Match Report: Round 5 v Easts

1st Grade:

Sydney University 7/340 (N Larkin 120, D Mortimer 61, L Robertson 50, Thornton 3/64) Def by Easts 7/345 (G Clarence 75, I Moran 71, S Robson 70, T Ley 3/83, D Malone 2/94)

The rain stayed away, or at least got out of the way early and we arrived at Uni no 1 to another belter prepared by Daryl and the boys. Tim Ley and Tom Rogers bowled with great control early to keep the Easts openers under pressure. It was Ley who got the rewards, including the dangerous Maddinson to a sharp catch from the slow red fox (Liam Robertson) at cover.

Wickets would be hard to come by, with Robson and Moran building a partnership and keeping Easts on track for the chase approaching the middle of the day. Malone made the breakthrough deceiving Moran with a wrong-un (add him to the quickly growing list) and followed it up with the wicket of Chu caught and bowled. Ley returned and with a bit of reverse swing the students were able to wrestle the game back onto our terms, Robson and Morley going in quick succession.

It looked at 6-196 that we would get the job done, but a fighting half century from the Easts skipper and contributions from Somerville and Magin got them across the line.

Overall it was disappointing to let the game slip from a position of strength but credit to Easts for fighting it out. Moran and Somerville picked up the "Pegsy" award for showing up at the Nags to talk us through it.

2nd Grade: 

Sydney Uni 8/366 (J Holloway 131, W Hay 85, D Holloway 35, U Mehta 3/55) Easts 10/170 (O Maxwell 42, J Smith 40, K Elley 5/49, J Holloway 1/21)

Seconds arrived at Waverley needing to take 9 wickets for the win. Rain on the morning of the second day’s play added confidence to the camp with a hint of moisture in the deck. But when you thought morale couldn’t get higher, the squad learned that batsmen Nick Arnold successfully completed his HSC during the week and even more successfully completed his formal after-party. But Nick didn’t limit his performances to the mid-week extravaganza, also getting horizontal in the field to back up the bowlers and keep pressure on the batsmen.

As expected, the pitch did offer some assistance to opening bowlers Dugald Holloway and Kieran Elley as they regularly beat the bat. It only took a few overs before a nipping delivery was edged to skipper Dave Miller at second slip. The boys knew we were on top at this stage and in the huddle it was expertly reaffirmed that ‘that’s the length you need to bowl on these wickets’- the length where the ball nips half a bat width. And the bowlers stuck at that length continuing to build pressure before a brilliant piece of fielding from Liam Whitaker saw him throw down the pegs with one to aim at. Everything was going our way in the field and by lunch we had the hosts 5 wickets down, Dobson, Holloway, Whitaker and Elley the wicket-getters.

After lunch the roll continued, James Larkin snuck his fingertips under a ball at third slip to take us within 4 wickets of the win. But not everything was the same as the first session, a rowdy group on the hill ensured a change in the atmosphere as they both supported the Easts batsmen and taunted SUCC players, in particular Jack Holloway. But Jack didn’t let the sledging get to him, only dropping two chances to the chorus ‘was that Jack again?!’ With hindsight it seems Jack probably wasn’t psyched out by the intoxicated group but rather wanted to avoid an outright innings and maximise time studying before exams. Whatever the strategy, 10 wickets were taken before tea.

3rd Grade:

Easts 58 (K Tate 4/20 T Kierath 4/12) & 97 (T Kierath 3/8, R Kurtz 3/29) Def outright by Sydney Uni Dec6/192 (R Danne 52, M Powys 51, A Shaw 48, S Lewis 3/34)

Already 134 runs ahead, 3s arrived on day two brimming with confidence that the outright that narrowly eluded them last week was within reach. 

Another encouraging new ball attack followed an overnight declaration but Easts were not to be swept aside easily, surviving to the first drinks break with only one back in the hutch. It took the introduction of spin twins Kurtz and Kierath to break the shackles. Regular breakthroughs, some more comical than others, saw both finish with deserved 3fa's. The bowling highlights, however, belonged to our gallant leader Ash Cowan who, bowling his military medium slow throw down hybrids, was twice able to replicate Shane Warne's infamous 'Gatting Ball' (his words, not mine!) to snare two scalps of his own eventually dismissing Easts for 97.

