CRAIG

For reasons known only to the mystical organisers of LMS, we rocked up to Moore Park at 8.30am on a Sunday to play some cricket. Unfortunately, half of our opposition seemed to have missed the memo, with only four of their players showing up. Ever the gentleman and keen to make a game of it, our skipper Jim Hadley offered the following concessions: a) allowed them to bat first, b) allowed their players to bat twice each if needed, c) reversed our batting and bowling orders, d) loaned them two substitute fielders, and e) allowed them to bowl more than 4 overs each. Never let it be said that Sunday Div 4 LMS is not some serious cricket!

By agreement, the ‘Twelth Man’ team took to the crease first, and faced some serious heat (yeah, nah) from Peter Rolls and James “Bonkers” Bonkowski. They were in early trouble on run-rate before both openers coughed up skyers against Rollsy, catches safely taken by Bonkers and Rollsy himself. While they never really got going, a few big hits late in the innings lifted them to a respectable but not particularly challenging 3-128 at the break.

With Jim Hadley and Matt Leong generously covering some of the gaps in the field for them, our openers Peter Rolls and Beris Zanetich steadily built a partnership that took us halfway there before their “gun” player bowled Rollsy for 31. Dave Craig joined Beris and moved the score along in typical fashion before coming to grief in an over horribilis against their keeper (literally) chucking down gentle offies – five wild swipes, zero bat on ball, stumping and LBW chances, ending with the castle disturbed and a rare wicket maiden in LMS. Ignominy indeed. The good news was this brought Bonkoski to the crease who, with some trademark blows and busy running, brought up the victory with a huge six with 3 balls to spare. A great effort considering he had a broken hand from a nasty bouncer early in his innings.

Mission accomplished – made a game of it and took the points. Well done, skipper.

The Team was (playing 7): – Peter Rolls 31, Beris Zanetich 48*, David Craig 14, James Bonkowski 28*, Matthew Leong dnb, Joel Uddstrom dnb and Jim Hadley (c) dnb

The Result was:-

Twelfth Man: – 3-128 (20 overs)

Lost to

CCNSW: – 2-129 (19.2overs) (B. Zanetich 48*; P. Rolls 31)

By 6 wickets.

The Bowling was: – P. Rolls 4-0-18-2; J. Bonkowski 4-0-23-0; D. Craig 4-0-20-0; M. Leong 4-0-22-0; J. Uddstrom 3-0-20-1; B. Zanetich 1-0-17-0

The Fielding was:-

Stumpings: – Nil

Catches: – One to each of J. Bonkowski, D. Craig and P. Rolls

Run outs: – Nil

Player points (awarded by captain): – 3 points to; 2 points to; One point to

LMS T20 (8-a-SIDE) EASTERN SYDNEY SUNDAY DIVISION 4  ROUND 7  v ‘PREMATURE WICKET TAKERS’ AT MP8, ROBERTSON ROAD , MOORE PARK ON SUNDAY 31 JULY 2022: REPORT BY DAVID CRAIG

For the second week in a row organisers saw fit to schedule us at 8.30am and we batted first on an oval soaked in dew. Jamie Murtha and Matt Leong opened up, and after a promising boundary early on, Jamie coughed up a catch and Joel Uddstrom came in. Joel was in rare form, adding the lofted cover drive to his favourite cow-corner power, and soon retired with 55* off 27 balls, 5 x 6s and 3 x 4s. Matty Leong at the other end played a steady hand, getting some useful centre wicket practice as he accumulated 45 off 40. Joel’s retirement did not end the fireworks, with his place taken by Scott Williams in a typically aggressive mood. He added another 4 x 6s and a boundary before losing his castle for 34 off just 13 deliveries. Matty Leong was unfortunately caught just before reaching retirement, and Matt Edge and Dave Craig finished off the innings at 3-167with a busy partnership.

