Five Sydney University teams appear in the semi-finals this week, every one of them entering the contest with the advantage of having finished the regular season as minor premiers.
First Grade
First Grade takes on Sydney at University Oval. Last weekend’s heavy rain prevented any result from being reached in last week’s qualifying finals, so Sydney advanced to the semi-final after finishing fourth in the competition. University restricted Sutherland to 8 for 221 on a damp first day, the only play possible in its qualifying final. Four of those wickets fell to leg-spinner Devlin Malone, who has now 61 First Grade wickets this season.
Head to head: University had a comfortable win when the two sides met in Round 3. But Sydney prevailed in a last-over finish in the grand final of the 50-over competition two weeks ago.
Key players: With Nick Larkin returning to Sheffield Shield duty, University will be looking to the experience of Damien Mortimer and Liam Robertson to lead the way with the bat, while Ryan McElduff, in his first full season of First Grade, has played some very composed innings under pressure in the last few games. Nick Walker returns to the side in Larkin’s place. Devlin Malone is the most dangerous bowler on either side, but if the recent rain has left some moisture in the pitch, conditions could suit Tim Ley, who knows more about bowling in finals than anyone else. Sydney will be hoping that experienced opener Matt Rogers and newcomer Liam Scott can provide a good foundation with the bat, while Anthony Mosca - who scored a matchwinning hundred in the Limited Overs final, is a threat in the middle order and wicket-keeper Beau McClintock has been in dangerous form with the bat. The Sydney attack is led by former NSW opening bowler Nic Bills and off-spinner Ben Manenti.
Who will they play? Penrith plays UTS North Sydney in the other semi-final.
Second Grade
Seconds play Bankstown at their adopted home ground, Coogee Oval. Invited to bat on a lively pitch last week, Bankstown collapsed for only 90 against Sydney, but moved into the semi-finals anyway, after finishing fourth in the competition. University dismissed Penrith on the first day of its game, before rain cut short the chase.
Head to head: University beat Bankstown by 56 runs in a 50-over match in Round Nine. Nicky Craze (76) and James Larkin (57) set up a strong University total before Charlie Cassell (5-35) ran through Bankstown’s top order.
Key players: University’s side is full of players with plenty of finals experience - Ben Joy, David Miller and Steve Hobson have all been there many times before. Hobson, playing in his last season, has the ability to bat the opposition out of the game, and left-hander Nicky Craze can turn the course of a match in an hour. Bankstown’s Tony Clark may be the oldest man on the field by some distance, but he’s one of the few players to take 1000 wickets in Premier Cricket, and will bowl his medium pace shrewdly (while allowing time for his son, Ryan, to send down a few overs as well). Zeeshaan Ahmed, Joel Brockley and Mitchell Hinds have batted consistently all season.
Who will they play? Parramatta plays Sydney in the other semi-final.
Third Grade
Third Grade also plays Bankstown, at St Paul’s. An early University collapse to Northern District in the qualifying final was salvaged by a defiant partnership between wicket-keeper Hayden Storey (64) and veteran all-rounder Tom Kierath (54 not out), which enabled their side to hold its top seeding for the semi-final. University will face a Bankstown side that batted doggedly against Manly in a drawn qualifier last weekend.
Head to head: University won the Round Nine encounter at Jensen Park by 54 runs in a 50-over game. But the leading batsmen from that game, Alex Shaw (84) and AJ Grant (86) won’t be in the side this weekend.
Key players: University’s attack is balanced and aggressive: in the last third of the season, seamers Josh Toyer, Murray Watts and Lewis McMahon and spinners Tom Kierath and Will Masojada have all recorded striking returns. The batting has lots of experience, with Jack Hill, Ben Larkin and Charles Litchfield at the top of the order, while Matt Moran has a phenomenal record in Thirds and the ability to score big hundreds. Tom Kierath is retiring at the end of this season, and this will be his 53rd finals match in a remarkable career for the club. Solid batting has been the key to Bankstown’s success this season. Daniel Hayes, Mansukh Singh and Cameron Cotter provide a stable top order, and captain Iain Ridley adds experience.
