All posts by Jamie Murtha

C&S, Classics, LMS, Match Reports, Social

WEEK NINE: WEDNESDAY 8 – SUNDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2023

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SOCIAL GAME: CCNSW vs SYDNEY CC  XI  AT CAMPERDOWN OVAL. CAMPERDOWN ,   ON WEDNESDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2023: REPORT BY EDWARD ROBERTSON

With the previous match rained out, we all looked forward to this mid week match at the home of CCNSW at Camperdown. To his joy, dad (Ed note: aka ‘Tom Robertson’) had bumped into Bill (umpire) on the walk from the bus stop, further lifting up his excitement for another midweek cricket match. Match manager on the day, Soren Hughes exercised his outstanding skills with the coin. SCC called incorrectly and we chose to bat first. Two guest debutants Sean Avers and Mike Norris were brought along by long time stalwart Mitch Sturt.

And Tyson McCallum reprised his guest appearance of last season. All were ready to compete at any moment; their enthusiasm was saved to the middle order. CCNSW members Ed Robertson, Len Volkov, Michael Carman and Richard Clark and Tyson McCallum got us off to a gentle start with the run-rate slowly ticking over at around 4.5 for 3-74 runs off the first 17 overs to the drinks’ break. This was then backed up with the fire-power of Sean Avers (50* ret), Mike Norris (51* ret) and Mitch Sturt (19*) who scored 152 off the final 18 overs to take the CCNSW total to 4-227 after 35 overs with five notably large sixes by Mike Norris  at the pavilion roof, on the roof and over the roof. To the team’s dismay, dad saving himself till later in the order, did not score a boundary.

The Sydney CC XI started strongly with the bat, but then four key wickets by Sean Avers destroyed their top order left them all with three main run scorers, two batters (52* and 33) and sundries (30 inc 19 wides and 9 no balls !!). Tyson McCallum put on an incredible fielding display, saving runs with his speed and his gun arm from the boundary. With 68 needed off the last 10 overs, two wickets fell quickly to Mario Giarratano playing for CCNSW for the first time in 2 years, all but signaling the impending end of the SCC innings. Richard Clark ‘s competitive intensity further strangled their efforts, and he was rewarded by finishing the game off.

Pizza and drinks were shared at the end, with Soren graciously gifting the SCC XI a token of appreciation. A welcomed win, and in dads words, ‘this feels different’.

The Team was: – Len Volkov 2, Edward Robertson 50* ret not out, Michael Carman 13, Richard Clark 14, Tyson McCallum 7, Sean Aver 50* ret not out , Mike Norris (w) 51* ret not out, Mitch Sturt 19*, Tom Robertson 7*, Soren Hughes (c) dnb and Mario Giarratano dnb

The Result was: –

C.C.N.S.W.: – 4-227 (35 Overs) (M. Norris 51*; S. Aver 50*; E. Robertson 50*)

Defeated

SCC XI: – 10-171 (29.2 Overs) (S. Aver 4-52)

By 56 runs

FoWs: – 1-8 (L. Volkov), 2-28 (), 3-74 (M. Carman), 4- 87 (T. McCallum),

The Bowling was: – M. Giarratano 4-0-22-2; E. Robertson 5-2-8-1; S. Aver 7-0-52-4; S. Hughes 4-0-23-2;   T. McCallum 4-0-37-1; R. Clark 5.2-0-27-2

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: – Nil

Catches: – two to R. Clark; one to each of T. McCallum, Ed Robertson and Tom Robertson

Run outs: – Nil


LAST MAN STANDS T20 8-A-SIDE EAST SYDNEY DIVISION TWO ROUND 2  v CLEVELAND SEAMERS AT MP 3, ROBERTSON ROAD, MOORE PARK ON THURSDAY 9 NOVEMBER

Cancelled by rain

C&S ROUND  4: CCNSW vs YARALLA AT GODDARD OVAL, CONCORD    ON SATURDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2023: REPORT BY DAVID CRAIG

“Who the f*** IS that guy?”

On a warm humid afternoon, the skipper Jamie Murtha did us proud by calling correctly and electing to bat (a sound choice that avoided a possible lynching in the dressing room). In the absence of the Robertson half of the ‘Tom & Gerry’ Show, “Dutchy” David Craig volunteered to open the batting with the wily, wiry Irishman, Gerry O’Shea and after a Remembrance Day ceremony play commenced.

Under instructions to get us to 0-40 after 10, O’Shea and Craig delivered the goods plus 10% interest, 0-44 after 11. O’Shea demonstrated a clinical technique, straight bat, scoring in the V, with Craig alternately stodgy and flashy, scoring in the inverted V between third man and fine leg. It would be remiss of me not to mention the perfectly executed reverse scoop for 4 in the 9th over; Joe Root would have been pleased with that one, and much merriment and mirth ensued. (The bowler’s name? S. Minns).

