After a notable start to the first 2-dayer of the season, the students are eager to back their performances this weekend as they head into the second day of play. Catch a glimpse of each match below, as the captains recap the highlights of day 1.
1st Grade
With changes aplenty, the students looked to build on last week’s victory against Gordon. With Ed Cowan away on state duty, James Larkin was brought into the side for his second outing in the top grade and with Darius Visser being bowled over by injury, Ryan McElduff at just 17 years of age was selected to make a well-deserved debut. The toss was won and with no hesitation, the students elected to bat. Ben Trevor-Jones and James Larkin combined for a brilliant opening stand of 173 which lasted well into the second session. In just his second first grade innings, Larkin was dismissed for a well compiled 96. His ability to take on a barrage of short balls was impressive to watch. Trevor-Jones on the other hand, continued to lead the charge bringing up his maiden first grade ton, en route to his top score of 144. He was relentless in his stay at the crease which lasted 225 balls.
Damien Mortimer was again in the runs with a classy 107* off just 130 deliveries. It was a professional innings from Mortimer who controlled the tempo of the afternoons session with ease. Bringing up his century in the 86th over of the day with the innings at 2-394, the students decided it was time for a bowl. Tim Ley took the new ball with immediate impact. The tricky 7 overs the Blacktown side were required to face proved to be exactly that with Ley taking 2 wickets from his 4 overs. Blacktown closed the day at 2-19.
Day 2 will be a tough slog for the students who will certainly be up for the challenge. Although in the box seat, it will take a team effort to take another 8 wickets and ensure the 6 points.
2nd Grade
Sydney Uni: 5-96
E Arnott 27*
J Craig-Dobson 23*
Blacktown: 157
J Craig-Dobson 3-23
L Neil-Smith 3-38
3rd Grade
Round 2 saw the Units back at fortress Camperdown and despite the later start in 2-day action Michael Robbo once again managed to lurk in 10mins after the required arrival time. Nashball was a dour and turgid affair, with Old eventually prevailing thanks to a final play run-through. Young showing some improved form, however still several yards behind. The toss was once again lost (seriously I don’t know why I bother) and we went out into the field on what was an excellent batting track. Early breakthroughs were followed by a good partnership from Blacktown which saw the visitors in a solid position at 2/110. Uni then regained the ascendancy with some disciplined bowling and excellent fielding (in no particular order Galvin, Robbo, Toyer, Hill, Powys) which saw Blacktown restricted to 197 all out. The bowlers all toiled hard (particularly Danno, suffering slightly from Uni Games midweek) with new man Sam Wood and bald man Josh Toyer performing admirably. However, it was a different story for the main man, salad’s Lewis McMahon. Lew was a class above and on a benign pitch and lightning fast outfield he dominated all day taking 5 wickets and frankly he deserved a couple more (just ask him). He continues an excellent start to the season and put simply, he was playing a different game to everyone else, it was a pleasure to watch.
Given the efficient work with the ball we retired to the shade to catch up on the AFL grand final and watch Lewis (not that one) and Danno peel off 90-odd in style. Overall an excellent day and we will be looking to continue this good form into next weekend and secure the points.
4th Grade
With a trip out to Blacktown for the first 2-dayer of the season, 4th grade was looking to build on an impressive victory from the week before. AJ won the toss again and decided to bat first on a deck that was relatively green on top but hard underneath. The openers Liam McElduff and Brayden Dilley aimed to build a platform for the rest of the side, scoring 66 runs without loss until McElduff was trapped LBW for a well compiled 34. One brought two unfortunately, with Fullerton also trapped LBW early on. Two wickets down after the tea break, Uni were looking to progress the game onwards and take advantage of their solid start, however a quick succession of wickets continued to fall halting Uni's momentum until AJ strode out to the crease and finished the day 62*. His innings was a strong combination of rotating the strike and putting the loose balls away, with the highlight being a six off the spinner down to fine leg. In the end, Uni finished the day 9/226, a competitive score on a wicket which was very slow and low making it hard to score off, along with big boundaries which resulted in lots of running for the batsman. Next week the side will be looking towards taking 10 wickets and making it 2 wins out of 2 to start the season off.
5th Grade
Sydney Uni: 233
H Farrow 43
H Storey 36
Blacktown: 3-7
H Gibson 1-4
Metro Cup
Sydney Uni: 7-178
E Jamieson 55
J Pockney 32
Eastern Suburbs: 3-179
S Canagasingham 1-18
E Jamieson 1-22