The Tahs were back in action over the weekend as the Men commenced two-day fixtures against Northern District, and PGs had their final round game, taking on UNSW. Unfortunately, the previous week’s weather meant no play was possible for M3s & M5s on Day 1, setting up 120 over days next weekend.
Men’s 1st Grade:
After a late ground change, M1s were back in action following the Christmas break with Day 1 vs NDs at Asquith Oval. Delayed start due to the week’s deluge, with the Tahs eventually sent into bat first on a green seamer after losing the toss. Lachie Coyte & skipper Joel Foster did their best to navigate a very challenging new ball spell, but the Tahs ultimately struggled to build a considerable partnership in the top order. The ageless Ahillen Beadle (53) showed his class once again compiling an excellent half century in tricky batting conditions, with a couple of middling partnerships. Bertie Foreman (27) made a positive start with a counter-attacking innings, as did Brynn Mendel (25), but a regular fall of wickets consistently halted any momentum that was building. A strong late rearguard effort from Tom Kaye (26) & Ryan Hadley (16) kept NDs at bay & pushed the Tahs’ total beyond 200, with the final wicket falling at 204. Early wickets would be key with 12 overs still remaining on Day 1, but the Tahs were ultimately luckless despite a spirited bowling effort. NDs 0/19 at stumps.
Men’s 2nd Grade:
Manly Oval looked a picture on Saturday morning despite the wet weather of the week, as M2s skipper Jordan Daly won the toss & chose to bowl on a wicket that looked like it would offer plenty early for the bowlers. Michael Counsell struck early before NDs fought back with a steady partnership. After a long injury lay-off, Nick Toohey took his first wicket for the club with a jaffer to hit the top of off & dismiss the set batter, followed shortly after by another pearler from the bowling of Matt Sunshine. Two further wickets to Toohey in a strong debut spell for the Tahs, backed up by a first ball wicket to Evan Dunnachie. The Tahs continued to keep the pressure on with an all-round bowling effort, as Roop Dhillon & Henry Rogers took the 7th & 8th wickets of the innings, both LBW to make it 8/172. Unfortunately, NDs lower order got away as the wicket flattened out under the afternoon sun, Sunshine & Counsell picking up the final two wickets, NDs eventually all out for 262. With 15 overs to bat, the Tahs were in strife early as both openers departed in the new ball spell, but Rogers (24*) & Daly (14*) navigated the final hour of play smartly to see the Tahs 2/54 at stumps.
Men’s 4th Grade:
You’re always a chance of play at Grahams regardless of the weather with one of the great drainage systems, and M4s were blessed to be there on Saturday. After a minimal delayed start, skipper Dom Wheeler won the toss & elected to bowl on a wicket with plenty of grass. Opening bowlers Will Skinner & Ryan Bishop-Perrett extracted plenty of movement with the new ball, but were ultimately luckless in an economical opening partnership as NDs started steadily. When it seams it spins as they say, and George Cumming proved that adage true, getting one to spin sharply & take the outside edge, well caught by Kai Croft at slip just before drinks. First ball after drinks, George had another, with an LBW, and not too long after, he had his third in a momentum-shifting spell. NDs consolidated with a couple of moderate partnerships as a few chances went down, but George continued to ask questions of the batters with an excellent spell, taking his 4th & 5th to have NDs 5/120. This is where the Tahs really seized control, Bishop-Perrett with a double-wicket maiden, followed shortly after by a very well deserved breakthrough to Skinner for the Tahs’ 9th. Kai Croft coming into the attack late & picking up the final two wickets, NDs all out for 137. With 9 overs remaining in the day, the Tahs were on the back foot early losing two quick wickets in unlucky circumstances, but Axel Karlsson-Lacy & night-watchman George saw it through to the close of play. 2/20 at stumps chasing 138 for first innings points.
Poidevin Gray Shield:
Sunday saw PGs make the trip to David Phillips to take on UNSW, a win needed to secure a finals spot. The Tahs lost the toss & were asked to bowl first, but the opening partnership of Josh Lawson & Andrew Boulton wasn’t going to make things easy for the UNSW top order. Lawson with the opening breakthrough, before Boulton had his first courtesy of an excellent catch running back by Roop Dhillon. The momentum continued with an athletic direct hit run out from skipper Bertie Foreman, followed by Boulton taking two wickets in two balls, the second of which was unplayable hitting the top of off. There was no reprieve for UNSW as first change Julian Osbourne struck twice in quick succession to have the home side 7/41. However, a few stubborn lower order partnerships proved frustrating, wickets to Foreman & Lawson not enough to prevent UNSW pushing past the 100 mark. Foreman with the final wicket, leaving the Tahs 118 to chase. With a bonus point target of 30 overs to maximise our ladder position, the intent early was clear from openers Henry Rogers (45) & Dhillon (33). Both batting aggressively from the outset plundering numerous classy boundaries in an 83 run opening partnership inside 10 overs. Quickfire contributions from Foreman (15*) & Akshay Joseph (20), and despite a few late wickets, the Tahs were comprehensive victors by 6 wickets in the 16th over, booking a QF match-up with NDs on February 16.
Upcoming fixtures:
The upcoming Saturday sees the Men resume their fixtures against NDs, with M3s & M5s set for 120 overs due to the weekend’s washout.
Meanwhile, the Women are back on the park this weekend. W3s away to North Sydney in a T20, while W1s & W2s travel to Drummoyne for T20s against Sydney. Brewers will wait until the 2nd of February to resume their season.
See you next week, up the Tahs.