Craig perished trying to sweep a loopy yorker from the erratic Yaralla leggie, lbw (with no complaints, a rare event!) to bring the real batters to the crease. Exhilarated by the wicket, Yaralla’s erratic leggie greeted Jamie Murtha with a head high full toss that he despatched for 4 to set the tone for a fine captain’s knock. The platform was laid and we went to drinks at 1-77 off 17 (Murtha 19*, O’Shea 29*). After a few more overs accumulating, the skipper pronounced it was “go time”, and O’Shea hobbled off retired hurt 42* (slightly hurt indeed, with a minor groin niggle and some academy award winning acting) to bring in the hard hitting middle order.

Murtha and newcomer Mick Norris pushed the score along with intent. Norris was just finding his groove when one jagged away and rattled the pegs, 2-145 in the 28th. Murtha upped the ante by hitting one into the keeper’s helmet and another over the fence, before announcing to the umpire he was going to hit another six and getting bowled playing an agricultural swipe. “That’s nay how ya premeditate, Jamie”. Returning CCNSW member Sam Millar was joined by the Taswegian “Berryman” Richard Clark, and smote the erratic Yaralla leggie for three mighty boundaries in four balls. A fourth looked odds on as the next ball sailed high and straight, when to everyone’s surprise some bloke with too-short pants and black sneakers threw out a left paw and snagged a most improbable catch. Unlucky Sam, and a lifelong memory for that bloke I’m sure.

Henry Davis joined Clark at the crease, and before he had time to settle he was not exactly barbecued, but at least lightly grilled by a “Yes, I’m coming regardless of what you reckon” call from the other end. ‘Berryman’ made up for this misdemeanour by swiping a couple of (very ugly) deliveries over the fence, with Matt Leong at the other end hitting some powerful drives to bring us up to a very respectable 5-210 at the end of the allotted 35.

You would think, dear reader, that we had laid the table for a probable win, with runs on the board and a tired batting unit after a hot day in the field. Instead, we were greeted by an onslaught that left me stroking my chin and asking, like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, “Who ARE those guys?” as they just kept coming. Yaralla had promoted their regular number 7 to open, to give him a bit of a hit. (That man’s name? S. Minns. Maybe I should not have ramped him, IDK). Well, the statistics of that “bit of a hit” are as follows: 100 runs off 52 balls, 16 fours and 3 sixes. (He slowed up a bit at the end, exhausted from swinging the bat so hard). Yaralla were 0-106 after 10, Minns 79 (34), and 0-132 after 14.2 overs when he retired out (very out indeed, after Murtha pressed the point HARD! Undeterred, the Yaralla scorers recorded this as retired hurt, can you believe it?!))

Anyhoo, for CCNSW it was Sam Millar and Ming Heng who were entrusted with the new ball, and they did well to restrict our opponents to just 12 runs an over for the first 6 overs. Matt Leong came on at the 7th over and bowled a fine spell with a lot of off-speed cutters, while at the other end Asam Khamis was unable to arrest the onslaught from Minns. Henry Davis relieved Khamis and, bowling a tidy line and length, produced a rare moment of satisfaction for CCNSW by picking up the wicket of Yaralla’s star batter, Alex Mayes first ball, nicely caught by Millar at mid-off as he arrogantly went the tonk. (Ed Note: with his brother Dorny Mayes he put on a partnership of 308 for the second wicket v St George Vets last March in a 35 over game) His day comprised two dropped catches at slip and a first ball duck, so there was some solace in that. If you can’t revel in your own success, enjoy the failures of your opponents, I say.

It was leg-spin from both ends after the drinks break, as David Craig and Henry Davis gave the dodgy Yaralla leggie a lesson in how to bowl good areas consistently. After they were bowled out, Ming Heng returned and improved his economy rate (admittedly from a low base, but still, well done Ming). At the other end Khamis came on for a second spell and took a wicket with just one run required, so that was fun. Rich Clark was given the honour of conceding the winning run, as (curiously) the in-form skipper remained unbowed and unbowled. Still, credit to Jamie Murtha for protecting his bowling average under difficult circumstances, well done. Go Go Youse Kiwis, I say (a terrific song by Greg Champion, look it up). A special shout out to the Yaralla scorers for starting the innings with “W” for wide and “X” for wicket, and then reversing it later, that made the scorebook a pleasure to interpret, thanks champs., so I had little alternative but to fume at a couple of blokes that annoyed me. All in all a day that started well enough but soured like a jug of fresh milk left out in the sun on a hot afternoon.

With respectful apologies to Alex  Mayes and  Shezon Saleem (aka “the erratic Yaralla leggie”).