The Premature Wicket Takers were busy themselves at the top of the order, until Scott Williams removed their big hitting opener, miscuing one to David Craig at midwicket. His replacement at the crease continued the onslaught while the other opener pushed the singles, and they began to creep up on the target. Wickets to Matt Leong and David Craig, and the retirement of their no. 3 (51* off 27) slowed them down a little, and with 2 overs remaining they needed 23. Time for some crafty leg spin, and yours truly kept the ball outside off to keep them to 6 runs off the 19th over, and leaving 17 to get off the final 5 ball over,, Scott Williams returned to ice the cake. The ‘Premmies’ had other ideas, smacking 4-4-2 off the first 3 balls: 7 to win off 2! Sick of relying on others, Scotty induced a return catch, completed the double play run out, and bowled a dot-ball to finish things off. Cricketers’ Club took the points and remain undefeated for the season after an enjoyable and close game.

The Team was: – James Murtha 6, Matt Leong 45, Joel Uddstrom 55*, Scott Williams 34, Mathew Edge 6, David Craig 18*, Jim Hadley (c) dnb, Beris Zanetich (w) dnb

The Result was:-

CCNSW: – 3-167 (20 overs) (J. Uddstrom 55*; M. Leong 45)

Defeated

Premature Wicket Takers: – 5-161 (20 overs)

By 6 runs.

The Bowling was: – D. Craig 4-0-24-1; J. Uddstrom 4-0-32-0; M. Leong 4-0-41-1; J. Murtha 4-0-22-0; M. Edge 2-0-23-0; S. Williams  2-0-17-2

The Fielding was:-

Stumpings: – Nil

Catches: – One each to D. Craig, J. Hadley and S. Williams

Run outs: – One to S. Williams

Player points (awarded by captain): – 3 points to; 2 points to; One point to

LMS T20 (8-a-SIDE) EASTERN SYDNEY SUNDAY DIVISION 4  ROUND 6   v ‘RANDWICK GOLD VIII’ AT MP, ROBERTSON ROAD , MOORE PARK ON SUNDAY 14 AUGUST 2022

The Result was:-

Randwick Gold VIII

Defeated

CCNSW

By forfeit.

Having won every league round to date and coming first in the League regardless of the result in this game, CCNSW forfeited having apparently encountered difficulties in raising a side partly perhaps because of the City to Surf ‘fun run’, difficulties not apparently suffered by our opposition.

So at the end of the League season prior to the Finals the League Table is as below and CCNSW proceed to play the Premature Wicket Takers in the semi-final next Sunday

LMS SYDNEY DIVI$ION 4 LEAGUE TABLE

TeamPWLDPtsNRRTSBPSBP20%BP
CCNSW10712630.6753    5      6
The Marvellous Markhors1044254-0.0288    8      6
Toey Gamblers10352520.258  8  10
The Premature Wicket Takers    10    4    3    3    48    0.407    0      0      12
Randwick Gold VIII1044248-0.8066  6    4
12th Man1016335-0.51736  8

LMS T20 (8-a-SIDE) EASTERN SYDNEY SUNDAY DIVISION 4  SEMI FINAL   v ‘PREMATURE WICKET TAKERS’ AT MP6 ROBERTSON ROAD , MOORE PARK ON SUNDAY 21 AUGUST 2022: REPORT BY JIM HADLEY

CCNSW lost the toss and was sent in. Matt Leong (6) and Toby Forbes (25) opened and showed they were not going to let any opportunities go, scoring 30 off the first 3 overs. Both departed soon after bringing Charlie Sharpe and Joel Uddstrom to the crease. Uddstrom having not lost his wicket yet this competition , managed to get yorked for 5 bringing Jonathan Seifman and Sharpe together for the best partnership of the season. The umpires LMS scoring app had played up and he was unable to know when our players had reached their 50 retirement score. Seifman (72*) hit some enormous 6s to all parts backed up by the controlled aggression of Sharpe (66*) and CCNSW finished with 3-175 after 20 overs.

Matt Leong and Jim Hadley opened the bowling and after 5 overs the opposition were near the run rate required but importantly for us  had lost their two ‘ring in’ batters who appeared for the first time this winter season in the  competition. Forbes, Seifman and Sharpe bowled tidy spells backed up by our energetic keeper Beris Zanetich to keep the game in check and the Premature Wicket Takers fell 23 short 3-152 off 20 overs.                       