Who will they play? Easts play Manly in the other semi-final.
Fourth Grade
Fourth Grade meets Manly-Warringah at Tunks Park. University fought out an even day’s cricket against Penrith last weekend, before rain ended the game at an interesting stage. Penrith was contained to 9 for 194 even though former Sheffield Shield batsman Kevin Geyer hammered a century. University now faces Manly-Warringah, whose bowlers enjoyed favourable conditions to reduce Eastern Suburbs to 7 for 85 before further play became impossible.
Head to head: University won a low-scoring 50-over game after routing Manly for only 81. But it would be wrong to read much into that, because that was in Round One. Only two University players remain in the side from that game.
Key players: Captain Ash Cowan needs only 16 runs to become University’s highest run-scorer in Fourth Grade, and seems to save his best for the finals. Ed Arnott adds experience and composure to the side, while the attack - Brodie Frost, Jazz Rinka, Aidan Peek and Jack Lawson - troubles most opponents. Manly’s young batsman Joel Davies has had a quiet season in Fourths, but was sensational in Green Shield and has tons of promise. Captain Adam Gummer has a strong all-round season, averaging just under 30 with the bat and 11 with the ball.
Who will they play? St George and Easts play the other semi-final.
Metropolitan Cup
After weekend washouts, University now travels to Chatswood Oval to play Gordon. Both sides will appreciate the opportunity to play at a First Grade venue.
Head to head: There’s no form to go on - rain prevented play when the two sides were due to meet in Round 13.
Key players: In a side that generally bowls better than it bats, University’s Azhar Saeed has been consistent at the top of the order. Matthew Johns and Max Shanahan lead a very effective attack. For Gordon, Green Shield batsman Jaiden Grey has scored consistently all season. Opening bowler Callum Braden has taken his 20 wickets at the ridiculous average of 4.80, including a burst of 4-8 against Mosman.
Who will they play? Penrith and Warringah play in the other semi-final.
Uni’s Day Out
After another dominant weekend in the final round of the regular season, Sydney University Cricket Club has won the club championship, claimed four minor premierships and cemented finals berths for all six of its senior grades. In need of a clean sweep and a couple of bonus point wins to secure the all-time club championship record, Uni went about their business in textbook clinical fashion to achieve the feat – finishing the regular season with 1624 points, the highest total ever achieved in the competition’s history.
At Uni No. 1, after losing the toss, 1st Grade struck early after a seaming delivery from Joe Kershaw had the visitors 1/1. After a good fightback saw Wests close in on triple figures, Kershaw struck again to give Uni’s bowlers a good look at the Pies’ middle order. Tim Ley (2-32) and Ryan McElduff (3-33) partnered to claim wickets at regular intervals – eventually bringing Wests’ innings to a close at 161 in the 40th over. Impending weather threatened the Students chase, playing on the wicket and the minds of the batsman, as Uni found themselves 4/35 inside the first 10 overs. However, in pursuit of a revised target, Ryan McElduff starred with the bat to hold Uni’s innings together – amassing a classy 65 not out from 89 deliveries (with 7 fours and 1 six) to see the Students to victory in the 34th over. With this win, 1st grade secured their position as minor premiers and will face Sutherland this weekend at Uni No. 1.
