Round 4 Preview - UTS North Sydney

The rejuvenated UTS North Sydney Bears are next on the agenda for the Sydney University Cricket Club, following a hard-fought round against Manly. The Bears are flourishing under new head coach, former SUCC Director of Cricket Gary Whitaker, and sit above the Students in fifth position on the Club Championship ladder.

The Students faced UTS North Sydney in Round 4 in 2018/19 and recorded another clean sweep across the grades.

Highlights:

1st Grade – WIN with a Nick Larkin century counteracting the first of four golden ducks in the year for Liam Robertson, before the wickets were shared as the Units defended 258 at North Sydney Oval,

2nd Grade – WIN with a classy 85 from Varun George leading the Students to 272, as a Ryan Danne four-wicket haul did the damage through the Bears middle order,

3rd Grade – WIN with Alex Shaw’s 140* highlighting a dominant batting performance, backed up beautifully by bald and sweaty man Josh Toyer’s 4/19 off 10,

4th Grade – WIN with contributions from the middle order setting 206, before Henry Clark halted the Bears’ top order momentum with 3/17 off 9 to cap off a memorable victory,

5th Grade – WIN with 89 from Vince Umbers being supported by now first grader Will Masojada’s 3/35.

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1st Grade

Sydney University will be full of confidence following their record-breaking run chase against Manly last Saturday, before capping off the weekend with wins in both their T20 clashes on Sunday.

Ryan McElduff will look to convert his solid start to the year with a big score against the Bears whilst Nick Walker too will be chomping at the bit to put a big one on the board. Ben Joy, Charlie Cassell and Dugald Holloway will have their work cut out for them on batter friendly University Oval.

The Bears suffered a heartbreaking loss against Mosman last week in the battle for Military Road congestion bragging rights. Skipper Tom Jagot shapes as a key for the visitors following selection in the Sydney 6ers Academy Squad this week, whilst Matt Alexander’s left-arm slingers have already claimed an astonishing 19 wickets at 13 in 2019/20.

1st XI
McElduff
Walker
Mortimer
Kerr
Trevor-Jones
Robertson*
Cummins +
Holloway
Masojada
Cassell
Joy

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The Bears currently sit inside the top 6 in 2nd Grade and will be a handful for skipper Hope’s men to deal with, who remain winless at the bottom of the ladder.

Despite the loss last round, University will take plenty of confidence from the fixture into this contest after playing the tenacious brand of cricket they are renowned for.

A relatively unchanged XI for the Students sees Daniel Van Der Merwe back into the fold following last week’s unavailability *cough Sancta Formal cough*, as well as the return of Charlie Dummer.

Opening bastman James Leary is enjoying a solid start to the 2019/20 season for the Bears and has shared in the successes of his bowling counterparts James Aitken and Ali Shaikh, who both took four wickets each in last week’s victory over Mosman.

2nd XI
George
Dummer
Miller
Moran
Hope*
Walsh
Shaw +
Tate
McMahon
Van Der Merwe
Watts

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The Sydney University 3rd Grade side will be hoping to put a poor performance behind them this weekend when they return to fortress St Paul’s Oval.

Former North Sydney player Josh Joseph earns a well-deserved call up to the Threes following his blistering start to the year and will be looking to Danne and Craze for their match-winning capabilities in support. Rare spin twins Jack Lawson and Andrew Hazard will hope to tweak some magic against the Bears and will be joined by Sydney University Third Grade Premiership winning quick Sam Wood, who earns a promotion from the Fours.

The Bears XI includes damaging top order batsman Tom Hamblen, former housemate of 2nd Grade skipper Max Hope and current housemate of Joe Kershaw. Hamblen will be hopeful of adding to his season tally of 15 runs at 5 against his former club.

3rd XI
Danne
Fullerton
Craze
Hill*
Litchfield
Joseph
Arnott+
Hazard
Wood
Lawson
Toyer

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4th Grade

In devastating news to the Sydney University 4th Grade side, albeit very pleasing news to all Neutral Bay publicans, captain Ash Cowan will miss the next 6-8 weeks with a broken finger.

