Students overcome Randwick Petersham to win Limited-Overs Cup

To amend the old adage, there is indeed no rest for the successful First Grade sides in Sydney Premier Cricket. On Sunday, the Students fronted up for their third Sunday fixture in as many weekends after navigating through the Quarter and Semi-Finals of the Limited-Overs Cup to book a top of the table clash with Randwick Petersham in the big dance.

At Rosedale Oval the day prior, the Students had endured a long day in the field against a determined Fairfield-Liverpool middle order that very nearly reeled in the target of 263; Uni winning the match by 14 runs. This tight Saturday win would headline a successful Round 13 for the Students who further claimed two outright wins in 3s and 4s with 5s falling only two wickets short of victory to end in a draw. On Sunday morning, skipper Liam Robertson named an unchanged side to do battle in the Grand Final, before winning the toss and electing to bat on what seemed a typical University Oval wicket.

Courtesy of Ian Bird Photography

As the loyal Uni Army assumed their positions, Hayden Kerr and Charlie Dummer commenced the SUCC innings positively, before Kerr was removed by Adam Semple, caught at mid on with the score on 25. Much to the dismay of the SUCC faithful, Chuck’s dismissal followed soon after at the hands of skipper Daya Singh as the visitors applied pressure. Damien Mortimer also fell victim to Singh (6/31), whose initial spell undoubtedly landed the first blow in what would be a back and forth fixture. With the score at 3/40, wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Cummins joined skipper Liam Robertson at the crease with neither Student off the mark. Tension was rife in the sizeable crowd as both home and away supporters sensed a potential watershed moment. It was again the visitors who would further their advantage thanks to the control and discipline of Riley Ayre (2/34). Bowling in tandem with his captain, Ayre claimed the huge wickets of Cummins and Ryan McElduff to pile more pain on the Students, falling to 5/49.

Having taken 4/9, Randwick Petersham had well and truly demonstrated the class indicative of their berth at the top of the First Grade ladder. However, in the face of seemingly overwhelming momentum, the Uni Army found solace in the experienced tandem of Robertson and David Miller. The pair absorbed pressure with diligence and patience, the score ticking along as the Uni faithful anxiously rode each run of the rebuild.

Courtesy of Ian Bird Photography

Courtesy of Ian Bird Photography

Punctuated by a vintage Miller pull shot and the typical hard, straight hitting of Robertson, a partnership began to flourish and the pressure that had plagued the hosts earlier had seemingly shifted. As each Student reached 50 and the score passed 150 the Army’s forensically deduced par score of 230 suddenly seemed well within reach, the most bullish suggesting 260 was on the cards.

Sensing the moment, Daya Singh would again take the ball and deliver. With the score on 168 he trapped Miller (51) LBW before having Robertson (66) caught behind. He would then crash through the dangerous Uni lower order, bowling both Holloway and Cassell to remove any hope of some late-innings ball striking. The innings was brought to an end in the 47th over by Daniel Sams, the Students dismissed for 194.

“Runs on the board in a final” was a line that could be heard early and often in the stands during the break and buoyed by the efforts of their clubmates, the supporting Students were extremely up and about for the commencement of the second innings. Known for his knack of taking a wicket in his first over, the slow clap was a constant feature as Charlie Cassell (3/36) began proceedings with the ball. Just as promised, he delivered, capturing Shaun Eaton caught behind in the first over of the innings with the score on 1. Despite some ominous stroke play from the visiting top order, Cas struck twice more in his opening spell to leave the match poised at 3/48.

Courtesy of Ian Bird Photography

A dangerous bowling attack was well supported by excellent catching from the Students. Wiz Masojada set the tone in the field, holding his nerve under a swirling high ball as the crowd fell silent. Following suit, Tim Cummins and then Hayden Kerr both reeled in sharp screamers to support a relentless bowling performance. Dugald Holloway (4/19) combined with TC to dismiss both Daniel and Anthony Sams to continue what has been a brilliant season for the left arm quick. Devlin Malone (2/17) and Hayden Kerr (1/22) also picked up wickets to dismiss Randwick Petersham for 113 inside 35 overs and comprehensively secure the Limited-Overs Cup by 81 runs.

