Week 4 Wrap vs Mosman, Campbelltown-Camden and Manly-Warringah

1st Grade Round 3: UTS North Sydney v Mosman at North Sydney Oval

UTS North Sydney vs Mosman 320, 94 Overs (J Campbell 6/55, O Knight 3/81)

A tantalising contest is in store next Saturday after honours were shared on a see-sawing day at North Sydney Oval, and we have James Campbell to thank after one of his finest performances in Bears colours.

A rare pre-Christmas outing at the Home of Cricket around its numerous representative fixtures was quite the treat, and the day was a special one for two Bears in particular. Overseas signing and England Under-19 international, James Rew, made his debut for the club, and received cap number 682 from Olly Knight, himself celebrating his 100th First Grade appearance.

The celebrations were paused somewhat when Tom Jagot lost the toss for the first time this season and unsurprisingly Mosman elected for first use of the deck under glorious sunny skies with an outfield that promised to be rapid. Campbell and milestone man Knight shared the new ball and kept it very tight for the first five overs before three fours in Knight’s third over and one more in Campbell’s fourth pushed the score along to 24. But then Liam O’Farrell missed and Campbell hit, and the Bears were away. This brought Whales captain and NSW contracted player, Lachlan Hearne, to the crease. Hearne began watchfully while Stirling McAvoy at the other end took a liking to Matt Alexander’s first over of the season, racing along to 32 off his first 25 balls faced.

While Campbell bowled unchanged at the Southern end and the Mosman batters could barely lay a bat on it, Knight returned to the attack and got the prized scalp of Hearne, nicely caught by Justin Avendano at first slip with the score on 69. This triggered a collapse as Campbell racked up consecutive wicket maidens. The first was McAvoy, who’d looked like he was batting on a different deck from his team-mates but skied one on 49 and Rew ran round to take his first catch for the Bears, and the second the new man sent back lbw. Campbell finished an extraordinary spell with 12 overs, 6 maidens, 3 wickets for 19 after squeezing out one more over and being very unlucky not to get rid of Peter Forrest with three big shouts in the over.

The Alexander brothers replaced Campbell and Knight for an over each before lunch, and after 28 minutes without a run, the score advanced by three to 4/72 at the break. It took just four balls after lunch for Knight to remove Forrest, thanks to Rew taking a superb catch down the leg side. Nathan Hinton at the other end got into his stride with some nice boundaries, but the dangerous Matt Moran’s stay at the crease was short-lived as Knight got one through for his third pole. At 6/111, the Bears were well on top, but Mosman aren’t defending champions for nothing, and showed that they bat all the way down with two 40s from the lower order, Crawford and Park forming partnerships of 76 for the seventh and 86 for the ninth wicket with the impressive Hinton, which steered the Whales to their eventual 320.

After a well-earned break after lunch, Campbell returned to the attack in the 51st over and removed Crawford lbw offering no shot, and sealed his ninth Fist Grade five-wicket haul with a catch to Mac Jenkins in the deep in the 61st over, his 18th of the day. The Bears’ three spinners were rotated by skipper Jagot: Sam Alexander was unlucky not to get in the wickets with a catch spilled during the afternoon session, while Jenkins bowled tightly with no reward, finishing his 13 overs with 0/19. Hinton brought up his hundred before the new ball was taken, and finally fell to a catch by Olly Knight off Matt Alexander for a chanceless 125. Park, who had scored just 6 off his first 56 balls, stepped up to rub salt into the Bears’ wounds and finished 40* when debutant Zac Hall was bowled by Campbell (who else?) in the 94th over.

A frustrating day, but 320 is probably only just par on one of Sydney’s best batting surfaces, so all to play for on day 2. And it should take nothing away from Campbell whose mammoth shift of 23 overs and his second best career figures are all the more impressive given the almost complete absence of two-day cricket for the past 18 months

2nd Grade Round 3: UTS North Sydney v Mosman at Allan Border Oval

UTS North Sydney 214, 85.5 Overs (G Aitken 95*, J Hedges 43) v Mosman 0/18, 7.3 Overs

A pleasant gap in what has been a wet start to the summer set the scene for a great day of cricket at AB field on Saturday. The Bears won the toss and batted, hoping to make a solid start to cash in on a belter of a pitch and a lush outfield in the afternoon session.

It wasn’t to be, however, quickly slumping to 5/30 off the back of some early season cobwebs and disciplined bowling from Mosman. James and Glenn Aitken then combined to steady the ship, both facing a significant amount of deliveries, soaking up pressure and taking the sting out of the Mosman attack. It was a brilliant display of patience as they kept the scoreboard ticking, pouncing on any chance to score.

Two more wickets fell, bringing Jamieson Hedges to the crease to support Glenn. Jamo took the attack to the bowlers, scoring freely for 43. as a defendable total came into view. When another wicket fell Lachlan Roughley continued where Jamo left off, playing with a natural maturity and conviction that could see his rise up the batting order in weeks to come.