CCNSW into the final next Sunday v the Marvellous Markhors when Jamie Murtha will captain, helped “if needed” by David Craig. 

(Editor’s note:  Unfortunately this was  Jim Hadley LMS swan song.. He has  selected and led the team to the final with masterly captaincy  but won’t be playing in the final as he and his partner Karin need to use the accommodation credits  purchased for the cancelled CCNSW Tasmania tour of last year. Thus he will be leaving “old blighty Sydney” for the sundrenched UK for 2 months

He is also retiring from LMS summer cricket. Any takers  to run our summer LMS side on Wednesday nights?)

The Team was (playing 7): – Toby Forbes 25, Matt Leong 6, Charles Sharpe 66*, Joel Uddstrom 5, Jonathan Seifman 72*, Jim Hadley (c) dnb and Beris Zanetich (w) dnb

The Result was:-

CCNSW: – 3-175 (20 overs) (J. Seifman 72*; C. Sharpe 66*)

Defeated

Premature Wicket Takers: – 3-152 (18.2 overs) (J. Hadley 2-16)

By 23 runs.

The Bowling was: – T. Forbes 4-0-30-0; M. Leong 3.2-0-32-0; J. Hadley 3-0-16-2; J. Seifman 3-0-17-1; C. Sharpe 3-0-23-0, J. Uddstrom 2-0-32-0

The Fielding was:-

Stumpings: – Nil

Catches: – Nil

Run outs: – Nil

Player points (awarded by captain): – 3 points to C. Sharpe; 2 points to J. Seifman; One point to T. Forbes

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C.C.N.S.W. MATCH  REPORTS LMS WINTER 2022

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12 and 19 JUNE v TOEY GAMBLERS AND RANDWICK GOLD VIII

LMS T20 (8-a-SIDE) EASTERN SYDNEY SUNDAY DIVISION 4  ROUND 10 v ‘TOEY GAMBLERS’ AT MP4 ROBERTSON ROAD, MOORE PARK ON SUNDAY 12 JUNE 2022: REPORT BY JIM HADLEY

CCNSW lost the toss and bowled. Unfortunately at the start we had three of our players still finishing  an earlier game on a ground nearby. Richard Clark and David Craig did a good job opening the bowling with only four fielders for the first three overs. When our keeper and frontline bowlers arrived we were able to put the brakes on their run rate, Toby Forbes 2-28 and Charles Sharpe 1-18 bowling great spells. A terrific return to the bowling crease by Peter Rolls with 0-21 off 3 overs, getting some deceptive bounce and shape. Toey Gamblers ended up with 4-167 after their 20 overs.

Rolls and Clark started our innings in a hurry with Clark hitting 2 sixes in the opening overs till unluckily nicking a widish ball to the keeper. Rolls 28 kept the runs flowing after James Bonkowski holed out and put on a great partnership with Edge 53* (including 3×6 in a row) putting us in with a chance. Will Jacobs then pasted 35* from 15 balls leaving himself and Forbes to get 13 off the last over. CCNSW got the 1 run needed off the last ball to win.

The Team was: – Peter Rolls 29, Richard Clark 18, James Bonkowski 8, Matthew Edge 53*, Charles Sharpe 16, William Jacobs  (w) 35*, Toby Forbes 6*, Jim Hadley (c) dnb, David Craig dnb, 

The Result was:-

Toey Gamblers: – 4-167 (20 overs) (T. Forbes 2-28)

Lost to

CCNSW: – 4-168 (20 overs) (M. Edge 53*; W. Jacobs 35*)

By 4 wickets

The Bowling was: – R. Clark 2-0-36-0; D. Craig 4-0-34-0; T. Forbes 4-0-28-2; P. Rolls 3-0-21-0; C Sharpe 4-0-18-1; M. Edge 2-0-16-1; J. Hadley 1-0-7-0

