Pre-Season Trial: Sydney University vs UNSW

An internal 50 over trial match was held on Saturday 12 September between 24 of Sydney University’s top cricketing talents, and the talent was most definitely on display. Damien Mortimer showed his class with the bat notching a well-played 85, a significant effort which led the Max Hope captained Blue XI to a total of 252 runs. Despite a resilient performance by Liam Robertson’s Gold XI, which included a Tim Cummins half-century, they couldn’t secure the win, falling 32 runs shy. Director of Sydney Uni Cricket Cam Borgas says that he found many positives throughout the 100 overs and is excited to see what the new season holds.

The countdown to the 157th season of Sydney’s premier grade cricket competition is almost over and what a gruelling wait it has been with COVID-19 restrictions proving to be as convenient as a Shane Watson DRS challenge. Nevertheless, St Paul’s Oval will play host to the ‘Students’ 1st and 2nd grade trial teams this weekend as they aim to set the tone for the upcoming season against the University of NSW.

A convincing Sydney Uni win in their previous first-grade battle will surely have the Bees buzzing to make an early impression, however ‘Students’ skipper Liam Robertson will undoubtedly have a few things to say and do about that. Not to mention the fact that two out of the four of last season’s joint Bill O’Reilly Medal winners have cemented their spot in the Sydney Uni squad. Newly signed Sydney Sixer, Hayden Kerr and junior Australian representative Niv Radhakrishnan will play a lethal part in Sydney Uni’s already packed batting and bowling display.

Although it’s a pre-season hit-out, this battle is steeped in tradition and will not be taken lightly! This is an opportunity for players to stand out, coaches to stand up and spectators to stand 1.5 metres apart, please and thank you.

Be sure to get around to Saturday and Sunday’s trial games and cheer on both teams as we welcome top-class cricket back to Sydney!

Oh, and did I mention… it’s a great time to bleed Blue and Gold!