The bears managed to scratch to 214 thanks to a fine display of rearguarding from the bottom 5 in support of a brilliant knock from GA. Glenn truly showed his class finishing with 95*, standing up and taking control as wickets consistently fell around him. He has given the Bears bowlers something to work with next week but it is essential that we are disciplined and clinical with the ball if we are a chance of undoing a strong Mosman side.

3rd Grade Round 3: UTS North Sydney v Mosman at Bon Andrews

UTS North Sydney 5/376, 80 Overs (D Mares 119*, O Jago Lewis 65, M Clark 54, J Nevell 59, C New 30, R Alexander 25)

Finally a Sunny day and a generous 12:15pm start (thank you 2-day cricket) greeted 3s for our fixture with local rivals Mosman.

Skipper Lindsay’s most important role in proceedings was surely being successful at the toss as the wicket (although looking a little green) was indeed a flat hard belter. Fortunately for the Bears the late Monarchs head was facing the turf and the Bears would bat.

Out strode messrs New and Clark and at first drinks they strode back confidently - Bears 0-85, Clark 52* and New 30*.

However, immediately after the interval spin was introduced and a double breakthrough for Mosman was the result. New out for 30 and Clark for 54. Both laid the platform expertly but will be disappointed not to capitalise via a big score.

John Nevell and Dylan Mares steadied the ship and the Bears were well placed at 2-149 at tea. Following tea, Nevell kicked up a gear playing some delightful shots until he picked out the deep mid-wicket fielder off a rank long hop to be out for 59. Mares was joined by Oscar Jago-Lewis who turned the screws further with a fluent run a ball 65. Both Nevell and OJL had centuries at their mercy and unfortunately for OJL a run out did for him.

But the day belonged to Dylan Mares. He finished 119 not out against his former club. He was tidy and organised early and then played some fabulous shots as he became more set. One flick through mid-wicket and another back foot punch, both for 4, were the highlights and as good a shots as you will see in Premier Cricket for the weekend.

Ray Alexander (25) and Baran Kumar (16) supported Mares well at the end as the Bears capitalised on some tired Whales to finish 5-376. A wonderful days cricket with the Bears well placed for next weekend’s play.

Women's 3rd Grade Round 2: UTS North Sydney v Campbelltown Camden at Tunks International Sports Park 2

UTS North Sydney 3/115cc, 20 Overs (A Dongre 30, B Robson 30) & 0/12, 0.5 Overs (A Gibbons 11) def Campbelltown Camden 8/115cc, 20 Overs (A Dongre 3/10, A D’Cunha 2/21, A Williams 2/34) & 1-11, 1 Over

It was another nail-biter for 3rd grade women on Saturday with our first ever super over after the Bears and Ghosts both finished on 115 runs after their initial 20 overs. In the first innings, Campbelltown were restricted to 115 off their 20 overs despite some big hitters at the crease for the Ghosts. It was a welcomed return to 3rd grade for Vice-Captain Anushka Dongre who starred with the ball, taking 3 for 10 off her 4-over spell with great support also from Abby Williams and Anjali D'Cunha with 2 wickets apiece. The Bears made a great start with the bat with Anushka and Bernie Robson opening the batting and both reaching compulsory retirement (30 runs) midway through our innings. Kayla Robson then was unlucky not to also reach retirement, hitting a quick-fire 24 off 12 balls. The target was in reach with another mother-daughter combo at the crease with Sarah and Amy Gibbons facing some tough bowling but running well between the wickets. Amy was just run out on the last ball when the teams were tied. Enter the super over. It was a great start for the Bears with Campbelltown's big hitter Leanne Wardale (who had retired 33 not out in their first innings) run out for 0. The Ghosts finished on 11 after a couple of lucky boundaries. Enter Amy Gibbons and Bernie Robson who turned the strike over well for a couple of singles facing some tricky mid-paced bowling. A four eased the pressure, but a dot ball might have sealed our fate leaving 7 runs required. Amy Gibbons then swung and hit a spectacular 6 to bring the teams, once again, level. The last ball ended with a sneaky single, giving us victory by 1 with an amazing win the team will remember for some time.

4th Grade Round 3: UTS North Sydney v Mosman at Balmoral Oval

Mosman 101, 39.3 Overs (J Graham 4/27, S Balbi 3/31, J Thomas 2/15) v UTS North Sydney 4/132, 38 Overs (A Amir 67, A Thomas 46)

With wet weather around all week a strong 4s outfit the Bears were pumped to play some cricket. Mosman won the toss and chose to bat on what seemed to be a relatively flat Balmoral wicket. Opening bowler Sol Balbi set the game up early in the Bears favour snicking off the Whales opener with a peach. It didn’t take long for season veteran Jack Thomas to continue steaming through batsman with 2 good catches from Dylan Johnson behind the stumps. The bears went into the first drinks break in a strong position with Mosman 3 down. After drinks Jacob Graham continue to toil away at the Mosman batters who seemed to be forming a well constructed partnership. Despite offering a few opportunities the Mosman middle order sticks played strong cricket hitting the ball nicely down the ground.

