Men’s 2nd Grade Semi Final:
Taking on minor premiers Sydney Uni away, the Tahs were bowling first after losing the toss. Lawson & Wigney began well without luck, but it was Osbourne & Rogers who took the first two wickets. The home side looked in control at 2/97, until Osbourne ran rampant with three big wickets quickly. From there, it was Dhillon who took charge with the final five wickets, as the Tahs’ bowlers built consistent pressure to have Sydney Uni all out for 155. Coyte (61) & Dhillon (33) made a superb start to the run chase, the former at his counter-attacking best while the latter patiently built his innings, in a 96 run opening partnership. A little wobble late on Day 1 had the Tahs 4/116 at stumps, but the morning of Day 2 saw skipper Daly (52no) steady the ship & lead the Tahs to first innings points, with important contributions from Mendel (22) & Vumbaca (17no). The Tahs building a 46 run lead with 4 wickets still remaining, before the captain’s shook hands to see the Tahs secure a Grand Final spot.
Men’s 4th Grade Semi Final:
Bowling first at Manly Oval, the M4s bowlers again stepped up, Bishop-Perrett & Waddington striking once each early, Parramatta fighting back to be 2/56, before the Tahs took full control with regular wickets. Bishop-Perrett the spearhead with 4fa, Waddington, Pryke & Hutchings offering exceptional support with to see Parramatta all out 133. The run chase looked steady on the back of a positive start from Karlsson-Lacy (42) but regular wickets late on Day 1 and then one early Day 2 had the Tahs 7/83. But the brutal hitting of skipper Parkinson (54no) & the patience of Pryke (30) saw the two combine for a match-defining 84 run partnership to see the Tahs to a first innings lead of 36 when the final wicket fell on lunch. Plenty of time left, Parramatta went T20 mode to set us a target, but after a fast start, 5fa from Hutchings & 2fa to Searle brought it back to have Parramatta 9/158 when they declared right on tea. Leaving the Tahs with a 123 run target or 47 overs to bat. Wheeler (21) & Karlsson-Lacy saw off the new ball spell, but it was M.Kapoor (57no) & McDowell (27no) that really iced the game with a patient partnership, resulting in an 8 wicket outright win & booking a home Grand Final.
Men’s 5th Grade Semi Final:
Up against St George, Tahs skipper Waddington won the toss & chose to bat. Unfortunately though, it was a tough old morning for the batting group as a top & middle order collapse had the Tahs all out for 99 despite some lower order fight. It was always going to be a tough ask, but the Tahs’ bowlers fought hard until St George ultimately took a first innings lead late on Day 1. But the morning of Day 2 saw J.Brewster tear through the Saints middle & lower order with 5fa, having the visitors all out for 157. Donnan (76 off 57) & Dunlop (29) set about alleviating the 58 run first innings deficit, and did so in quick time, before the goal turned to setting a competitive target. Donnan superb in his counter-attacking innings, an entertaining knock from Dinan (26 off 11), before the lower order went down swinging trying to build a lead, the Tahs setting St George 98 to win. Walker struck first ball of the second innings to give a glimmer of hope, but the Saints consolidated despite a terrific Tahs’ effort, led by Walker with 3fa, as the Saints eventually passed the target 5 wickets down, spelling an end to another strong season for Waddington’s men.
Upcoming fixtures:
It all comes down to the final weekend of the season, with M2s & M4s earning thoroughly well deserved Grand Final opportunities. After months of effort, the Tahs will be ready for battle as we look to secure some more silverware, fixtures as follows:
Men’s 2nd Grade Grand Final vs Northern District @ Mark Taylor Oval – Fri 28th / Sat 29th / Sun 30th March
Men’s 4th Grade Grand Final vs St George @ Manly Oval – Sat 29th / Sun 30th March
Get around the Tahs on an exciting weekend for the club. Go Manly.