The Team was: – Gerry O’Shea 42* ret hurt, David Craig 11, James Murtha (c) 68, Mick Norris (w) 13, Sam Millar 17, Richard Clark 19*,  Henry Davis 1, Matt Leong 15*, Ming Heng dnb. Len Volkov dnb, Adam Khamis dnb

The Result was: –

C.C.N.S.W.: – 5-210   (35 Overs) (J. Murtha 68; G. O’Shea 42* ret hurt)

Lost to

Yaralla CC: – 2-212 (31.3 Overs)

By 8 wickets

FoWs: – 1-44 (D. Craig), 2-145 (M. Norris), 3- 161 (J. Murtha), 4-173 (S. Millar), 5-176 (H. Davis),

The Bowling was: – S. Millar 3-0-34-0, M. Heng 5-0-51-0; M. Leong 5-0-33-0; A. Khamis 4-0-34-1; H. Davis 7-0-38-1; D. Craig 7-1-21-0;  R. Clark 0.3-0-2-0;

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: – Nil

Catches: – One to S. Millar

Run outs: – Nil

Player points : 3 points to G. O’Shea; 2 points to J. Murtha; one point to D. Craig

Scorecard: https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/org/city-and-suburban-cricket-association-1903-inc/summer-202324/c-and-s-club-matches/game-centre/0b4cccda


CLASSICS  ROUND 4: CCNSW vs  MACARTHUR CC AT CAMPERDOWN OVAL, CAMPERDOWN,   ON SUNDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2023: REPORT BY MIKE WEAVER  

Tom Robertson was a key player for this fixture at Camperdown. As he turned up with the key which led to to accessing the change rooms at 12:07pm (start time is 12:15pm)

The weather was cloudy and humid and the pitch was patchy with several unrolled green spots. MacArthur sent us in to bat, bowled accurately and recorded a comfortable win against an underperforming CCNSW 

Personally, I’m smarting from the loss

We started reasonably well. Opening stand was looking sound between ‘The Two Mikes’, Pinter and Weaver. I think maybe the flick I tried was a little ambitious, in the six over, to have me adjudged lbw. The ball was full and straightened up in the air, from leg to off. Following me into the sheds was Paul Nash with a first ball duck. A ball that just took off from a length, was edged off the splice to gully. From a pretty confident start, we are 2-21.

Then there was quite a good partnership between ‘Punter’ and Andrew Dawson. Punter had already slashed a nice boundary over point and was picking up his ones and twos. Andrew was stroking the ball around with ease and sending the rare loose ball to the fence.

‘’Very disappointed is an understatement, at a loss to how this keeps happening’’ – Michael Tarrant – WhatsApp chat post from the CCNSW opening bowler and allrounder, afterwards.

Now, to answer Mick. A reason could have been that CCNSW just didn’t battle through the tough overs and take the time to set a platform. That’s what the team plan used to be. Get to 30 overs with two in the shed. Then smash it for the last 10 overs, with wickets in hand. It was the old fashioned style and it normally always meant we scored 180-200 minimum. The top order simply left too much for the lower order to do, and did not seize the day. 

I’m guilty as anyone. I hit a full toss straight to the field as well for no run, and needed to hit gaps better, missed a couple on my pads down leg side. Andy Davis batted very well, in contrast to this. Two nice cuts for four and knocking it around nicely. Was done over by the pitch, caught behind

Not putting the loose ball away with authority, leading to dismissal, was a theme. Scott Wells, the skipper, probably looked the best of all. But he, Pinter and Dawson and later Mick Tarrant, all got out caught to a full ball or full toss. To be fair, Scott was caught on the fence, which isn’t the worst way to be dismissed. The others each bunted back a catch to the bowler. David Kent, in at 8, was showing the team the way with Andy Davis (in at 7). This pair had got us to drinks and afterwards. Then an lbw decision sent Dave back. It seemed the ball must have been sliding across off stump and/or pitched off the stumps. Left arm over, spinning away from him and Dave was well forward, sweeping. The ball had 2-3 metres to travel after striking him. Admittedly, height was probably not an issue. And the umpire had no doubt and he’s in the best position to see.

Dave Craig said: ‘The top order all looked great at the crease. Until …’

Earlier, Tom Robertson, in at 5,  was looking very good with the bat in hand, dealing in two boundaries as part of his brief stay, one a crunching square cut, textbook style. Then he was out lbw, a front stool stride well down the pitch.

Nobody got going enough and we were all-out for 141, when Sherville (“Wes”) Hall was bowled. Both he and Mick Tarrant had each cracked a straight drive to the fence and tried hard. And with the score posted, CCNSW held some hope of being able to defend it. A decent afternoon tea was consumed at the break. CCNSW have lifted in this area, this season. 

The CCNSW bowling effort started off well and Mick Tarrant and ‘Wes’ Hall did a decent job with the new ball, mostly attacking the stumps. But because MacArthur had a small target to chase, they were able to start carefully. CCNSW had a couple of big shouts for caught behind, off Tarrant. He very nearly had one of the openers bowled. We needed an early wicket, and MacArthur did well and survived. The spinners we tried, David Craig and Luke Holman, didn’t bowl as well as what they are capable of  because there was too much pressure on them. There were simply not enough runs on the board for their attacking loopy style. 

Paul Nash did a good job to pick up a wicket late and Tarrant came back on from the Rotunda end to get his deserved wicket, when it was all over. Dave Kent bowled some good areas at a decent clip, coming on second change from the cafe end. He trapped the number 3, lbw, to get us on the wicket tally board finally, after both the openers had retired. He dropped short only 2-3 times and the MacArthur bats didn’t miss out, each time the ball was spanked to the fence. Dave continued to bowl very well, even when it seemed a lost cause. 