At Pratten Park, 2nd Grade looked to bounce back after a tough last Saturday saw them concede their first match of the season to Sutherland. And, after Wests won the toss and elected to bat, the Students did just that through Charlie Cassell – whose return to 2nd Grade saw him claim 2 wickets in 2 balls in his first spell. With the hosts 2/8, the Students looked to capitalise, however a consistent shower meant a wet ball, which offered little for the bowlers. Despite this, Uni drew wickets intermittently, with Kieren Tate, Dugald Holloway and Dave each claiming 2. Wests rallied in their last 5 overs, to post a competitive 9/191 in trying conditions. It would be a difficult chase for Uni, with over an hour spent off the field due to weather. However, Ryan Danne saw a timely return to form to post a match-winning 84 – supported by Nicky Craze (37 from 41) and Dave Miller (33 not out) – and see the Students to victory in the 44th over. 2nd Grade also claimed minor premiership rights and will face Penrith at Coogee Oval – their adopted home-ground for the finals.
In what was the performance of the round, 3rd Grade put on a show at St Paul’s Oval after Wests’ won the toss and elected to bat. It was a day (morning) out for the quicks who tore through the visitors’ line-up, led by a rampant Murray Watts who claimed 5-2 in his 4 overs, including a hat-trick to round out the innings. Supported by Brody Frost (3-12) and Josh Toyer (2-26), Watts ran through the Pies, bowling them out for a mere 53 inside 20 overs. In chase, Uni dismissed of the total in quick fashion, Jack Hill finishing 25 not out to see the students to a 9-wicket victory inside 10 overs. After claiming the minor premiership, 3rd Grade will face up against Northern Districts, in this weekend’s quarter-final clash.
At Blick Oval, 4th Grade were sent in by their hosts on a wicket that demanded patience early. After a faltering start, the Students rallied, to eventually post a competitive 8/221 from their 50 overs. Their innings was led by Michael Robinson, who amassed an important 57 – striking the ball cleanly and consistently – before Liam Coelho (44) and all-rounder Tom Fullerton (39 not out) combined well to boost the Students’ total. In reply, Sydney Uni were typically relentless with the ball in hand, strangling the hosts run-scoring options. Jack Lawson led the way through the middle, claiming 3 wickets for just 25 runs, after Tom Hill opened the Students’ tally with 2-15 of his own. Sydney Uni eventually secured an 82-run victory in the 42nd over, cementing themselves as minor premiers ahead of their clash with Penrith this weekend.
At Camperdown Park, 5th Grade were sent in after Wests won the toss and elected to bowl. Skipper Andrew Wilkinson led by example with a gritty 53, before the swashbuckling Tom Galvin struck a vital 76, dispatching Wests’ bowlers at will, to help Uni to a competitive 200 before being bowled out in the 42nd. In need of a strong bowling performance, Uni’s pacemen went to work on Wests’ top order – combining well to have them 3-30 and then 6-63. Billy Barge (2-13) and Shehan Canagasingham (1-19) opened Uni’s account, before Murray Miles and Matthew Johns chipped in with 2 each to restrict Wests to 8/125 and ensure victory. Finishing the season in 5th position, 5th Grade will face-off against Mosman at Allan Border Oval in this weekend’s quarter-final.
Not only is Sydney Uni dominating on-field (more to come later today), but our members are also going above and beyond off the field with a number of our members supporting the T20 Charity Match at St Ignatius College Riverview on Monday 18th March.
The ‘Celebrities’ team will have a distinct SUCC flavour with Ed Cowan, Ryan McElduff, Tim Croft and potentially a surprise appearance by SCG MacGill all slated.
Club legend, James Rodgers, will be coaching the Riverview side.
The charity T20 match is in memory of James’ son, Patrick, whose idea this was over 9 years ago.
Proceeds of the event go to support Jarjum College Redfern, a small primary school for indigenous kids who would otherwise not go to school. Last year, this event raised over $25,000 to the cause.
Anyone interested in supporting the fundraising efforts of James and the Riverview team, please visit https://www.riverview.nsw.edu.au/t20/ and purchase a raffle ticket. Some amazing prizes on offer, and all money goes to a good cause.
A Wet Saturday
Saturday’s weather saw no play in 1st grade and heavily affected games across the other grades.
At Uni No. 1, 2nd Grade elected to bat on a good wicket that (despite the overcast conditions) offered an even contest. And, after only 13.5 overs of play, are currently 3/55 – Nicky Craze and Matt Moran not out on 34 and 3 respectively.
