Welcome back to this week’s Tah Talk with Jay Lenton. This edition Jay gives an insight into how the Brewer Shield grand final played out, the state of play for this weekends Men’s semi finals, and the deserved honours for both Anika Learoyd and Hannah Darlington.
Thanks again to Underground Cricket for partnering with this article each and every week. Great to have Damon, Jason and the team on-board. For all your cricket equipment needs visit them at www.undergroundcricket.com
BREWERS GO DOWN FIGHTING
Our quest for Brewer Shield grand final glory fell just short after an agonising 10-run defeat to the Southern Swans in sweltering conditions last Sunday.
Losing the toss and bowling first, captain Saoirse Ford came up with a plan to open with spin and it worked a treat, restricting the Swans to 2/42 off 20 overs at the first drinks break.
A few missed chances in the middle overs let the Swans back in the contest until some tight bowling from Saoirse, Holly Searles and Sonia Punter put the brakes on.
Saoirse ended the innings with a double wicket maiden, leaving us a target of 167 from 50 overs.
On a slow outfield, this was always going to be tough.
Losing openers Tilly Brown and Keira Terrey early had us on the back foot but Saoirse and Eve Burke rebuilt the innings before an unfortunate dismissal to Saoirse (32) triggered a mini collapse.
Charlotte Allen entered the game at 6/70 and soon had the Swans on the back foot, scoring a quickfire 43 runs, including two monster sixes.
She departed on 8/141 with four overs to go.
Another of our power hitters – Sonia Punter – entered the game and took 13 runs off the 48th over to put things on a knife’s edge.
We needed 12 runs off 12 balls but a close run out saw Abi Bland depart with a crucial 17 before another run out in the 50th over saw us bowled out just 10 runs short of our target.
Despite the defeat it was an outstanding achievement to reach the GF.
They are still a young team with all but one player eligible for Brewers next year, although I suspect many will be pushing for higher honours.
Well done girls (and coaching staff) on a wonderful season.
GRAND FINAL SPOTS ON THE LINE
One gone, three to go.
That’s the status of our men’s finals teams after the first week of play-offs were staged over a very hot Sydney weekend.
Our third grade campaign is done and dusted after we bowed out to St George.
Second grade lost to but live to fight another day as the highest-placed loser from week one.
They take on minor premiers Sydney University over Saturday/Sunday at University Oval after the Students batted out a draw against Bankstown.
There’s little doubt Uni will look to do the same against us, so the boys will need to bring their A-game as they look to take 10 wickets.
Fourth grade batted out a draw in their qualifying final to set up a semi-final showdown with fierce rival Parramatta.
Our regular season match against Parra was a washout so this will be the first time we’ve met in 2024/25.
The two clubs have been going at each other for years in the lower grades and this promises to be a great match as we aim for our fourth premiership in a row.
Fifth grade will be looking to shake off a qualifying final defeat when they meet third-placed St George, who also got through to the semis as highest placed loser from the weekend.
We defeated the Dragons in Round 8 (132 to 112) and most of that side is playing on the weekend.
It’s all to play for this weekend.
AUSSIE HONOURS FOR TAHS GIRLS
Anika Learoyd and Hannah Darlington have been fantastic additions to our club this year – on and off the field – and it was wonderful to see them rewarded with call-ups to the Australia A side to meet England A in a series of matches from March 26 to April 15 in Sydney.
As well as the class they bring to our team on the field, they have been great role models for the younger girls to look up to.
They have really bought into the Manly culture and added a lot of cricketing experience to our playing roster, which will only help our player development in the years to come.
What is most admirable is the professionalism they show, which is something all players in a rep environment need to see, especially the younger girls.
They are so accommodating with their time and willingness to help and are a credit to themselves.
We are extremely proud and fortunate to have them in our club.
Both Anika and Hannah are richly deserving of their places in the Aust A side and I’m sure they will be banging the door down for national selection in the not-too-distant future.