Michael Robinson will take the reigns of the undefeated juggernaut, a juggernaut which welcomes Oli Zannino for his first match for the Students. The highly rated wicket-keeper was originally selected in 2nd Grade for Round 1, however missed the fixture with appendicitis. Matt Powys will also take to the field for his first game following a broken rib in AFL season that saw him miss the first three rounds.

UTS North Sydney come into the fixture following their first victory of the season last week against the Whales. Jake Holmes has been consistent with the willow for the North Sydney boys, whilst Harrison May comes into the contest following his bag of 6/49 last week.

4th XI
Powys
Dilley
Veitch
Mitchell
Robinson*
Coelho
Zannino +
Ansell
Frost
Greaves
Peek

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A lower order batting collapse was the thorn in the side for the Sydney University 5th Grade side against Manly and skipper Andrew Wilkinson will be hoping for some more ownership in Round 4 against the UTS North Sydney side that currently sit fourth on the ladder.

UK import Lucas Wilson will be looking to make a strong impression, both on the field at Camperdown Oval and off it for the Blue & Gold’s, alongside his countryman Chris Thompson.

The Bears were unable to chase 227 against Mosman last week after opening bowler Nathaniel Stokes claimed an impressive 6/23 alongside former 1st Grade spinner Pat Lindsay who took 3/80 off 26.

5th Grade
Farrow
Osman Kayani
Islam
Wilkinson*
Wilson
Kirubanadan
Thompson
Fredriksson
Johns
Miles
Canagasingham

Sydney University Cricket Club Event Dates

The Sydney University Cricket Club social calendar has been finalised!

Events will take place over the course of the Summer and are a fantastic way for our sponsors, friends and players to expand their networks whilst enjoying each others company.

Social events for the 2019/20 season will include:

• 21/12 - Christmas Party @ University Oval & The Toxteth

• 16/1 - Trivia Night @ The Toxteth

• 7/2 - The Great Debate @ TBC

• 29/2 - O’Sullivan/O’Keeffe Day @ University Oval

• 17/4 - Golf Day @ St Michael’s Golf Club

• 18/4 - End of Season Presentation Night @ TBC

We look forward to having you at our events and thank you for your ongoing support!

Round 3 Preview - Manly-Warringah

Taking on Manly-Warringah is always an exciting challenge for the Students and Round 3 against the old foe reads no different. Always a close rival in the Club Championship and containing the second best supporter base in the competition, Manly will provide a stern test for the Blue & Golds.

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Last Year’s Recap:

The Students faced Manly in Round 1 in 2018/19 resulting in the first of multiple clean sweeps over the course of the year for SUCC. Highlights included:

1st Grade - WIN with Ed Cowan, Liam Robertson and Ryan McElduff all posting half centuries and Devlin Malone claiming four scalps;

2nd Grade - WIN with a dominant bowling performance dismantling Manly for 97, before Ben Trevor-Jones’ 40* guided the Twos home;

3rd Grade - WIN with Steve Hobson’s 122 laying the platform for a dominant victory;

4th Grade - WIN with the wickets shared and Brayden Dilley’s 27* getting the Students across the line;

5th Grade - WIN with bludgeoning half centuries from Vince Umbers and Lewis Ansell successfully chasing down 269 in the last over.

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First Grade

Both teams in the top grade will be looking to register their first red ball victories of the season after Manly lost in a tight one to Mosman last weekend, whilst the Students fought out a draw against Randwick Petersham.

There’s no shortage of quality talent on show at Manly Oval over the next two weeks with Stephen O’Keefe, Jack & Mickey Edwards and Chris Green carrying First-Class experience for Manly, whilst Nick Larkin is joined by Futures League player Hayden Kerr for the Students.

Both Joe Kershaw and Devlin Malone will miss the clash with injury, giving highly rated Will Masojada his First Grade debut for Sydney University.