We dropped a couple of chances that didn’t help team spirits. The ground fielding kept up well, the one exception being ‘Weaves’ refusing to get down to one. And we were never really in it after the openers retired and they had attacked our spinners with freedom.

So, CCNSW play Sri Lanka next game and have to be more determined. I suggest let’s get to the nets. 

‘Wellsy’ went home It seems the Skipper  wasn’t particularly impressed. We will all have to think about our games and rally as a team, as a response.

’Nuff said ‘’ was skipper Scott Well’s only after match Whatsapp group chat post.

Mike Weaver to Dave Kent, WhatsApp chat, post match: “ I see, well it seemed a decent shot (his sweep, that led to dismissal) to attempt. Where did the ball pitch do you reckon, Kenty?

Dave Kent: “4th stump”

For CCNSW, it was one of those days when a few guys looked very likely to go right on and were thwarted by things out of their control. Conversely, others looked very likely and succumbed to things they were unlucky not to have controlled better. That’s cricket in general I guess and it bit very hard in this match. 

A few of the CCNSW were quite crestfallen today after getting out. Overall It just didn’t seem normal, especially playing at Camperdown. It was a crestfallen performance.

To re-state, one guy had no luck at all. I’m referring to Nashy’s first ball dismissal. Paul is normally very reliable and is often the team’s top performer. 

So looking back on it, CCNSW can’t let this performance affect their overall confidence. There was a bit of bad luck that conspired somehow stopped getting our battling retirements as normal. And all credit to MacArthur. 

It’s not likely to happen again. 

‘Don’t be thinking you might get out when you bat’ (to quote Ricky Ponting) 

We just have to be a bit more determined, individually. I think we should all go for a hit and a bowl and a field in the week before the Sri Lanka game 

We must come together in this time of adversity

The Team was: – Mike Weaver 14, Mike Pinter 13, Paul Nash 0, Andrew Dawson 25, Tom Robertson 9, Scott Wells 12, Andrew Davis 25, David Kent 10, Mike Tarrant 11, Sherville Hall, 9 David Craig 2* and Luke Holman dnb

The Result was: –

C.C.N.S.W.: – 10-141 (37.2 Overs)

Lost to

MacArthur CC: -3-142 (23.5 Overs)

By 7 wickets

FoWs: – 1-21 (M. Weaver); 2-21 (P. Nash); 3-40 (M. Pinter) 4-57 (T. Robertson); 5-82 (A Dawson); 6-82 (S. Wells); 7-113 (D. Kent) 8-118 (A Davis); 9-130 (M. Tarrant); 10-141 (S. Hall)

The Bowling was: – M. Tarrant 6.5-0-37-1; S. Hall 4-0-19-0; D. Craig; 2-0-18-0 D. Kent 7-0-31-1; L. Holman 1-0-17-0; P. Nash 3-0-17-1

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: – Nil

Catches: – One to M Pinter

Run outs: – Nil

Player points (awarded by umpire): 3 points to A. Davis; 2 points to A. Dawson; one point to M. Tarrant

Scorecard: https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/org/sydney-masters-cricket-association/classics-summer-202324/classics-foxs/game-centre/1c0e66fd

Classics, Match Reports

WEEK SIX: SUNDAY 22 OCTOBER 2023

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CLASSICS ROUND 3: CCNSW vs STRATHFIELD  AT CAMPERDOWN OVAL. CAMPERDOWN ,   ON SUNDAY 22 OCTOBER 2023: REPORT BY ED CROSS

Camperdown Park was a sight to behold as we turned up for the second Classics match of the year after a disappointing loss in the first game. Due to the recent good weather, the outfield was green with a good grass covering, and we were pleased to see a new wicket had been prepared that was hard with a nice covering of grass ensuring a more consistent bounce. The team was aware that a much-improved performance in all areas was required to see us home against a Strathfield side also coming off a close loss after scoring in excess of 200 runs in the first game.

Skipper Scott Wells duly won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first. Mike (Punter) Pinter and Ed Cross were given the task to get us off to a good start and Mike took full advantage with a cover drive to the boundary first ball of the day. The scene was set for a bright batting performance. Mike and Ed continued to bat well, but watchfully, and the score ticked over at just under 4 an over early on.

By the 12th over the score had moved on to 57 without loss when Ed suffered a calf tear and was forced to retire on 28*. This brought Paul Nash to the crease, who looked determined to play well. He and Punter kept the scoreboard moving along with Punter soon retiring on 30* after some lovely cover drives. Andrew Dawson replaced Punter and the scoreboard continued to tick over as both batters played some beautiful shots. At the twenty over break, CCNSW were 0 for 101 and looking good.

Unfortunately Andrew Dawspn  was adjudged lbw when on 20 and CCNSW lost its first wicket with the score on 111 in the 23rd over. A big score was still on the cards when Scott Wells joined Paul and the boundaries started to flow. Both Paul and Scott played some glorious strokes and soon both retired after reaching 30* runs in quick time. 4 retirees by the 27th over.

