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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Students overcome Randwick Petersham to win Limited-Overs Cup