THE result did not matter, it was all about the laughs and banter on Sunday at Manly Oval.
Cameron Merchant’s baby Waratahs batted first, with the skipper topscoring with 60 before he retired.
A long-time servant of the club, Merchant loved taking on a leadership role.
“To be in a position to see two great clubs come together at Manly Oval, raising money for a fantastic cause in Movember, was amazing,’’ he said.
“I have worked with the young fellas at Manly for a few years now, so to see them execute their skills was great. It gave me a sense of life after cricket — once I stop playing, coaching is definitely an avenue I will look to pursue.”
Warringah’s Anthony Caruso, who along with Dave Gainsford organised the inaugural clash, felt the day was a resounding success.
“Everyone had a ball and to raise almost $1000 for Movember made it an unforgettable Sunday afternoon for all involved,’’ he said.
Sydney Grade Cricket Manly 7-371 (declared) Northern District 329 MANLY have rocketed into the top six after six rounds following victory on Saturday at Manly Oval.
In the end, James Crosthwaite’s brilliant knock of 131 on day one proved the difference, with the away side unable to haul in the imposing target.
Neil Kimberley (58), Andrew Harriott (50), Chris Green (40), Aaron Flaherty (43) and Lachlan Ford (63) all got starts for NDs, but were unable to post centuries.
The key wicket was that of former Test wicketkeeper Brad Haddin (49), who was threatening to take the game away from the Waratahs.
Leg-spinner Ryan Farrell (2-27) sent him back to the pavilion – a moment the youngster won’t forget in a hurry. Manly skipper Adam Crosthwaite said it was a momentum shifter.
HADDIN WICKET CRUCIAL TO WARATAHS’ VICTORY
Sydney Grade Cricket Manly 7-371 (declared) Northern District 329 MANLY have rocketed into the top six after six rounds following victory on Saturday at Manly Oval.
In the end, James Crosthwaite’s brilliant knock of 131 on day one proved the difference, with the away side unable to haul in the imposing target.
Neil Kimberley (58), Andrew Harriott (50), Chris Green (40), Aaron Flaherty (43) and Lachlan Ford (63) all got starts for NDs, but were unable to post centuries.
The key wicket was that of former Test wicketkeeper Brad Haddin (49), who was threatening to take the game away from the Waratahs.
Leg-spinner Ryan Farrell (2-27) sent him back to the pavilion – a moment the youngster won’t forget in a hurry. Manly skipper Adam Crosthwaite said it was a momentum shifter.
“Hads (Haddin) was in the mood, one of his sixes (from Ahillen Beadle) went deep on to Sydney Rd,’’ he said.
“We all knew what he is capable of, it was all about cool heads.
“Ryan enticed him to slog one and James (Crosthwaite) held on to the chance.
“I was very proud of the boys, it has been a great turnaround after we lost our first three games versus Hawkesbury, Sydney Uni and Fairfield-Liverpool.”
Next up for Manly is a trip to Sydney’s east to take on UNSW at Village Green in Kensington.
The students, led by star batsman David Dawson, are always a tough proposition, especially at home.
“It is another challenge for the playing group, but one we are excited about,’’ Crosthwaite added.
“The competition is that tight at the moment, you need to be at your best in every game.”
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