Craig Kitson and Andrew Davis were the next pair to bat, and both looked good trying to lift the scoring rate further. Unfortunately Andrew Davis departed for a well-made 15 trying to accelerate. He was replaced by Andrew Bachelard, who despite a big hitting innings last game, soon departed trying to hit a straight ball to the boundary. Craig Kitson  continued to look good with a flurry of boundaries that saw him retire on 30* in the 35th over. The last 3 batters, Mick Tarrant, Sherville (‘Wes’) Hall and David Craig continued the run accumulation in style, hitting numerous boundaries before the retirees returned to finish off the innings. CCNSW compiled 7 for 258 in 40 overs. Our first task – to improve our batting performance – had been achieved.

Our second task for the day was to serve a much-improved afternoon tea, as prompted by Punter midweek. While celery was nowhere to be seen, the spread prepared was a big improvement on previous efforts and was enjoyed by all. The home-made marinated chicken wings were a big hit.

We knew the next step for us was to bowl and field well. Stuart Ridge got us away and was rewarded with a wicket in the first over with Strathfield’s opener having his castle disturbed without troubling the scorers. ‘You beaut’ – 1 for 0. Mick Tarrant started strongly with the new ball from the southern end without the same immediate success. Strathfield’s batters obviously thought the best form of defence was attack and during the subsequent overs started to hit the boundary and get the score moving.

Persistent good lines and lengths led to success for Mick Tarrant when he bowled Strathfield’s number 3 in the 8th over leaving the score 2 for 45. The fightback in the field had commenced and the ground fielding was excellent, further restricting the Strathfield batters. Success again for Stuart Ridge in his 5th over saw Strathfield in a bit of trouble at 3 for 51, still more than 200 runs short. However, their opener, Stanley Sebastien, was still travelling well and retired on 31*  which included 7 fours.

A double bowling change by skipper Wells saw Andrew Bachelard and ‘Wes’ Hall into the attack. Both bowled strongly and were rewarded with a wicket each just before drinks. David Craig was brought into the attack for some leg spin in the last over before the break and removed the dangerous Bob Egerton who had scored 23 solid runs. 6 for 87 at the break, with batters 8 and 9 at the crease.

After the break, Wes and David continued the attack. David, in particular, was landing them well and got a further reward with a wicket in the 25th over. Andy Davis was brought into the attack to replace Wes and picked up a wicket in his first over with Strathfield now 8 for 112. However, Strathfield’s number 8, Greg John, was batting well with little support and retired after reaching 30*  allowing Stanley to return to the crease. He wasn’t there long, becoming David’s third wicket with the score at 9 for 116. Greg returned to the crease and continued his fine batting until he became David’s fourth victim when on 46. Strathfield all out 136.

A comprehensive win by CCNSW with a much-improved overall performance. Paul Nash and Scott Wells were the pick of the batters, with David Craig the pick of the bowlers returning the figures of 7.4–0–26. All that was left to do was to crack a few “winners” ales and finish off the chicken wings and cheese and crackers. All agreed we had achieved our goal of improving in the 4 aspects of the game – batting, bowling, fielding and catering.

The Team was (playing 12): – Mike Pinter 34, Ed Cross 28* (ret hurt), Paul Nash 37* , Andrew Dawson 20, Scott Wells (c) and (w) 37*, Craig Kitson 30*, Andrew Davis 15, Andrew  Bachelard 0, Mike Tarrant 13, Sherville Hall 12, David Craig 15, and Stuart Ridge dnb

The Result was: –

C.C.N.S.W.: 7 – 258 (40 Overs) (P. Nash 37*; S. Wells 37*; C. Kitson 30*)

Defeated

Strathfield CC: – 10-136 (33 Overs) (D. Craig 4-26)

By 122 runs

FoWs: – 1-111 (A. Dawson); 2-196 (A. Davis); 3-196 (A. Bachelard); 4-218 (M. Tarrant); 5-232 (S. Hall); 6-249 (M. Pinter): 7-253 (D. Craig).

The Bowling was: – S. Ridge 7-0-35-2; M. Tarrant 7-0-26-1; A. Bachelard 2-0-16-1; S. Hall 5-1-19-1; D. Craig 8-0-26-4; A. Davis 4-0-12-1

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: – Nil

Catches: – one to each of A. Davis and M. Pinter

Run outs: – Nil

Player points (awarded by umpire): 3 points to P. Nash; 2 points to S. Wells; one point to D. Craig

Scorecard: https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/org/sydney-masters-cricket-association/classics-summer-202324/classics-foxs/game-centre/b9fb3aff

C&S, Match Reports

WEEK SIX: SUNDAY 22 OCTOBER 2023

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CITY AND SUBURBAN  JACK PACE ROUND 1: CCNSW vs REG BARTLEY XI AT REG BARTLEY OVAL, RUSHCUTTERS BAY   ON SUNDAY 22 OCTOBER 2023: REPORT BY JAMIE MURTHA

CCNSW C&S TEAM vs REG BARTLEY XI 22 OCTOBER 2023

Back row: Adam Khamis, Soren Hughes, Alex Cumming, Henry Davis, Matthew Leong, Jim Hadley, Gerry O’Shea

Front row: Mick McGrath, Declan Thomas (w), Jamie Murtha (c), Tom Robertson, Toby Forbes

It was yet another stunning spring day and there are not many better places in Sydney to play cricket than at Reg Bartley Oval; our team faced off against a fresh looking Reg Bartley XI in the opening round of the City & Suburban Jack Pace Shield.