1st XI:

1. Larkin

2. McElduff

3. Mortimer

4. Kerr

5. Trevor-Jones

6. Robertson*

7. Cummins+

8. Holloway

9. Masojada

10. Cassell

11. Joy

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Second Grade

Manly were dealt a difficult hand by the weather gods last week, requiring just 17 more with nine wickets in hand to reach Mosman’s 191. On the contrary, Sydney University were fortunate to escape an outright defeat against Randwick Petersham. Some defiant lower order resistance from Alex Shaw (56) and Kieren Tate (20*) put the game to bed with a few overs left in the day.

Taylor Beatty returns from his stint in the sticks to spearhead the Manly line up and arrives at the fixture in hot form following his 4/65 last week, whilst regular first grader Ryan Farrell will be looking to hit his straps following a below par start to the season.

Nick Walker, Dave Miller, Matt Moran and Henry Clark all make their return to the Scooby Doos, whilst Murray Watts will make his 2nd Grade debut following 27 wickets at 17.56 in 2018/19, plus a scintillating spell of 6/22 last week that saw Randy Petes bowled out for 97 in 3rd grade.

2nd XI:

1. Walker

2. George

3. Miller

4. Moran

5. Hope*

6. Walsh

7. Shaw+

8. Tate

9. Clark

10. McMahon

11. Watts

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Third Grade

The Sydney University side will be oozing with confidence following a strong start to 2019/20, but their early season form will be put right to the test against Manly who sit alongside them at the top. Henry Clark moves up into the Twos and 2018/19 skipper Jack Hill will take the reigns.

Nicky Craze, Ryan Danne and Charlie Dummer all return to the side, giving the Student’s one of, if not the most damaging top 6’s in the 3rd Grade competition. Angry, bald and sweaty man Josh Toyer will be joined in the fast bowling cartel by the returning Brodie Frost, whilst wicket-keeper Ed Arnott will do well to top his six catches from last week’s fixture.

Griffin Lea is fresh off an unbeaten century for the Manly boys, whilst former 1st Grade opening bowler Nick McLachlan will prove a handful alongside former Student Michael Counsel.

3rd XI:

1. Dummer

2. Fullerton

3. Craze

4. Danne

5. Litchfield

6. Hill*

7. Hazard

8. Arnott+

9. Frost

10. Lawson

11. Toyer

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Fourth Grade

With 2/2 to commence the season the Uni boys will be out for three on the trot in Round 3, whilst Manly will be hoping to chalk the first W of their year up when they clash at St Paul’s Oval.

Captain Ash Cowan will lead the youthful Students into battle, ably supported by Liam Coelho, Josh Joseph and Brayden Dilley, who will all be eager to continue their solid starts to 2019/20. Sam Wood’s unavailability hurts the Blue & Golds, but the return of club stalwart AJ Grant will bolster the bowling stocks for Cowan.

Skipper Adam Gummer will need to lead from the front for the visitors and will be hoping his batsmen can kick-start their respective season’s with a flourish at the traditionally batsman friendly St Paul’s ground.

4th XI:

1. Veitch

2. Dilley

3. Joseph

4. Robinson

5. Coelho

6. Cowan*

7. Grant

8. Wilson+

9. Ansell

10. Greaves

11. Peak

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Fifth Grade

Any play will be a good result for both 5th Grade sides, who frustratingly weren’t able to take the field on either day in Round 2 against their opponents. Shehan Canagasingham and Murray Miles will likely take the new ball for the Students, whilst Wilkinson will look to Rohan Joshi to set the platform with the bat.

Manly suffered a tough loss to St George in Round 1 with not enough runs on the board to get themselves in the fight. You can trust that they’ll be ready for a contest over the next two weeks, the Waratahs only just missed out on the Top 6 last year and will want to get their year up and running sooner rather than later.