Courtesy of Ian Bird Photography

Both captains spoke graciously, each commenting particularly on how well supported the Final was by both the visiting and home fans. SUCC skipper Liam Robertson was awarded the Michael Bevan Medal for Player of the Final in recognition of his fighting innings which, in partnership with Dave Miller, surely made the difference in a match where no batsman outside of the pair passed 21. An excellent spectacle that showcased the best of Premier Cricket between two very strong sides was a wonderful way to finish the Limited Overs season.

Courtesy of Ian Bird Photography

Limited-Overs Grand Final Livestream Link

Click HERE to head to the Cricket NSW livestream of our Limited-Overs Grand Final against Randwick-Petersham!

Students progress through to Limited-Overs Final

An incredible tie against Penrith was enough to see the Students progress through to the Limited-Overs Final this weekend, where they will host Randwick-Petersham.

A 46-run last wicket partnership between Ryan McElduff (67*) and Ben Joy (13) proved to be the thorn in Penrith’s side on a pleasant Sunday afternoon at University Oval, the Black Cats unable to claim the decisive wicket that would have seen them go through.

Earlier in the day, it was a solid bowling performance from the men in blue and gold that restricted the visitors to 199 on a flat, however low, wicket at Uni, with some fielding excellence highlighted by direct hit run outs from both Damien Mortimer and Charlie Cassell.

Dugald Holloway finished the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3/42 off 8.3 and was supported well by that man Joy (2/38). The spin duo of Devlin Malone and Will Masojada threatened both edges of the bat on a spin friendly track and combined nicely to take 2/71 off 20 overs between them.

Following a disastrous start that saw both Charlie Dummer and Mortimer dismissed in the first over to Josh Lalor without scoring, Sydney Sixers all-rounder Hayden Kerr and skipper Liam Robertson steadied the ship, sharing an 87-run partnership and putting the Students ahead in the contest.

However, it was that man Lalor again who struck - dismissing both Robertson and Kerr in the same over to turn the match on its head. Regular wickets fell in the next 15 overs, leaving Sydney University an uphill climb if they were to make their third consecutive Limited-Overs Final.

McElduff was up to the challenge and defied the live odds - that had been discussed and provided by the Uni Army faithful that had come to support - and wrestled the Students back into the contest with quick running and some decisive boundaries.

However it was Joy who struck the match-tying runs off Penrith quick Matt Collins in the 50th over of the day, before being dismissed just two deliveries later.

Sydney University will now host Randy Petes in the Final this weekend at University Oval, with play to commence from 10am. All Uni supporters are encouraged to dust off the blue and gold merch and join the Uni Army for a cold, refreshing beverage and jovial song in the Grandstand from the first ball onwards.

Sydney University v Parramatta Limited-Overs Quarter Final

Students' Scoreboard - Round 12: Day 1

Saturday presented an absolutely scorcher but the Students stayed in the proverbial kitchen to deliver a very strong day across the grades. With temperatures predicted to reach well into the 40s out west, 1s, 3s and 5s all enjoyed early starts away from home. In 1st Grade, skipper Liam Robertson elected to bowl after winning the toss, a decision that may well have been labelled audacious by some, including earning mention on ‘The Grade Cricketer’. However, it was the doubters who were left red-faced after the Students turned in a clinical performance in the field. Campbelltown-Camden fought well to reach 3/130 but it was all one way traffic from there. After Ben Joy combined with his skipper to remove Jackson Isakka and break a 53 run stand, the Students never let up, taking 7/35 to bundle the hosts out for 165. Dugald Holloway (3/34) was again the pick of the bowlers whilst Charlie Cassell delivered in the field with two run outs. Hot conditions meant that play was delayed frequently throughout the day, Uni finishing Day 1 at 2/40 in reply.