Back to back clinical displays sees last years premiers move into a spot on the precipice of the top 6 after a few early season stumbles.

4th Grade:

Sydney Uni 231 (H Kermond 80) def by Easts 6/232 (W Lawrence 124, J Bank 41)

The boys were full of confidence heading into day 2, with Easts already 1 down. However the students were unable to bowl with enough consistency to apply any pressure on the Easts batsman.   Aiden Peek was impressive with the ball toiling hard all day, he was supported by skipper AJ Grant and Ryan Danne.  A dominant second wicket partnership saw Easts pass 120, before Aiden Grabbed his second wicket.  This was quickly followed by AJ Grant grabbing the 3rd pole, and momentum looked to be back with the students, however a very strong fourth wicket partnership pushed the game out of reach.

Will Lawrence batted with poise and control brining up his hundred as he ensured the result would go against the students.  Easts passed our total for the loss of just 4 wickets in the 59th over. 

Overall, a disappointing performance by the students, highlighting the need to regroup and come out next round with renewed vigour and determination to get our season back on track.

5th Grade:

Easts 272 (M Phoebus 3/43, Islam 4/48) Sydney Uni 10/175 (H Kermond 61, A Bell 36, L Course 5/29, V Agrawal 3/46)

Starting the day 1 down meant we were always behind the eight ball and unfortunately some good disciplined bowling kept us out of the game most of the day.  Despite a few encouraging partnerships we regularly lost wickets in clumps removing any momentum from the chase.  Hugh Kermond fresh from his 80 last week in 4th grade continued his good form, hitting a controlled 61.  Hugh was well supported by Alex Bell (36) however Alex’s dismissal proceeded us losing 3 wickets for zero runs to fall from 2/69 to 5/69.   Mike Harris and Ethan Clout did their upmost to support Hugh however we were unable to get close enough to the required 272 eventually dismissed for 175. 

A disappointing chase against a strong team the boys will have to come back bigger and better in round 6 against Gordon.

Metro Cup: Sydney University 135 (P Carfax 44, M Miles 22, B Speechley 6/22) & 7/210 (A Wilkinson 60, B Kayani 35, J Dowd 3/27)  Def by Penrith 171 (J Dowd 75, M Sullivan 45, M Miles 5/29, A Wilkinson 3/42)

After winning the toss and choosing to bat the Uni batsmen struggled to make any progress against consistent bowling and tight fielding. Loose shots under pressure brought us to 5/26 after just 11 overs. A steady effort from Pat Carfax (44) held the innings together. He combined with Brad "the wall" Kayani and Murray Miles (22) to bring our total up to a modest 135.

A strong start from our opening bowlers saw Penrith in trouble at 2/1, however, an attacking 3rd wicket partnership saw our total chased down with 8 overs still left to play. A fiery spell from Murray Miles lead to the loss of quick wickets leaving Penrith 6/165 at stumps.

Beginning the second day the students knew they needed quick wickets in order to set up a come from behind, game for the ages, win. Miles (2/4 - final figures 5/29) found movement off the seam early to close out Penrith's innings after they only added 6 runs to their overnight total.

The first innings lead of 36 was quickly reduced as the Uni openers put on 74 for the first wicket. A steady fall of wickets and a short collapse had the students 6/126 at tea, just 90 runs in front. After losing a wicket after the break Uni conceded the chance of setting a large enough total had slipped out of reach.  Batting until the close of play we finished 7/210. Danny Wicks and Brad Kayani both finished the day on 35*.

Despite outperforming the home team on day 2 we were unable to gain any points. Only 3 Penrith batsmen managed double figures across their whole innings with the scorers recording a total of 6 ducks. However, 135 proved to be too small a total to defend. A strong second innings performance and a hearty bowling effort should build momentum for the team who head back to St Andrews next weekend.