5th XI

1. Wilkinson*

2. Osman Kayani+

3. Islam

4. Joshi

5. Kirubanadan

6. Saeed

7. Thompson

8. Crawford

9. Johns

10. Miles

11. Canagasingham

Another First Class Student

Lawrence Neil-Smith, First Grade cap 757, became the club’s latest first-class cricketer when he made his Sheffield Shield debut for Tasmania against Western Australia at the WACA last Thursday.

Neil-Smith took his first wicket from the last ball of his ninth over, when he had Josh Philippe caught at mid-on, and he finished the innings with 3-81. He followed that effort with a vital 39 not out, sharing a ninth wicket partnership of 111 with Tim Paine, and two more wickets in the second innings. He has become the third player (after Ed Cowan and Cam Hawkins) to reach first-class cricket after playing for the Sydney University AW Green Shield team.

Neil-Smith began his career with Sydney University representing the 2014/15 AW Green Shield side that reached the grand final. A tall opening bowler that hurried the opening batsmen (and still does), his returns during that campaign were nothing short of impressive, capturing 17 wickets at an astonishing average just shy of 14.

Quickly establishing him amongst the club as a promising talent, Neil-Smith chipped away in the lower grades over the Summer holidays when he wasn’t representing the Newington College First XI. His breakthrough season for the club came in 2017/18, where the youngster started in 2nd Grade but quickly progressed through to the Ones after he had taken 22 wickets at 18.5.

Neil-Smith spent the entire second half of the season in the top grade displaying his skills, before an eye-catching performance in the grand final against Parramatta. Opening the bowling, he claimed 4-49 off 27 overs, his best first grade bowling figures of his career. He was subsequently awarded a rookie contract with Tasmania for the 2018/19 and 19/20 seasons.

On behalf of everyone at Sydney University, congratulations Lawrence! We look forward to plenty more successful First-Class performances.

Round 2 Preview - Randwick-Petersham

Round 2 Preview – Randwick-Petersham

It was very nearly a clean sweep over Sydney CC to commence the 2019/20 season for the Sydney University Cricket Club, with wins in four out of five grades seeing the Blue and Gold’s start their Club Championship defence in fine form. The Student’s attention now turns to Randwick-Petersham for Round 2, the first Two Day match of the season.

Casting our minds back to last season, the Students faced Randwick-Petersham in Round 10, returning with 4 out of 5 victories:

•      1st Grade - WIN with Joe Kershaw taking 4/48 and Hayden Kerr making his maiden First Grade hundred

•      2nd Grade - WIN with Charlie Cassell plundering 60 off 34 deliveries before claiming 3/22

•      3rd Grade - WIN with Charles Litchfield (95) and Will Masojada (94) scoring the bulk of the runs

•      4th Grade- WIN with Henry Clark’s 4/24 and half centuries from both Matt Powys and Hayden Storey

•      5th Grade - LOSS despite Andrew Wilkinson’s 4/12 off 10.

First Grade

First Grade captain Liam Robertson said that his side is looking forward to returning to the longer format.

“Although the colour of our clothes changes our intent certainly won’t. Randwick Petersham have always presented a stern test not just in First Grade but all grades and I can’t imagine these next two Saturday’s will prove anything different to that.”

Robertson himself will miss the clash this weekend due to former Sydney University Cricket Club premiership winning First Grade captain Will Hay’s wedding. Tim Cummins returns from the big, big sound’s capitulation to take his place behind the sticks, and he will also captain the side in Robertson’s absence. Larkin is listed to open the batting for the Students, whilst Hayden Kerr will be raring to go following his 121* last week.

In particular, the performance of the newest addition to the fast bowling cartel drew the skipper’s attention in round 1.

“It was really satisfying to see Charlie Cassell capitalise on his opportunity to play in the One’s last week. He had an outstanding season last year and Saturday’s performance has set him off and running for 2019/20”.

Randwick Petersham’s captain Jason Sangha presents as the obvious danger man, whilst ever present opening bowler Adam Semple will be sure to test the Sydney University top order.