However, onto the scene came Isaak Merlehan who ripped through the partnership in his first over with a great catch by Ravi Adabala. Jacob Graham was reward for his efforts not long after claiming an LBW and a snick to J Thomas at slip before tea. The Bears looked to bring back the momentum late in the session and round up the remaining Mosman batsmen shortly after tea. The Bears returned from tea with Jack Thomas scoffing down a burger 5minutes before walking out to 1st slip. Sol Balbi as the strike bowler was brought back into the attack to clean up the tail and did what was asked taking 2 to end the Mosman innings for 101.

Ahmer Amir and Dilraj Singh opened the batting showing some interesting intent between the wickets. A nice pull shot from Dilraj seemed to get the wheels rolling but was unfortunate to get out shortly after. The Bears lost another shortly after and Aidan Thomas joined Ahmer at the crease to steady the ship. Ahmer toiled away against the Mosman bowlers running efficiently between the wickets and hitting the bad ball away. The partnership grew towards the first drinks break and the Bears looked in a strong position. After drinks the Bears targeted a win on day one with weather looming for day 2. Ahmer and Aidan continued to push between the wickets as boundaries were hard to come by. The pair finished off the first innings with some dominant displays of batting from Ahmer.

The Bears continued to bat the remaining 3 overs left in the day as they set up about going for the out right on day 2. Overall a dominant display of cricket from the 4th grade side.

5th Grade Round 3: UTS North Sydney v Mosman at Tunks International Sports Park

Mosman 91 (H Riseborough 6/23, V Kumar 2/30) v UTS North Sydney 3/92 (A Nigul 39)/i>

A reprieve from the continuous deluge that has pestered greater Sydney for the best part of a month allowed another round of NSW Premier Cricket to be played at Tunks International Sports Park. This week saw the ladder leading 5th grade side take on local rivals Mosman in a two-day fixture.

First time skipper Brad Wilson wasted no time hopping on the 5th grade bowl first band wagon, winning the toss and sending the visitors in.

The skipper bowled a miserly opening spell, with 12 overs straight for 9 runs, Mosman well and truly on the back foot despite not losing a wicket until the 19th over, where Henry Riseborough would claim his first victim of the day, taking the stumps of the Mosman opener. Riseborough soon added the number 3 batsmen to his tally, with Henry Charles picking up a well-deserved wicket to kick off his second spell.

Vrushab Kumar took over the game from here, bowling tightly and building pressure, whilst taking two early wickets, bowled and caught. Mosman at this stage were 5/31. Their middle order put up a partnership just shy of 50 to take the visitors through tea.

Post the tea break, it was the Henry Riseborough show, cleaning up the tail to finish with fantastic figures of 6/23, the Bears bundling the visitors out for 91.

With 27 overs left in the days play, and the ever-constant mid-week threat of weather, Wilson and co set out to chase down the score by the end of the day. Adi Nigul and Nihal Desai strode out to the middle and wasted little time, playing with a classy combination of flair and poise before Desai was dismissed for 24.

Nigul and Riseborough continued the assault, taking the score to just below the required total before both were dismissed for 39 and 20 respectively. Karan and Broom saw the hosts past the Whales total with an over to spare prior to the close of the days play, confirming six points for the Bears, with an opportunity for ten next week weather permitting…

Brewer Shield Round 2: UTS North Sydney v Manly-Warringah at Manly Oval

Manly-Warringah 3/97, 20 Overs (S Julien 2/7) v UTS North Sydney 4/98, 18.2 Overs (S Julien 34*, A Hicks 28)

The bright sunshine of a glorious Manly spring day greeted our Brewer girls for their round 2 clash with Manly CC on a flat & picturesque Manly Oval. Winning the toss Manly chose to bat. Showing sound form & good technique Manly compiled a more than competitive 3 for 97. Our Captain Shiloh Julien was the pick of the North Sydney bowlers with an impressive 2/7 off 4 overs of excellent leg breaks. However, all our North Sydney bowlers bowled very well (& with good control) as exemplified by our innings sundries of only 1 no ball & 5 wides! Our energy & talk in the field was very good & Emily Aitken produced a very sharp piece of fielding run out of one of the Manly batters. Our keeper Karman Jawanda was also extremely solid behind the stumps & produced an excellent stumping off the bowling of Shiloh Julien.

In response the talented opening pair of Sam Kuncham (7) & Shiloh Julien (34) got the bears off to a good start before Sam was dismissed caught for 7. Manly had some quite good quick bowlers but the Brewer Bears very much seemed to enjoy the extra pace on the ball. Coming in at No.3 the experienced Adelaide Hicks (28) combined with her captain for an excellent partnership to take the score along to 1 for 87 in the 15th over. The combination of powerful hitting & purposeful running from both girls was impressive. The intent to score that all the Bears batters displayed on the day was most refreshing with the bowling of Manly regularly dispatched to (or close to) the boundary. Isobel Selems came to the crease at the fall of the 2nd wicket (Hicks out LBW) and made 4 quick runs before being run out whilst aggressively backing up. Georgia Macdonald then joined Shiloh Julien to see the bears over the line for a great win with 10 balls to spare.

Media courtesy of Tony Johnson, Malcolm Trees, JW Creations, Adam Cavenor and UTS North Sydney members.