The pitch was quite hard with a tiny bit of moisture on the surface and a good coating of light fluffy grass.We wanted to bat, but unfortunately lost the toss and were sent into field. We had high hopes that we could restrict our opposition to 130 off the back of some good bowling performances in previous rounds, but we know that a consistently good performance is required to have any chance of chasing down a target at this ground.

Mick McGrath shared the new ball with Matthew Leong. Mick bowled from the harbour end and struck in his second over with a beautiful in-swinger that got through the batter and struck middle firmly.

Matt was unlucky not to pick up an early wicket at first slip, the number 3 got an early life, thick edge to Soren Hughes at first slip where it was juggled half a dozen times before going down.

Soren ended up replacing Matt at the City end, it was the tight spell we needed and he was rewarded with a wicket, possibly off his worst ball, a low full toss cracked to Henry Davis’ right at mid-wicket.

Leg spin bowlers Henry and Jim Hadley had the batters in trouble at times but had no luck go their way, with the ball going just to the left or right of fielders, still they took us to drinks without too much damage on the board around 2-70.

After drinks RBXI showed their intent and started to accumulate steady runs & threatened to make an unchaseable total. 

Jamie Murtha brought himself on to bowl his loopy leg-cutters and for the second time this season took a wicket with his first ball, it was a criminal full toss on middle stump and the batter played all around it. Jamie struck again later in the over to remove RBXI’s Captain, Tom Greenway who scored a stylish 62.

Jamie found his rhythm from the second over and continued to take wickets on a pitch that provided moderate assistance. Toby comfortably took a high one at mid-off, Declan Thomas took a sharp catch behind the wicket & Henry received a reverse sweeping gift at leg gully & Jamie collected the remaining two wickets bowled. Ending with tidy figures of 6-24 from 6 overs.

Matthew Leong showed his skill with the old ball in the final overs once again, offering vital support harbour end and also picking up 2 crucial wickets by himself. It was an excellent come back from the team to restrict RBXI to a total of 10-152 in the final over.

In pursuit of 153 runs for victory, we faced a stiff challenge, as usually the pitch gets worse to bat on, but the team had belief it could be done! The ‘Tom and Gerry’ show was back by popular demand, Tom Robertson looking in fine form scoring 10 runs off the first over, but wasn’t able to kick on with it, eventually nicking a wide one to first slip.

Gerry O’Shea and Toby Forbes steadily accumulated runs nicely before drinks. Boundaries proved difficult to come across – but the pair looked like having a great day together until Gerry was run out in an unlucky fashion at the non striker’s end. Toby nailed a straight drive and the bowler managed to get a fingertip on it before it hit the stumps with Gerry caught backing up too far.

Toby looked to be positive but couldn’t get it over the man at deep mid on, from there we lost our next 7 wickets for 46 runs. New batters found it difficult to get going with slow bowlers operating during the middle overs, the scorers were kept busy!

An inspired knock from Declan Thomas at 11 where he fundamentally didn’t deserve to be, the traditional sweep shot was demonstrated and several occasions and he remained unbeaten with an entertaining 16* at the end.

Eventually we were dismissed for 105 and Reg Bartley XI successfully defended their target, winning the match by 47 runs. 

We fought hard to get ourselves back in the game and certainly had our chance to win this one, but in the end the pressure proved to be too much for our batters who were once again unable to chase  the target.

We look to train hard during the week and give the strong Old Aloysians side a challenge next week on a ground that is typically enjoyable for batters!

The Team was: – Tom Robertson 13, Gerry O’Shea 23, Toby Forbes 20, Alex Cumming 3, Soren Hughes 5, Jim Hadley 6, Mick McGrath 3, James Murtha (c) 7, Henry  Davis 2, Matt Leong 1, Declan Thomas (w) 16*

The Result was: –

Reg Bartley XI.: – 10-152 (35 Overs) (J. Murtha 6-24)

Defeated

C.C.N.S.W.: – 10-105 (32 Overs)

By 47 runs

FoWs: – 1-26 (T. Robertson); 2-59 (G. O’Shea); 3-63 (T. Forbes); 4-66 (A. Cumming); 5-71 (S. Hughes); 6-76 (M. McGrath); 7-80 (J. Hadley); 8-87 (J. Murtha); 9-87 (H. Davis); 10-105 (M. Leong).

