Men’s 1st Grade:
Sent into bat first at Manly Oval, the Tahs were in strife early at 3/5, but the class of Beadle (80) & J.Davies (155) quickly came to the fore as the two combined for a phenomenal 205 run partnership. Beadle compiling a patient 80 while Davies showed all his talent with a sensational 155. The two patient to begin before counter-attacking. When their partnership was broken, the Tahs lost momentum to quickly be 9/252, but a brilliant last wicket partnership worth 72 between Merchant (41) & Hadley (27*) propelled the Tahs to 324 all out. Campbelltown navigating the final 5 overs to be 0/20 at stumps.
Men’s 2nd Grade:
Bowling first after losing the toss at Raby, Wigney led the way early with 4fa in a relentless opening spell. Campbelltown bounced back with a strong partnership that threatened, but the Tahs remained patient and Rogers’ breakthrough for the Tahs’ 5th led to a regular flow of wickets. All bowlers building pressure, Vumbaca & Dhillon with 2 wickets each, and one to Lawson, Campbelltown all out 191. A little wobble at the end of the day as the Tahs lost three top order wickets, but M.Brewster (29*) & Dhillon (2*) will resume 3/40 next week.
Men’s 3rd Grade:
At Grahams, the Tahs lost the toss & were fielding first. After a patient start by Campbelltown, Osbourne struck twice in two balls, but the visitors again consolidated as a few chances went down. Osbourne again the man as he broke through for the Tahs’ 3rd & 4th, but chances were coming few & far between now as Campbelltown showed little intent. Cumming finally dismissing the set batter LBW, before Cooper was rewarded with the Tahs’ 6th, followed by another to Osbourne in the final over of the day for his 5th, Campbelltown 7/186 after 80 on a slow day.
Men’s 4th Grade:
Skipper Parkinson won the toss at Raby and chose to bowl, and his bowlers justified that decision superbly. Campbelltown 3/2 early as Waddington struck twice & Pryke once, before L.Trewartha took control of the bowling innings with an excellent 4fa through the middle. Further wickets also to Hutchings, Waddington & Searle, to have Campbelltown all out 89. In reply, Karlsson-Lacy (53) & McDowell (44) batted positively to lead the Tahs to first innings points, before the declaration came at 7/126 with a 37 run lead. And the perfect end to the day, Pryke striking twice in two balls, and Waddington once, Campbelltown 3/9 at stumps.
Men’s 5th Grade:
A late ground change saw M5s also at Raby, as skipper Dunlop won the toss & batted. A few small starts from the top order, highlighted by K.Mendel (25), but the Tahs initially struggled to build any innings’ of substance. Overhoff (42) proved central to rebuilding the Tahs’ innings with a positive knock, but it was the innings of Martin (50) that really pushed the Tahs towards a competitive total of 202, with help from J.Brewster (19). 14 overs still remaining, Halloran striking twice to have the game in the balance, Campbelltown 2/30 at stumps.
Women’s 3rd Grade:
Back at Balgowlah Oval for the final round of the regular season, skipper Molyneux won the toss & elected to bowl. After Bankstown made a steady start, a run out to Bursill proved the catalyst for the Tahs to take control of the fixture. All bowlers contributing to consistent pressure, Molyneux, Champion & McPhail with two wickets each, and one to Randall, along with another run out, to restrict Bankstown to all out 73. A few little contributions from the top order as the Tahs made a patient start to the run chase, before the innings from Addison (27) set the Tahs on the path to a 6 wicket win in the 27th over.
Poidevin Gray Shield:
The Tahs lost the toss & were bowling first at Allan Border Oval in their semi final vs Mosman. Lawson & Boulton began with a relentless spell as the former broke through for the first. Osbourne then with two big wickets in quick succession, before Foreman took the Tahs’ 4th just before drinks. Mosman consolidated with a decent partnership however never got away through the middle overs. Croft turning the game back in the Tahs favour with an outstanding 4 wicket spell, before a wicket to Boulton & a run out held Mosman to all out 161. Rogers (19) & Dhillon (19) began the chase with great positivity, but a few wickets had the game in the balance at 3/60. However, skipper J.Davies (58*) showed his class managing the middle overs cleverly, alongside Foreman (29) in a crucial partnership, before Davies & Boulton (21*) navigated the final runs for a 6 wicket win & booking a spot in next week’s Grand Final.
Women’s 1st Grade:
A new look Tahs side were at Merrylands as first-time skipper McLerie won the toss & chose to bowl. The Tahs’ bowlers justifying the decision strongly with great partnership bowling resulting in a regular flow of wickets, two each to Waddington, Whiteley & Crawford, along with three excellent run outs. Some Parramatta lower order resistance pushing their total to 9/155 from 50. McCaughan continued her phenomenal form with another classy half century to lead the run chase, well supported in an 82 run opening partnership with Horsfall (18). Before Henry (36*) and S.Hughes (12) navigated the remaining runs for an 8 wicket win inside 36 overs, securing the minor premiership.
Women’s 2nd Grade:
As seldom as its become, skipper Dunnage won the toss & elected to bowl at Grahams. A steady start from Northern District broken by Sharma as the Tahs soon took control of the fixture. Two wickets to L.Hughes & Nel, and one to Molyneux in an economical effort from the spin group. Wickets too to Handley & Addison seeing NDs restricted to 9/119 off 50 on the back of an excellent team bowling effort. Dunnage (20) & Cambridge began positively in the run chase to set the Tahs on the path to victory, important contributions too from A.Croll (17) & Addison (20). A little middle order wobble but ultimately a four-wicket win for the Tahs, but just missing out on finals.
Brewer Shield:
In a sudden death elimination final, the Tahs were bowling first after losing the toss at Manly Oval. Two early breakthroughs to Allen before Penrith steadied the ship. However, the bowling remained economical & built consistent pressure. Skipper S.Ford & Brown with two wickets apiece, one to Terrey in an excellent spell, and a 3rd to Allen, helping the Tahs keep Penrith to 8/145 from 50. In reply, Terrey (61*) & Brown (29) made a superb positive start to the run chase, the former anchoring the innings while the latter counter-attacked. Little contributions from S.Ford & Pearson maintaining the momentum, but it was Terrey that starred to sen the Tahs to the semi final.
Upcoming fixtures:
The stakes are getting higher as we look towards this weekend, the Men continuing their two-day fixtures against Campbelltown, with results to dictate the Tahs’ finals prospects. Meanwhile, the Women’s grades move into their semi finals. W1s hosting St George-Sutherland at Manly Oval, while Brewers & W3s are away to Gordon & Parramatta respectively in their sudden death fixtures.
And of course, we’ve got a PGs Grand Final to look forward to on Sunday. The Tahs searching for our first PGs premiership since 1985/86, as we take on Bankstown at Bankstown Oval. Match starts 10am Sunday, and would be great to see plenty of Tahs’ support!
