4 wins (inc. 1 outright win) from 5 matches against UNSW and a hard fought draw for Metropolitan Cup against Eastern Suburbs makes for happy reading for SUCC fans. 1st Grade declared immediately on the morning of Day 2 to hunt an outright result. Hayden Kerr struck early and was well supported by Dugald Holloway (2/54) and Ben Joy (2/32) to have UNSW reeling at 5/55. However, the effort for 10 points was thwarted by a defiant innings from the opposition skipper and early handshakes ensued.
The highlight of the round was undoubtedly the outstanding performance from 2nd Grade. With the match delicately poised at the commencement of Day 2, the Students were superb in the first session to wrap up the UNSW innings for 157 and claim first innings points. The intention was always to set the game up for a grandstand 4th innings in the afternoon. The Students batted positively, and despite the loss of an early wicket, Ryan Danne (69) and Dave Miller (74) put on 149 for the 2nd wicket in excellent time. Skipper Max Hope decided he’d seen enough with the score at 1/155 leaving UNSW with plenty to play for in the final session. Despite a strong start by the visitors, reaching 1/81, the Students held their nerve. Lewis McMahon combined with gloveman Alex Shaw to dismiss both set batsmen and then added another scalp for good measure. Suddenly the game had shifted, the Units claiming 4/22 to get right back in the hunt. But this seesawing affair had more momentum shifts in store, with UNSW fighting back to put on 60 for the 6th wicket. Again the Students’ metal was tested and again they rose to the task striking twice with the score on 162. A much needed and much deserved 10 points was finally secured on an excellent day of Premier Cricket.
In the middle grade, captain Henry Clark was at his wrong-footed best taking 6/28 to secure 6 points away from home. 4th Grade faced an awkward chase at St Paul’s and were unable to put the opposition away early. An important half-century from Rex Greaves ensured that the points were safely secured with 4 wickets in hand. 5th Grade will rue a below par performance with the bat on Day 1 as UNSW secured first innings points. Positives may be taken from the performance with the bat in the second innings, staving off an outright defeat by 4 wickets. Despite conceding nearly 300 with the ball against Eastern Suburbs, Metropolitan Cup batted with patience and resilience to hang on for the draw with only a single wicket in hand.
Round 8 sees the Students on the road against Northern Districts. All grades will be striving for a strong performance to cap off the first half of the season and head into the Christmas break on a high.