2nd Grade were granted some relief, with slightly cooler conditions greeting them at University No.1. Max Hope continued an excellent run of form at the coin toss, quickly electing to bat much to the disappointment of the visitors. Tom Fullerton (71) and Ryan Danne (134) batted with patience through the morning, eager to cash in during the afternoon. Danno played a knock for the ages, spending over 4 hours at the crease in sweltering conditions to reach his 3rd ton for the Club. As he opened his shoulders to accelerate towards a declaration, he was aided by the clean striking of Alex Shaw (43) allowing 11 overs to make inroads into the visitors top order. Kieran Tate didn’t miss a beat, crashing straight through on his first two deliveries and very nearly claiming 3 wickets in his first over after again hitting the stumps on a no ball. Lewis McMahon also struck in his first over to add to the visitors pain but from there they would survive to stumps, the score at 3/14.

In 3s, Jack Hill (96*) put on a clinic, ably supported by Charles Litchfield (39) and Ben Mitchell (38) to leave the Students in a strong position at 3/226. However after 62 overs, the heat won out, as the remaining scheduled 18 overs were abandoned. In 4th Grade, Matt Powys (76) elected to deal in boundaries from the get go. The Students followed his lead, compiling an incredible 8/292 (dec) from only 46 overs. 4 other batsmen (Coelho, Cowan, Veitch and Wood) reached 30 in quick time as pressure piled on the bowling side. The Students pressed the advantage with the ball, leaving the visitors at 3/81 and securing a strong position entering Day 2. 5th Grade turned in a gutsy performance after losing the toss at Raby 3. All bowlers toiled with discipline and desire but it was Lewis Ansell (3/28) who proved the most effective, supported by Murray Miles (2/30) and Zohirul Islam (2/45). After 65 overs, the hosts were dismissed for 217 with the Students 1/28 in reply and poised for a season defining run chase as they push for the top 6. On Sunday, Metropolitan Cup batted first and reached 4/169 before rain caused stumps after 56 overs.

A very strong weekend in challenging conditions presents a great chance for the Students to press the advantage in all Grades and secure valuable Club Championship points as the business end of the season looms.

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Students' Scoreboard - Round 11

Over the long weekend, the Students completed a fantastic round against Blacktown, playing consistent and disciplined cricket to secure the first clean sweep of the 2019/20 season.

In 1st Grade, Blacktown visited Uni No.1 for a Saturday-Sunday contest and elected to bat after winning the toss. As he so often does, Charlie Cassell drew first blood, bowling Taj Brar with the score on 3. From here is would be slow going. Consistent wickets fell throughout the day as the Students toiled diligently, the run rate hovering around 2 an over for much of the contest. Dugald Holloway (4/25) continued his fantastic season to again be the pick of the bowlers, supported by Hayden Kerr (3/25) and Devlin Malone (2/65). Set 175 for victory, the chase began fluently as opening batsmen Varun George (23) and Ryan McElduff (26) put on 60 for the first wicket. However both would fall in quick succession handing momentum back to the visitors. In a tale similar to that of the first innings, partnerships proved elusive. 6 Students found their way to 15 but no one was able to convert a start into a score that would put the game to bed. When Devlin Malone joined Dugald Holloway at the crease, the score was 9/158, the Students requiring a further 17 runs and the match well and truly in the balance. But it would be the hosts who would hold their nerve. Dugald (23*) and Devlin (6*) delivered to ensure a memorable 1-wicket win.