PGs: Sydney University 204 (K Jacobs 59, H Kerr 35, C Lorenzato 32, D Fallins 4/38) Def By Sutherland 9/205 (S Khan 59, D Fallins 45, T Doyle 37, K Elley 4/26)

Round three of the Poidevin Gray saw our Uni boys battling it out against North Sydney on a flat, slow wicket at Bon Andrews oval. With skipper Nicky Craze going 3/3 at the toss, the students handed North Sydney the ball with intentions to set 250+. Kerr (30) and Jacob (33) had the students off to an aggressive start against the new ball, before Litchfield (33) and Craze (62) solidified the innings with a steady partnership throughout the middle overs. With the students finishing off the innings with some much needed horns and good running from Lorenzato (24*) and Elley (19*), a total of 235 seemed a potentially chasable target for North Sydney. However the students backed up their efforts with the bat seeing Holloway (5/30) tear through North Sydney’s batting order along with tight spells from Whitaker (2/23), and Danne (1/17) who made the total of 235 become quite a stretch - North Sydney all out for 153.

Mortimer to make his Thunder Academy debut alongside fellow Student

Two students have been selected for the Sydney Thunder Academy side to play the Lahore Qalanders today at 4:00pm at Pratten Park. 

Damien Mortimer, averaging 91.7 this season, has been selected to make his debut for the Sydney Thunder Academy.  Damien started his season with a brilliant hundred against Hawkesbury and followed that up with a powerful 64 against Blacktown in round two of the Kingsgrove Sports T20 Cup.  Damien showed his class once again in round 5 against Easts with a rapid fire 61.

Damien will be joined by Sydney University team mate Tom Rogers.  Tom Rogers, fresh from his Futures League game last week, will look to continue pressing his claims for higher honours.  In Round 1 of the Kingsgrove Sports T20 Cup, Tom tore through Penrith taking 3-12 off his four overs. He also impressed in the first two Thunder Academy games earlier in November bowling with great pace and bounce.  

Good luck to both our boys today. 

Top Ten Tuesday

Milestones Monday

Kieran Elley, who took 5-49 against Eastern Suburbs, returned career-best figures in Second Grade while capturing his first five-wicket haul for the Club.

Tom Kierath played a key role in Third Grade’s outright victory over Eastern Suburbs: his seven wickets for only 20 runs (4-12 and 3-8) made this his most successful match with the ball in that grade.

Ryan Danne (52 against Eastern Suburbs) scored his first half-century in Third Grade.

Hugh Kermond followed his highest Fourth Grade score last week with his highest score in Fifth Grade (61 against Eastern Suburbs).

Murray Miles’ 5-29 against Penrith in Metropolitan Cup was his first five-wicket haul for the Club.

Nicky Craze’s 62 against North Sydney was his highest Poidevin-Gray score for the Club.

Dugald Holloway, in taking 5-29 against North Sydney, returned his best bowling figures for the Club and captured his first five-wicket haul in Poidevin-Gray.

In the Sheds... Changing of the guard

In the Sheds - ‘Changing of the guard’

This is my 8th season at SUCC and I can’t help but feel there is a real feeling of evolutionary change about the club. I’m not talking so much about the state of the art new facilities or the integrated fielding/fitness approach to training (which are all great by the way). I’m talking more about the evolution of the playing roster, the natural attrition of the older statesman and the rise of the young pups. I think it is an exciting time for the club and I’m excited to see where it takes us.

SUCC stalwarts Faraday and Theobald have relinquished their playing roles but continue to serve as the fat cats on the board. Hobson has begrudgingly succumbed to family duties despite continuing to enthusiastically suggest catch-ups at the Nags. Kierath is taking more of a backseat role after so many successful years at the helm of 2nd grade. The later start time in the lower grades means he has more time with his better half and little Charlie. Morning family duties are shortly followed by afternoon family duties as he kicks the new ball at 12.16pm.

The increased focus on fitness, physical preparation and player workload management at the elite level is mirrored in our Elite Athlete Program (EAP). The club proudly boasts an EAP program second to none in the country, but disappointingly, some EAP members still display sloppy rigs; look no further than Jack Holloway. These shortcomings are overridden by the successes of the program. Hayden Kerr is a great example - rising from an overweight pre-pubescent boy from Bowral to a premiership winning (ton in the 4th grade final) 2nd grade all rounder (+/- weak achilles/sore back).

In my first years at the club, AJ was the benchmark in the gym. His immaculate (albeit 5 foot) rig turned heads (both male and female). However, his strict dieting habits were controversial – vodka waters and purchasing McDonalds at 2am but refusing to eat it. With AJ’s once immaculate rig now hidden beneath a comforting layer of beer and biltong, Jono Craig-Dibbly-Dobson seems to be the leader of the fitness sessions. His rig definitely doesn’t do him any favours but the boy is strong. He can deadlift 160kg! Lets hope that strength eventually manifests in bowling speed and keepers don’t have to stand up to the stumps anymore.

