Centuries Aplenty!

With 3 more centuries over the weekend, Uni have taken their ton tally up to 15 for the season – an incredible feat for only 6 rounds of competition. And, after another suite of strong Day 1 performances against UNSW, the Students are primed for another free beverage courtesy of the Toxteth next week.

At Uni No. 1, UNSW were left to rue their second decision of the morning after correctly calling ‘heads’ just moments before. Having been sent in to bat and losing a wicket early, the lost toss seemed dangerous for the students, however, a welcome return to form from number 3 Damien Mortimer halted any further success for the visitors. Striking an elegant 143 from 236 balls, Damien occupied the crease with the ever-consistent Ben Trevor-Jones, who scored 87 of his own, for a 226 run-stand. In the afternoon, Hayden Kerr (64 not out from 70 balls) combined with skipper Liam Robertson (44 not out from 39 balls) to punish the UNSW bowlers, before Uni declared on 3/348. In reply, UNSW are currently 0/21 from their 5 overs of batting.

Having chased down competitive totals with ease this season, 2nd Grade were not too deterred by UNSW’s decision to bat first. The slow outfield and aggressively docile wicket offered by the hosts demanded patience from Uni’s bowlers, as, despite the slow run-rate, wickets were infrequent. Kieren Tate led the way with 2/28 from his 17 overs, supported well by David Miller (2/36), Nahir Ghandi (1/49) and Max Hope (1/30). UNSW are currently 7/290 and will likely declare early on Day 2.

After regular outings with the bat, 3rd grade relished their chance to bowl a team out cheaply this time. On a helpful St Paul’s wicket, Henry Clark proved unplayable in the morning, with all 3 of his wickets bowling the UNSW top order. With UNSW in strife at 4/54, Jack Lawson’s legspin ran through the tail – finishing with 5/42 to bowl UNSW out for just 152. In reply, the Students continued their domination with a 101-run opening stand between Matthew Powys (65) and Alasdair Grant (37), before 3 quick wickets saw them finish the day at 3/128.

For a club-wide start to the season that is proving hard to top, 4th Grade put in their best effort with a marvellous display of batsmanship last Saturday led by Club Captain, Vince Umbers. Looking a class above for all but his first ball, Vince was nonchalant, ruthless, composed, swashbuckling – and any other adjective you can think of – as he swung his way to 197 (with 20 fours and 6 sixes). Vince, in his first century for the club was supported well by Matt Moran (43) and Ed Arnott (57) as 4th Grade provided some much-needed entertainment to their 2nd Grade brothers to the south. And despite the agonising closeness of the double century, Uni ended the day in cheers after posting 358 to defend next week.

All but equalling the standard of performance with bat in hand, 5th grade also added to the centurion’s tally. After sharing in a strong opening stand with Bradyen Dilley (50 off 120 balls), Uni opener Hugh Kermond continued on to post a century that showed maturity beyond his years. Scoring 114 from 178 deliveries, Hugh set a base for Uni’s middle order to contribute to the total – with Liam Coehlo doing just so in his innings of 58 from 92 deliveries. 5th Grade finished the day 6/295 – holding all the cards for an impending declaration next week.

PGs Secure Victory Against Saints

After tough beginning to the season, the Uni PGs boys have finally put in a performance worthy of their talent – triumphing against a solid St George team at Hurstville Oval on Sunday. Winning the toss and electing to bat, PGs lost both openers early before debutant and number 3 batsman Matt Moran found himself past 50 before facing 50 deliveries. Combining with keeper Hayden Storey in the middle overs, the pair put on 115 before Storey was dismissed for a vital 52. The final overs saw Tom Fullerton free the arms, as he amassed a quickfire 41 not out from 45 deliveries, and Matt pass 100 – finishing 121 not out from 112 deliveries in his first century for the club, and one that will surely be remembered for its quality. With 265 to defend, the Students bowlers put in a complete performance – led by Dom O’Shannessy with 3/41 from 10 overs – to bowl St George out in the 49th over for 251. Congratulations to the PGs squad and coach, Tim Carter, on an excellent win.

Uni Games Prep Heats UP

As a prelude to their showing at the Australian Uni Games next week, the Sydney University Uni Games Squad will front up against an Army XI in a 30 over match on Uni No. 1 this Friday at 2.30PM. The UniSport nationals take place at the Raby Sports Complex from Monday 26th November – Thursday 29th and consist of two T20 fixtures per day from Monday-Wednesday, before the finals on Thursday.

All Uni patrons are welcome to come down and watch the action!