Men’s 2nd Grade Grand Final:
After a slightly delayed start on Friday due to a damp outfield, the Tahs were sent into bat first & things were looking shaky at 3/48. However, B.Mendel (78) was at his brutal best once more, launching NDs bowlers to all parts of Mark Taylor Oval in a phenomenal 78 off 55 balls. Combining with Rogers (39) for a 114 run partnership to turn the tide. Unfortunately, the fourth wicket was the catalyst for a lower order collapse, as the Tahs were bowled out for 197. With 21 overs remaining on Day 1, Rogers & Dhillon delivered important breakthroughs to have NDs 2/53 at stumps, before the entirety of Day 2 was washed out due to heavy rain. The ground was not playable until the early afternoon of Day 3, with 59 overs scheduled to be bowled. Wigney was on fire early with three big breakthroughs, before wickets to continued to fall at regular intervals as the Tahs pushed hard for the chance of premiership glory. Further wickets to Osbourne, Rogers, Lawson & Dhillon having NDs 9 down & victory in sight. Heartbreakingly, a resistant NDs last wicket partnership, combined with another rain delay which took more crucial overs out of the game, and a few close calls, left the Tahs just one wicket short of the premiership. The overs ran out, match drawn, NDs crowned premiers as the higher placed team. But a seriously gutsy effort from the Tahs fighting against the weather to give it all for the club, and the boys should be super proud of their efforts across the season.
Men’s 4th Grade Grand Final:
Hosting St George at Manly Oval, Saturday’s deluge saw Day 1 completely washed out. Day 2 started in similar fashion, more rain further reducing the 120 overs that had been scheduled for Sunday to make up for Saturday’s lost time. However, just after lunchtime, the sun poked through the clouds & the ground was made fit for play, with 71 overs to be bowled. Skipper Parkinson won the toss & chose to bowl, wickets to Waddington & Bishop-Perrett having the Saints 2/43, before their third wicket partnership showed serious intent as the Tahs were made to rue a few missed chances. After drinks, wickets to Parkinson & Pryke clawed the run rate back, before the Saints declared 5/145 from 23 overs, leaving the Tahs 46 overs to bat. A horror start ensued with the Tahs 2/0 after the first over, but Karlsson-Lacy (9*) & M.Kapoor (27*) steadied the ship showing great composure under pressure to take the Tahs to tea 2/41. The rain hit again shortly after, and that was that with no further play possible. Manly declared premiers for a history-making 4th consecutive season, on the back of some superb team performances this season.
It’s been a pleasure to give you insight into the Tahs’ performances this season, from PGs & 4th Grade premierships, to strong efforts across the Men’s & Women’s programs. Hope you’ve enjoyed following along each week, on what was another action-packed season for the Tahs. All the best for the winter months, and we look forward eagerly to season 2025/26.
Until next time, up the Tahs!