At Sutherland Park, 3rd Grade were sent in to bat by an energetic Sutherland side – keen to have ball in hand. However, a solid opening stand – led by a half-century from Jack Hill (53) – staved off any chance of early wickets. After 52 overs of play, Uni are 2/120 with Ben Larkin on 37 not out and Will Masojada not out on 11.
In 4th Grade, after 2 overs of play, Sydney Uni have Sutherland 1/1 – Tom Hill claiming the sole wicket before play was stopped.
In 5th Grade, Sydney Uni elected to bowl and have Sutherland 0/3 - play stopped after only 2 overs.
A SUCCessful Sunday
On Sunday, Sydney Uni hosted Gordon in their 1st Grade Limited Overs semi-final clash.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Gordon’s top order were dismantled by the evergreen partnership of Joe Kershaw and Ben Joy – the visitors finding themselves 4/33 and then 6/61 (after Malone and Robertson combined to remove the middle order). A brief, but potent lower order order resistance eventually saw the Stags to 8/227 from their 50 overs – well below par on the true Uni No. 1 pitch.
The Students were largely in control throughout their chase, as partnerships were regularly built and wickets fell few and far between. Hayden Kerr opened the innings with a typically entertaining 48 from 39 deliveries (including 3 sixes) – combining with the in-form Mortimer (38) to have Uni 3/107. Ed Cowan then made sure of it – striking another cool half-century (64 from 61 deliveries – including 2 sixes) – to finish not out along with Ryan McElduff (who scored a classy 34), victory secured in the 44th over only 4-down.
Captain’s Call
This Sunday, Sydney Uni 1st Grade face-off against Sydney CC at Drummoyne Oval in a bid to defend their title as the 1st Grade Limited Overs Champions. By way of preview, I caught up with 1st Grade captain Liam Robertson to get his thoughts on the match-up.
Apart from being Runners-Up in this season’s Kingsgrove Sports T20 Tournament, Sydney Uni 1st Grade are also the defending champions in the Limited Overs competition. What is it about this group of Students that makes them so successful in the shorter formats of the game?
LR: As a group we generally play our best cricket regardless of the format when we are positive and look to take the game on. Both T20 and 50 over cricket force that out of us and so naturally white ball cricket tends to suit us. It has also helped that of the 11 players we turn out, all are capable of winning us the game one way or the other, so regardless of who has the ball or is at the crease we are confident they are able to do the job. Last year in winning the limited overs competition, we used 15-16 players which is a good example of depth we are fortunate to have.
Playing against Sydney CC at Drummoyne Oval will not be a stroll down Eastern Avenue. What are the challenges you expect to face against such a consistent opponent like Sydney?
LR: We expect a tough challenge on Sunday. Sydney have been consistent performers for a number of years now and are definitely a club we respect. They play an aggressive brand of cricket and deserve their spot in the GF on Sunday. They have a good quality bowling attack and a long batting line-up, so we need to be ready to compete for 100 overs.
Does anything change this week in terms of the squad’s preparation for the grand final – physically or mentally?
LR: Nothing changes. Without being cliché, we still have another important on fixture on Saturday that we are also preparing for and so I can’t see our week being any different. There will no doubt be an extra buzz around the squad which is great, and we will have a long overdue team dinner on Thursday evening.
Uni’s 1st Grade has made a habit of getting out of difficult positions to win games consistently and convincingly. What are the key points the squad will go back to, particularly with the bat, should things go awry early?
LR: As touched on earlier, having 11 players capable of winning us the game always helps when it comes to difficult situations. It’s not something we prepare for, but have the confidence to continue playing a positive brand of cricket regardless of the situation we find ourselves in. There isn’t a better example than last year’s Grand-Final where Tim Cummins made a match winning hundred from number 7 after we had lost a few early wickets.