Matt Alexander and 5th Grade Receive NSWPC Honours
On Sunday, November 21, the long awaited presentation of the David Sherwood Cup for the 2019/20 fifth grade premiership, as well as Matt Alexander’s NSW Premier Cricket merit team cap, was made at Tunks International Sports Park.
Thanks to NSW Premier Cricket Manager, Roy Formica, and SCA committee of management member, Craig Hambleton, who were on hand to present the awards.
Matt Alexander
Matt Alexander’s merit cap was well earned with his 48 wickets coming at a touch over 22 apiece from a gruelling 263 overs. Matt was easily the leading wicket-taker in NSW Premier Cricket. Matt’s massive haul was highlighted by his club record 7/38 in round 1’s one-dayer against Bankstown.
Matt is the third Bear to claim a merit team selection since the accolade was established in 2012/13. He joins Adam Crosthwaite and Tom Jagot in the select group.
Fifth Grade’s Premiership
The thoughts of skipper Pat Lindsay
After 15 Rounds of the regular season, 5th Grade were crowned Champions and holders of the David Sherwood Cup for the 1st time since 1974-75. Speaking personally, I would have preferred to have played finals and risked losing than to have won as we did. I can certainly empathise with the other finalists who performed excellently to make the finals and lost the chance to represent their clubs at the business end of the season
Nevertheless, I as skipper, and the rest of the team were very confident of our chances in the finals. We earned the minor premiership and had beaten all of the teams in the top 6 with the exception of St George who we recorded a tie against. Even in that game we came back from the dead to nearly snatch it.
34 players represented 5th Grade in season 2019/20 including Green Shield rookies to ex-1st Grade veterans. We won 10 games (including 1 outright), took the most wickets and scored the 6th most runs. Of the two draws achieved, we were in strong positions in both.
A strong lower grade side generally has players with the potential and ability to compete in higher grades. It is pleasing to already see players use last season to take their cricket to new heights this year.
Special thanks must go to Tunks' Groundsman Bernie Vince. Bernie is a groundsman without peer in the competition. We are so lucky to have him.