The Fielding was:-

Stumpings: – Nil

Catches: – One to D. Craig and one to M. Edge

Run outs: – Nil

Player points (awarded by captain): – 3 points to M. Edge; 2 points to C. Sharpe; One point to P. Rolls

LMS T20 (8-a-SIDE) EASTERN SYDNEY SUNDAY DIVISION 4  ROUND 1 v ‘RANDWICK GOLD VIII’ AT MP7 ROBERTSON ROAD, MOORE PARK ON SUNDAY 19 JUNE 2022:REPORT BY JIM HADLEY

Back Row: Joel Uddstrom, Toby Forbes, Matt Leong, Beris Zanetich (w), James Bonkowski.
Front Row:  Peter Rolls, Jim Hadley (c), David Craig.

CCNSW won the toss and batted. Peter Rolls and James Bonkowski got us off to a flier. Bonkowski was peerless with 54* (off 21 balls) and with Rolls 50* (off 25 balls), had us in the driver’s seat early.  Beris Zanetich 27 and Matt Leong also 27 kept the runs flowing despite some pretty useful late overs from Randwick to limit our score to 4-174 from our 20 overs.

Toby Forbes and David Craig took the new ball hitting the spot immediately, Forbes took 2-24 off 3.3 overs; Craig took 3-15 off 3 overs including the very rare feat in LMS of bowling a maiden over. They absolutely dismantled any hopes Randwick had.  Joel Uddstrom, Bonkowski and Rolls also bowled tidy spells backed up by catches from Leong (2), Zanetich (2) and Forbes (1). Randwick were all out for 108 in the 15th over.

The Team was: – Peter Rolls 50*, James Bonkowski 54*, Beris Zanetich (w) 27, Matthew Leong 27, Joel Uddstrom 10*, David Craig 4, Toby Forbes 0, Jim Hadley (c) 1*

The Result was:-

CCNSW: – 4-174 (20 overs) (J. Bonkowski 54*; P. Rolls 50*)

Defeated

Randwick Gold VIII: – 8-108 (14.3 overs)

By 66 runs

The Bowling was: – T. Forbes 3.3-0-24-2; D. Craig 3-1-15-2; J. Uddstrom 2-0-16-2; M. Leong 2-0-16-0; J. Bonkowski 2-0-14-1; P. Rolls 2-0-23-1

The Fielding was:-

Stumpings: – Nil

Catches: – 2 to B. Zanetich (w); 2 to M. Leong and one to T. Forbes  

Run outs: – Nil

Player points (awarded by captain): – 3 points to J. Bonkowski; 2 points to D. Craig; One point to P. Rolls

LMS T20 (8-a-SIDE) EASTERN SYDNEY SUNDAY DIVISION 4  ROUND 4 v ‘MARVELLOUS MARKHORS’ AT MP8 ROBERTSON ROAD, MOORE PARK ON SUNDAY 26 JUNE 2022:REPORT BY JIM HADLEY

Back Row: Jamie Murtha, Beris Zanetich (w),  Rich Clark,  Scott Williams, James Bonkowski.
Front Row:  Peter Rolls, Jim Hadley (c), David Craig.

The Team was: – Peter Rolls 57*, Richard Clark 5, James Murtha 22,  James Bonkowski 3, Scott Williams 11, Beris Zanetich (w) 13,, David Craig 13, Jim Hadley (c) 28*

The Result was:-

CCNSW: – 6-156 (20 overs) (P. Rolls 57*)

Defeated

Marvellous Markhors: – 5-97 (20 overs)

By 59 runs

The Bowling was: – D. Craig 4-0-15-0; J. Murtha 4-0-15-1; R. Clark 4-0-22-0; J.  Bonkowski 3-0-18-1; P. Rolls 3-0-15-1; S. Williams 2-0-9-1

The Fielding was:-

Stumpings: – One to B. Zanetich (w); 

Catches: – One to D. Craig

Run outs: – Nil Player points (awarded by captain): – 3 points to ; 2 points to; One point to