The Bowling was: – M. McGrath 7-2-25-1; M. Leong 5.1-0-18-2; S. Hughes 5-1-15-1; J. Hadley 4-0-31-0; H. Davis 4-1-21-0; A. Khamis 3-0-17-0; J. Murtha  6-1-24-6

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: – Nil

Catches: – 2 to H. Davis and one each to T. Forbes and D. Thomas (w)

Run outs: – Nil

Player points: 3 points to J. Murtha; 2 points to M. Leong; one point to T. Forbes

Scorecard: https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/org/city-and-suburban-cricket-association-1903-inc/summer-202324/jack-pace-shield/game-centre/7fc8ea98

C&S, Match Reports

WEEK FOUR: SUNDAY 8 OCTOBER 2023

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CITY AND SUBURBAN  ROUND 1: CCNSW vs YARALLA  AT GODDARD  OVAL, CONCORD  ON SATURDAY 7 OCTOBER 2023: REPORT BY JAMES MURTHA

Our round one social game took place on a sunny Saturday afternoon at Goddard, which now features a stunning new pavilion and change rooms. We lost the toss and were made to field on a flat and hard looking wicket. Before the game the teams observed a minute silence to pay respect to Yaralla’s long time scorer who recently passed away.

Yaralla got off to a strong start attacking the bowling of Matt Leong and Ming Heng who shared the new ball. It was clear that the pitch would offer little assistance for the bowlers. Wrist spinner Henry Davis bowled first change from the pavilion end and drew the opening batter into a false shot early; the ball was skied and taken comfortably by wicket keeper Alex Cumming, officially getting us in the books.

The next two batters built a healthy partnership but did not get away from us due to lack of pace from resident spinners Adam Khamis (leg spin) and Mark Henwood (off spin).  Yaralla went to drinks at 1-107.

After drinks, the batters continued steadily though Soren Hughes and Brett James kept the scoring rate relatively tight without any luck. Henry came back into the attack and struck again immediately to remove the set batter for 99 (!), Tom Robertson making sure of a difficult catch on the boundary. From the other end Jamie Murtha needed one over to make the numbers and bought a wicket, removing the other set opener with a gentle lob first ball.

Soren Hughes and Matt Leong closed out the innings with very tight bowling to the new batters, Matt snared himself two excellent wickets and together the pair made sure the total to chase was not insurmountable.

The teams retired to the pavilion for soft drinks and sandwiches graciously hosted by Yaralla before going about the run chase on a warm afternoon. Our batters didn’t get off to the desired start. Tom Robertson Alex Cumming  and Jamie Murtha were all removed without troubling the scorers. Harry Bridge scored a good looking four before being dismissed.

Both Brett James and Soren Hughes offered some resistance but ultimately met similar fates to the other batters.

Gerry O’Shea was the star of the batting line up; he could do nothing but remain stoic as carnage unfolded from the other end. When Gerry was on strike, he was rock solid in defence, ran hard between the wickets and made use of excellent batting conditions with well timed shots to the boundary. The 62 year old received  generous applause as he brought up his maiden half century for the Club.

Gerry eventually was dismissed for 55, but ultimately provided some confidence that there are better batting days to come.

Matthew Leong also had an inspired innings of 25, during which he made his partner run four, not once but three times! Matt and Ming Heng got us to a respectable score of 150 before Matt was dismissed to end the innings.

The result was less than desirable and started by losing an important toss, but the bowlers and fielders worked hard to keep us in the game and a few batters stood up and gave us something to cheer about. I have no doubt that there are better days ahead.

Off to Camperdown next Sunday where we will look to get our season back on track with a win against Colleagues CC.

The Team was (playing 12): –   Tom Robertson 0, Gerard O’Shea 55, Harry Bridge 4, Alexander Cumming (w) 0,  Brett James 15,  Jamie Murtha  (c) 0, Soren Hughes 20,  Henry Davis 1,   Adam Khamis 2,  Matthew Leong 25, Ming Heng 11* and Mark Henwood (dnb)

The Result was: –

Yaralla CC.: – 5- 239 (35 Overs)

Defeated

C.C.N.S.W.: – 10-150   (31 Overs) (G. O’Shea 55)

By 89 runs

FoWs: – 1-3 T. Robertson; 2-30 H .Bridge, 3-31 A. Cumming, 4-59 B. James, 5-59 J. Murtha, 6-93 S. Hughes, 7-103 H. Davis, 8-107 G. O’Shea, 9-118 A. Khamis, 10-151 M. Leong

The Bowling was: – H. Davis 5-0-45-2; M. Heng 3-0-20-0; M. Henwood 3-0-25-0; S. Hughes 7-0-37-0; B. James 6-1-36-0; A. Khamis 3-0-19-0; M. Leong 7-0-38-2; J. Murtha 1-0-11-1; G. O’Shea 1-0-8-0

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: – Nil

Catches: – 3 to A. Cumming (w) and one each to G. O’Shea and T. Robertson

Run outs: – Nil

Player points (awarded by captain): 3 points to G. O’Shea; 2 points to M. Leong; one point to S. Hughes

Scorecard: https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/org/city-and-suburban-cricket-association-1903-inc/summer-202324/c-and-s-club-matches/game-centre/90a39274

Classics, Match Reports

WEEK FOUR: SUNDAY 8 OCTOBER 2023

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CLASSICS ROUND 1: CCNSW vs MOSMAN AT CAMPERDOWN OVAL, CAMPERDOWN  ON SUNDAY 8 OCTOBER 2023: REPORT BY SCOTT WELLS

A beautiful Spring-like day awaited us at our first day at Camperdown vs Mosman – mid 20s partly cloudy. The outfield looked as good as it ever has for this time of the year and the centre square on the dry side. We had beaten Mosman the previous two seasons so were quietly confident of keeping that going.