1st XI:

•      Larkin

•      McElduff

•      Mortimer

•      Kerr

•      Trevor-Jones

•      Walker

•      Cummins*+

•      Holloway

•      Kershaw

•      Cassell

•      Malone

***

Second Grade

The only side not to record a win last week, the Two’s premiership defence didn’t quite go according to plan. Skipper Max Hope is confident that his team can bounce back this round.

“It wasn’t the perfect start, but we know that if we get it right on the day that we are capable of anything”.

Randwick Petersham looked like a premiership contender in the Scooby-Doos last year, finishing the 2018 calendar year tied for second along Bankstown before a dip in form after Christmas saw them miss the top six all together. With Randy-Petes registering a loss in round 1 last week as well, Hope knows how keen the opposition will be to get a W next to their name.

“No one likes starting the year 0-2, the reality is that after this round that one of us two teams will be,” Hope said.

Hope is looking forward to getting back to the Two’s adopted ground during the 2018/19 finals campaign, Coogee Oval.

“Coogee is one of the great places to have a run around. We had some good wins in the semis there last year so it should feel like a home away from home.”

Bennett Walsh will make his Second Grade debut for the Blue and Gold’s following his 125* on last week in 3’s, whilst newcomers Charlie Dummer and Daniel Van Der Merwe will look to go big in their second game for the club.

2nd XI:

•      Danne

•      Dummer

•      George

•      Craze

•      Hope*

•      Masojada

•      Walsh

•      Shaw+

•      Tate

•      McMahon

•      Van Der Merwe

***

Third Grade

Third Grade will be looking to make it 2/2 when they host at fortress St Paul’s Oval. The Uni Boys got the job done against a dogged Sydney side last week, a win which captain Henry Clark was please to get.

“There were a few cobwebs about but it’s always a great feeling when you haven’t played your best cricket and still managed to get the win”.

Clark will be without the services of Bennett Walsh this weekend who has been promoted to the Two’s, a decision which the Skipper says was a no-brainer.

“Bennett batted with outstanding maturity to score well over half our runs. He timed the innings to perfection and it’s a just reward that he’s gone up to the Two’s this round”.

Although Walsh is absent from last week’s side Clark says there is still plenty to be excited about.

“There are a few fresh faces for us this week, luckily we warmly welcome Club stalwart Ed Arnott back and we are excited to have Charles Litchfield in the mix as well after he missed last Saturday due to an exam,” Clark said. Litchfield amassed 621 at 41 last year and looks to have another big year ahead of him.

Ben Mitchell from Bathurst joins the Students for his first game in the Three’s after a cameo in the Four’s and PG’s sides last year. First ball will be bowled at 11:15am.

3rd XI:

•      Hill

•      Fullerton

•      Litchfield

•      Moran

•      Mitchell

•      Robinson

•      Arnott+

•      Hazard

•      Clark*

•      Lawson

•      Watts

***

Fourth Grade

A Four’s side boasting numerous players with Second Grade experience is not something many teams can claim, however Sydney University is not your regular club. Skipper Ash Cowan is behind the wheel again and happy to get through round 1 with six points.

“It was a rather typical game of Fourth Grade you could say - some rare moments of brilliance, some others that people would rather not remember. Ahh well, it’s good to be back up and running again.”

Cowan will be hoping Josh Joseph can back up last week’s debut performance, with the former North Sydney player belting a classy 95.

“The former Bear JJ was a different class. From ball one he went out, dominated and really took it to them, it was fantastic to watch and a real shame that he was cut short of a ‘Bennett Walsh’ (hundred on debut)”.

Also back in the mix for Sydney University is 2016/17 Third Grade premiership winner, Sam Wood. ‘Woody’ will take his place in the Four’s against his former teammates at Kensington Oval on Saturday.

“Having someone of Woody’s calibre in the Four’s is too good to be true. Although he’s coming back from a season off he hasn’t lost his competitive edge or bowling nous. Fingers crossed he has a big bag in store for his old club.”

