The Waratahs had a bizarre week in Day 2 of their Round 3 clash with Sutherland, with 3s and 4s both recording wins, 1s having a TIE, 2s losing outright after winning on first innings, and 5s losing after the Sharks chased down a mammoth total.
Outstanding Performances
Nat Hill – 59 (First Grade)
Ben Smith – 118 (Second Grade)
James Boyer – 38* (Third Grade)
Sam Hole – 65 (Fourth Grade)
1st Grade Round 3 vs Sutherland (Day 2)
Resuming at 1-44 in pursuit of Sutherland’s 223, Manly batsmen Nick Watkins (22) and Andrew Lindsay (24) started solidly. The pair both fell in quick succession, with Luke Edgell (11) following soon after, leaving Nat Hill (59) and Mitch Cleary (38) to steady the ship. The following partnership turned momentum in Manly’s favour, seemingly cruising at 4-180, but the steady loss of wickets turned the game around, with Manly requiring a further 23 runs for the last wicket. Ben Martin “French cut” a ball to the boundary to bring the scores level on 223. Unfortunately, Jimmy Munting was dismissed in the next over, meaning the match resulted in a tie, with both teams getting 3 points.
2nd Grade Round 3 vs Sutherland (Day 2)
Manly turned up for the Saturday / Sunday game and started off solidly, rolling Sutherland for 184, with Matt Mee (3/33) bowling quick and continuing his great form and Dylan Marshall (4/62) doing the damage. Thanks to a superb 118 for club debutant Ben Smith on a tough wicket, we were able to pass Sutherland 8 down before posting 217. With a full day left there was a lot of cricket to go, and the Manly boys tore through the Sutherland batting line-up to dismiss them for 146, Marshall, Mee and Visser in the wickets. Leaving 113 to get from 28 overs, it was a seemingly simple task, but some good bowling and some very poor batting saw us fall 13 short, dismissed for an even 100 with 4 overs left in the day. We picked up 4 points while Sutherland got 6.
3rd Grade Round 3 vs Sutherland (Day 2)
Returning to Sutherland Oval for Day 2, Manly resumed at 3-73 with Isaacs on 30* and Readett on 9*, requiring a further 117 runs for victory. Isaacs departed early, bringing skipper Genie Little to the crease to join Readett, as the pair set about forming a solid partnership and chipping away at the total. However, the loss of three quick wickets left Manly in trouble at 7-118, with hopes resting on veteran campaigner Lance Stewart and the 15 year old James Boyer. From the start of their innings, both batsmen showed amazing application as they turned the momentum around by picking up singles and dispatching the bad ball. Neither Stewart (28*) or Boyer (37*) offered a chance, with the latter showing maturity well beyond his years. The pair’s 72 run partnership helped 3rd Grade polish off Sutherland’s total, taking them to 3 wins from 3 games.
4th Grade Round 3 vs Sutherland (Day 2)
After a good first week of cricket the Manly boys were hoping to consolidate on this good start and turn it into a win to get the ball rolling for the season. With Sam Hole joined at the crease by Jordan Daly after the changes from representative duties, it was crucial we didn’t give Sutherland a sniff. Losing Daly early Tom Kaye set out to continue his form from PGs in the previous week and batted with freedom and a clear head and looked in good touch, putting pressure on the field with good ones and piercing the field with some nice drives, compiling a nice 29. Unfortunately Tom fell just short of the total, leaving Mick Lindsay (28) to help Sam hole over the line. Passing the total just before tea, we set ourselves the challenge to get some quick runs. Some good cameos from Waz and Luke Grant pushed the score and entertained those on the sidelines. Also Manly’s newest pin-up boy Sam Alexander was able to get his first runs for the club with a bomb off his first ball and then followed this up with a four and quickly found himself in double figures. After his write up in the Manly Daily Sam told the team that life had changed very quickly and he struggled to get to the game on time with adoring fans and the paparazzi waiting for him outside his front door but to his credit he got there on time and put the team before him, and had time to sign a few autographs, a very level headed and top bloke. Unfortunately we could get a lead big enough to set ourselves for bigger points but a top effort all round and a win to the Manly boys!
Before I sign off I would like to bring your attention to the other Sam in the team, Sam ‘Gallop’ Hole. Sam is in his first season of grade cricket and straight from the outset he has impressed with his mature approach to the game and his fabulous technique. A couple of weeks ago I gave the challenge to Sam to make the number three position his in the team, knowing he could do it, I had every confidence in him. This round Sam stood up in his role and guided the team over the line for a our first win, with 65. Some may say he had plenty of chances but you tell me what great innings didn’t have a few chances. Sam batted with good intent and put his dreaded ball, the full toss from a spinner away for four. Congrats mate and well deserved.
I would also like to thank Bp for his work in the warm-ups for the opening three rounds, for me to have this assistance as captain has been a huge help and has provided the platform for us as a side to do some good work in the field. Thanks mate. Also would like to thank Cliff for filling in the second week to work on his tan and get the drinks ready, but all jokes aside thanks for filling in and making things easier.
5th Grade Round 3 vs Sutherland (Day 2)
Manly made the long trek home from the Shire on Saturday without the points that many expected. Setting Sutherland 325 to win the previous week, we were definitely in the best position.
At 5 for 89 and 7 for 208, the game was there to wrap up, but it just wasn’t to be. The Sutherland number 5 made 176 not out, to almost single handedly win the game off his own bat. These things happen in cricket, but it was still really disappointing on the day. All the players did their absolute best on a very ordinary ground to field on.
Wickets were shared between Jonkers (1) Toomey (1) Farrell (2) Graham (1) and Gainsford (1) with a runout. Stu Wiblin grabbed 3 catches behind the stumps.
Many thanks to Zac Trewartha who filled in at late notice. Zac threw himself around the field in an energetic debut for Manly. Great work Zac. Not much more to report except to say that 5’s will work hard during the week and turn up ready to go next weekend.