Scott Wells won the toss and elected to bat – knowing that the pitch does get lower later in the day. We had a very strong batting line-up for the day and as usual the bowling resources were plentiful as well. Mosman had found a couple of pretty useful opening bowlers with their normal openers put back to change bowlers.

Sherville (“Wes”) Hall and Tom Robertson made their debut for Classics. Tom opened up the batting with Mike Pinter in the hope of getting Tom off to a flier with Michael Weaver parked in at number 3 – just in case. Just as well as no sooner did Tom bludgeon their opener back over his head, he copped one that didn’t bounce as much as expected – in front lbw. “Weaves” on a golden run of form started solidly but soon punched one to cover to leave us at 2 for 17. Paul Nash copped a beautiful outswinger first ball and feel to a full stretch catch to the keeper (former CCNSW player Ash Perrot). Oh S***!

Wells came to the crease in hope of settling things down in a solid partnership with Pinter but the other opener bowled a very full length ball that rattled Pinter’s leg stump – 4 for 19 – oh double S***!

Andrew Dawson and Wells set about business as usual with watchful innings sprinkled with some cracking boundaries – putting away any loose ones particularly short. That was until Dawson copped one that kept low – and other lbw. Next ball – Andy Davis was rapped in front with one that cut back and kept low. 6 for 52 Holy S***!

But still with the batters remaining, there was hope – double cross your fingers and toes type hope. Ed Cross came to the crease but no sooner did he come than Wells spooned a mistimed drive to cover point. He was soon followed by Cross who fell to a spectacular caught and bowled – tie for catch of the season so far. So it was up to the bowlers to get us into a decent position.

Andy Bachelard sent balls to the boundary and Mick Tarrant middled everything except the one that bowled him after Bach retired at 40*. David Craig looked solid with one particular sweep (conventional) shot sent to the boundary. ‘Bach’ returned and continued playing them like a symphony but alas DC was bowled bringing the batting to an end at 123 – probably about 100 or so short of where we planned and probably should have got to. Well batted Andy Bachelard who chanced his arm but all the others barely troubled the scorers

With not much in the bank, a lot depended on the opening spell. Their opener Rose played the pitch well and quickly retired 30* off 30. The other opener was trapped lbw from a classic Tarrant in cutter.

None of the bowlers could seem to settle into a good line and length consistently with boundaries leaking at regular intervals – some due to some less than desperate fielding. David Craig was the pick of the bowlers dropping his ‘leggies’ and making them play every ball and was rewarded with two wickets. ‘Wes’ Hall also bowled a good line and length and got his wicket probably off his worst ball (full toss). Another batter retired and we were passed 4 down

Mosman were by far the better side on the day – they came to play well – performing much better with the ball, bat and their fielding was exceptional. The final result showed this – Here’s hoping for a better performance in all three facets next game. Much improvement and commitment is required if we are to remain a top 4 side in this comp.

The Team was (playing 12): –  Tom Robertson 8, Mike Pinter 5, Mike Weaver 3, Paul Nash 0, Scott Wells (c) and (w) 15, Andrew Dawson 19, Andrew Davis 0, Ed Cross 9, Andrew Bachelard, 42* Mike Tarrant 4, David Craig 8, and Sherville Hall dnb

The Result was: –

C.C.N.S.W.: – 10-123 (29.2 Overs) (A. Bachelard 42*)

Lost to

Mosman CC.: – 4-125 (23.3 Overs)

By 6 wickets

FoWs: – 1-12 (T. Robertson); 2-17 (M. Weaver ); 3-17 (P. Nash ); 4-19 (M. Pinter); 5- 52 ( A. Dawson); 6-52 (A. Davis ); 7-56 (S. Wells ); 8- 94 (E. Cross); 9-103 (M. Tarrant ); 10-123 (D. Craig ).

The Bowling was: – M. Tarrant 6-0-29-1; A. Bachelard 3-0-15-0; P. Nash 4-1-20-0; E. Cross 2-0-15-0; D. Craig 4.3-1-22-2; S. Hall 4-0-18-1

The Fielding was: –

Stumpings: – One to S. Wells (w)

Catches: – One to A. Davis and one to E. Cross

Run outs: – Nil

Player points (awarded by umpire): 3 points to A. Bachelard; 2 points to D. Craig; one point to A. Dawson

Scorecard: https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/org/sydney-masters-cricket-association/classics-summer-202324/classics-foxs/game-centre/69107eaa