It is encouraging to see the youthful age of players filtering through the grades. This was evidenced in our Round 2 4th grade side where I was fined for being the only player in the side to not qualify for PG’s the following day. Ironically, I was fined by Brodie Frost who looks like a 45 year old Bigfoot. I was also fined for devon that day and will continue to be. Visual deterioration of hairlines is well noted in my time at the club – TheoBALD, Toyer, Holloway (Jack), Hay and Henry Clark. The latter two have also deteriorated physically. Hayza has gained 20kg since I met him in 2008 and Henry has gained 15kg, lost 15kg (repeat x 3) and contracted multiple viruses.

Another new trend in the club is the rise of the middle tier. For those unfamiliar with the tier system you are most likely tierless (Jack Hill) but here’s a quick summary. Upper tier: high-paying job, married +/- kid. Middle tier: full time job (wage irrelevant), girlfriend +/- engaged, plus Will Hay (because he’s been shunned by the upper tier due to an unfortunate incident in the Hunter Valley). Lower tier: studying, single, poor. While the lower tier flounders and the upper tier remains static, the middle tier is thriving, with many of the members of the middle tier now in leadership roles at the club. Nick is the 1st grade captain, Funky Deef is skippering the scooby doos, Ben Joy has risen from a drunk 6th grader to top 15 all time club wicket taker and the club’s humble accountant and AJ is fostering his premiership-winning young pups in the dippy 4’s. AJ will need to keep on his toes as big Wilko will continue to torment his off stump in the dark on Tuesday and Thursday nights.

Despite the changes discussed above, some things have remained static in my time at the club. Smash Cowan is still a single beer mat, we are all still striving to execute our Gary Whitaker disciplines #howgood and the cats continue to congregate on the hill (except when Hayza reaches a batting milestone). Despite the inevitable evolution of the personnel and practices of the club, the vibrant SUCC culture steeped in history and tradition will remain constant for many years to come #upthestudents.

Remembering Roger Forrest Hughes

On Remembrance Day, James Rodgers continues the series in which he commemorates the Sydney University cricketers who died serving in the First World War, a century ago.  Today: Roger Forrest Hughes.

Captain Roger Forrest Hughes was born in Sydney 6 May 1890 and died of wounds near Flers, France on 11 December 1916.

Roger Forrest Hughes was one of the best and brightest of his generation produced by the University of Sydney.  He entered the University in 1908, studying Classics for which he continued to earn distinctions until graduating with a Bachelor of Arts. He immersed himself in undergraduate life in the Debating Society, the Dramatic Society and as Secretary of the University Union. He played Hockey for the University (winning his Blue in 1912) and played every season for the Cricket Club as a batsman from 1908 until 1913 – without great achievements, although he turned out faithfully in the Thirds, for which team he was a selector. In games for which records were kept, he batted 29 times in Thirds for 485 runs and once in Seconds in 1910-11 without scoring. The 1912-13 SUCC Annual Report, however, gives some indication of the continued frustration caused by haphazard organisation of the Club’s lower grades. When Third Grade’s scoring book was again lost, the Club’s secretary, Claude Tozer, allowed himself a restrained but pointed:  ‘It is a matter of concern that the executive part of the team’s work is not looked after as it should be…’

Roger Hughes progressed to study Medicine after graduating in Arts and he thrived, graduating MB ChM in 1915.

He was the second son of Sir Thomas Hughes, 1863-1930 (the first Lord Mayor of Sydney by that title, in 1902, 1903, 1907 and 1908) and Lady Louisa (nee Gilhooley). His uncle was John Francis Hughes (1857-1912), a minister in the NSW Governments of the 1890s and 1900s. His parents sent Roger to St Ignatius’ College Riverview in 1901 and accolades for academic excellence followed him every year until he was Dux of the College in 1907. He won the Gold Medal for Senior Debate, the trophy for Oratory, and sports prizes for athletics as a sprinter, for Rugby as a five eighth in the 1st XV and as a middle order batsman in the 1st XI. His obituarist, writing in the College Magazine for 1916, strikes a poignant note when one realises that this has been a life of great promise cut short:  ‘Roger’s career at Riverview, and at the University, was a brilliant one. It would have been hard to find a brighter or more willing personality. To his old College, he was loyal to the heart’s core.’