4th XI:

•      Veitch

•      Dilley

•      Joseph

•      Coelho

•      Cowan*

•      Ansell

•      Toyer

•      Wood

•      Fredrikkson+

•      Greaves

•      Canagasingham

***

Fifth Grade

Fresh off a three wicket win last week, the Five’s will be doing all they can to topple the Randy-Petes, who also commenced the 2019/20 season with a victory. Last week, the Students chased down 180 with a few men in the bank, and skipper Andrew Wilkinson was pleased with the application shown during the batting innings.

“Sometimes those small run chases can be quite tricky as you can get caught thinking ‘someone else will get these’, so it was nice to see some sense of ownership for our guys”.

The Five’s were the only side to suffer a defeat to Randwick Petersham last season, a stellar performance from the skipper himself not enough to get the side over the line.

“We had a tight loss to these guys last year, 100 played about 8/105. Hopefully this year we can be on the right side of the result. Murray Miles will be important for us with the new ball. He’s developing his game nicely and becoming a real lock for us. Hugh Farrow looked promising last week, whilst Zohirul Islam is always capable of going big.”

5th XI:

•      Farrow

•      Osman

•      Kayani+

•      Islam

•      Wilkinson*

•      Kirubanadan

•      Joshi

•      Kirk

•      Thompson

•      Crawford

•      Johns

•      Miles

Club Great set for key role as Coaches and Captains are announced for the 2019-20 Season

Club great Tim Ley has been announced as Sydney University CC 1st Grade Coach for the upcoming season in an exciting boost for the students. Ley first played for University in 2004 and with 339 wickets in first grade is the third highest wicket taker in the history of the club.

Tim is excited to share his knowledge and experience to our current group of players.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity that SUCC has given me to coach 1st Grade under the guidance of Cam Borgas. As a player, I have been lucky enough to be coached and to have played alongside some of the best cricket minds in the world. I plan to pass that information on to our group of players so that we continue to have on field success as a team, develop young men and be a stepping stone to higher levels of cricket. The history of the club is one to be very proud of, and as a group, we will plan to add to it in a positive way over the next few years”

Ley will also be taking the reins of the Poidevin-Gray team with plans to replicate the 1st Grade brand of cricket and professionalism with our most talented u21 players.

Director of Cricket, Cam Borgas was delighted with the appointment. “Tim brings strong leadership, an excellent understanding of the game and knows the club, our players, and importantly the culture and brand of cricket we want to play as well as anyone - he will add a lot of value to our group”.

Chris Blake will also join us as Sydney University CC Assistant Coach. Chris has had a distinguished 1st Grade career with Glenorchy CC in Tasmania and St Kilda CC in Victoria and as such, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our program.

Club stalwarts Henry Clark and Ryan Danne will be coaching and mentoring our Green Shield squad in the upcoming season and, will bring valuable knowledge and experience to the youngest crop of SUCC players.

Ed Arnott will continue in his role as Club Strength and Conditioning Coach and in further good news, he has been appointed in an interim role as Operations Manager and will assist with handover when the new General Manager commences shortly. 

With 2nd Grade Premiership Captain, James Larkin relocating to Orange, Max Hope has stepped up to lead the charge for back to back flags while Henry Clark has been a popular choice for the 3rd Grade captaincy. Liam Robertson (1st Grade), Ash Cowan (4’s), Andrew Wilkinson (5’s) and Greg Cade (Metro Cup) all continue in their respective leadership positions from the 2018-19 season.  

Coaching structure:

Cam Borgas - Director of Cricket and Club Coach 

Tim Ley - 1st Grade and PG’s Coach 

Chris Blake - Club Assistant Coach

Henry Clark and Ryan Danne - Green Shield Coach 

Grant Lambert - Skills Coach

Ed Arnott – Strength & Conditioning Coach 

Captains 

1st Grade - Liam Robertson 

2nd Grade - Max Hope

3rd Grade - Henry Clark

4th Grade - Ash Cowan 

5th Grade - Andrew Wilkinson 

Metro Cup - Greg Cade