2nd Grade travelled to Joe McAleer eager to continue a strong start to 2020 that had put them back in the hunt for a finals berth. Skipper Max Hope won the toss and showed no hesitation in electing to bat. Nick Walker (35) looked in ominous touch at the top of the order, but a superb grab behind the wicket saw him unlucky to depart. With the score at 4/90, no partnership had eclipsed 30 and the Students needed to consolidate should they hope to accelerate in the latter overs. Ryan Danne (43) played a crucial hand in steadying the ship in a innings that oozed class but it would be Wiz Masojada (81*) who made the decisive contribution. As wickets fell around him, Wiz batted with patience to ensure he was in a position to launch in the final 10 overs. Well supported by the tail, particularly an entertaining cameo from Brodie Frost (17), Wiz controlled the acceleration, showcasing his ability to switch gears as the team required, steering the Students to 8/239. Featuring a bowling attack at the peak of its powers, wickets fell early and often to put the game beyond doubt. First, Ben Joy (2/20) struck twice to remove the opening batsmen before Lewis McMahon (3/20) set about dismantling the middle order. With the score at 9/76 Ben Trevor-Jones, in his last game for the Students, was given the nod by the skipper to pursue his first grade wicket. Reminiscent of Andrew Symonds, Trev had both offies and seamers at his disposal and elected to start seam up to get the most out of the wicket. A tidy first over, earnt him a second but again discussion ensued about which discipline would be more fruitful. He stuck to the seamers, and in a feat of athleticism that again could only be described as Roy-like, he would strike, snaring a sharp and low caught and bowled chance to fittingly bring the match to an end. The reaction from his teammates, mobbing him mid-pitch, shows the impact that Trev has had on the Club. We thank him for his years of excellence both on and off the field, and wish him luck in England. He will be sorely missed.

3rd Grade batted first at St Paul’s after winning the toss. Charles Litchfield (32) got away to a flier and looked set to continue his run of good form before a top edge would spell the end of a 63 run opening stand. His partner Nicky Craze (76) carried on to play a dominant knock in a return to form that should put the competition on notice with finals approaching. The Students somewhat rued a failure to form a decisive partnership which limited the score to 243, dismissed in the final over. However an experienced and relentless bowling attack, led by the new ball pair of Josh Toyer (2/23) and Murray Watts (2/25) ensured that 243 would be plenty. In the end, the Students rolled to a dominant victory, dismissing the visitors for 89.

4th Grade played out a see-sawing affair away from home. Greeted by a wet pitch, the Students were sent in by the hosts. However after little more than an over they were back off after a length ball kicked up sharply to remove James Crowley and the umpires determined the pitch to be dangerous. Industrial leaf blowers were applied and the match resumed but batting remained difficult. Brayden Dilley (22) and skipper Ash Cowan (24) were the only batsmen to get going, each playing innings that upon reflection would prove critical. Dismissed for 111, the Students needed to start well to have a chance. Jazz Rinka (3/16) and Rex Greaves (3/27) bowled excellently to make early inroads, the score at 4/13. Often to be found in a batting collapse, the next wicket to fall would be via a run out and from here the Students cantered to the finish line, dismissing the hosts for 77.

5th Grade also looked to make a finals push, needing to secure a victory at home. Sent in by the visitors, Sanjay Anandarajah (40) played a lone hand in the top order as the hosts slumped to 7/114. Enter Max Shanahan. Known primarily for his left arm seamers, Shanners has worked meticulously on his batting this season and it paid off in a hurry. His 56*, including 4 maximums, carried to Students to a defendable total of 8/194. With the ball, Shehan Canagasingham (6/18) executed to perfection to ensure that the run chase never loomed. It was his 9th five-wicket haul for the Club and his best bowling in 5th Grade delivering a crucial bonus point to remain in the hunt for the top 6.

Metropolitan Cup played out a memorable match on Sunday, ending in a tie.against Georges River. Skipper Greg Cade sent the opposition in to bat at St Paul’s. The innings was a tough contest throughout, with all bowlers toiling hard to restrict the opposition to 213 on a small ground. With the bat, the Students again drew on a number of contributors however a partnership between Cullen Hathurusinghe (44) and Darcy Manners (43) looked to give the hosts the advantage. With scores level and 1 ball to be bowled, it was the visitors who held their nerve, taking the wicket of Tom Crawford (12) LBW to seal a tied match. A great effort from all the boys and a match they can learn plenty from as they too near the business end of the season.

All in all a great effort across the grades went well rewarded with 5 victories. All grades will look to carry the momentum of a Club sweep onto Round 12 in a return to two day cricket for grades 2 to 5 against Campbelltown-Camden.