In 1915, he served as RMO at St Vincent’s Hospital where he was much admired, before enlisting in December 1915 and being appointed  RMO at No 4 Australian General Hospital, Randwick. He sailed from Sydney on 8 August 1916 on the ‘Wiltshire’, arriving in England on 13 October.

The Hughes family gave so many to Australia’s cause in the Great War.  Five of Roger Hughes’ cousins, all alumni of St Ignatius’ College, were killed. This established and prosperous Sydney family and the College saw it as a duty to encourage their sons to lives of service, even service for war.

Hughes was at the front for only five days. On 11 December 1916, while attending to a wounded soldier, he was hit by a shell that fractured both legs and that killed his patient. Hughes was taken to 36th Casualty Station where his younger brother, Captain Geoffrey Hughes, was, by chance, at his side in his final hours. He was laid to rest in a ceremony conducted by Father Prescott in Heilly Station Cemetery, Mericourt-L’Abbe. Geoffrey Hughes and a brother in law, Captain Austin Curtin, said prayers at the graveside.

His loss was felt keenly in Australia. A solemn requiem Mass was celebrated at St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney by Archbishop Michael Kelly with two of his cousins, John and James Hughes, serving the Mass.  James Hughes had played for 1st Grade for SUCC from 1904 until 1909, and three of the brothers (Bryan was later killed in France in August 1918) were representative Rugby players, James and Bryan playing for Australia.

Roger had married Eileen Maher on 2 March 1916 at St Canice’s Church in Sydney. The land had been a gift of the Hughes family to the Catholic Church and there is now a stained glass window in memory of Captain Roger Hughes in the church.  Eight weeks after his father’s death, his son, Peter Roger Forrest Hughes, was born on 4 February 1917.  The family was to be visited by extraordinary tragedy during World War II. In 1942, on an operational flight with the RAAF, Roger Hughes junior was killed over Darwin. Then, his mother was killed in a car accident in May 1946 on her way to visit her son’s grave.

Captain Geoffrey Hughes (1895-1951) was awarded the Military Cross in May 1918 and his line of the family continued the distinguished surname as they contributed significantly to Australian public life. His three sons were Thomas Hughes QC, (1923- ), eminent barrister and  Federal Attorney General of Australia 1969-71, Geoffrey Hughes, a renowned lawyer, and Robert Studley  Hughes (1938-2012), internationally famous art critic. One of Thomas Hughes’ daughters, Roger Forrest Hughes’ great niece, Lucy, followed her great grandfather as Lord Mayor of Sydney, 2003-04. She is married to the Prime Minister of Australia, Malcolm Bligh Turnbull.

Pollock and MacGill joins the Blue & Gold Cricket Luncheon panel for 2016

Sydney University Cricket Club will host it's annual Blue & Gold Cricket Luncheon for the 22nd time next Friday 18th November at the Ivy Ballroom.

The luncheon is one of the best on the luncheon calendar, perfectly placed between the 2nd and 3rd Australia vs South Africa Test matches, and will see international superstars Shaun Pollock and Stuart MacGill, as well as respected cricket journalist Mike Coward, join Adam Spencer's expert panel.

Spencer is one of the best panel hosts in the business, combining intelligence and humour to create a highly entertaining segment, and with over 150 Tests, 300 ODIs and a 5-decade long journalism career between them, this will be one to remember.

There is no better venue for this than the Ivy Ballroom as you dine on a delicious lunch menu together with premium drinks package, before retiring to the Palings Bar for the all important post-lunch conversations on who to pick in the 3rd Test match and where the Aussie batting line-up is going wrong.

Tickets cost $160 per person or a corporate table of 10 for $1,750, so get your old teammates, friends or clients together and make Friday 18th November a lunch to remember.

Bookings can be made by downloading the B & G Lunch Booking Form and returning completed to r.tubbs@sport.usyd.edu.au.

For those former Sydney Uni Cricket members, especially of the 70s, 80s and 90s, join us in celebrating the induction of John Grimble and John Saint into the Sydney Uni Cricket Club Virtual Hall of Fame at the lunch.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to enjoy one of the best cricket luncheons in Sydney.