THE ACTION WILL BE HOT ON AND OFF FIELD
There promises to be just as much action off the field than on it when we host a T20 double header at Manly Oval on Sunday.
The Poidevin-Gray boys, under coach Aidan “Flat” Baker, start things off from 10am against St George.
This looks a very strong squad and we have high hopes the Baker Boys can go a step or two further this season after just falling short of the play-offs last year.
It’s the same deal for the first graders after a couple of lean T20 campaigns in recent seasons.
We’ve also picked a strong side for the second of the day’s double headers against the Dragons.
BBL rock stars Steve O’Keefe, Ollie Davies and Jack Edwards will all feature in the 2.30pm start and their presence alone should ensure a good roll-up.
There’s an extra incentive to come down in the shape of gift vouchers from our great sponsors 4 Pines Brewery and the Royal Motor Yacht Club (RMYC) at Newport.
The first person to catch a six in the first grade game will pocket a $150 4 Pines voucher while the second six catcher will claim a $100 voucher from RMYC.
All catches after that will earn the snarer a $25 4 Pines voucher.
Kids will also be given the opportunity to enter a free raffle for the chance to win the match ball and a visit to the Manly dressing-room after the game.
SOK loves a selfie so make sure your phones are fully charged.
We’ll also have the BBQ running, the canteen will be open and the 4 Pines flowing for the adults.
See you all down there.
SEASON COMES TO LIFE AT BLACKTOWN
Before we get to the double header, there’s business to attend to at Joe McAleer Oval as we head into day two of our red-ball clash with Blacktown on Saturday.
Our big quicks proved the difference on day one, with the three state-contracted boys Mickey and Jack Edwards, along with Ryan Hadley, showing us why they are in the NSW set up.
Their consistent pace, line and relentlessness was truly first class.
Accompanied brilliantly by Jake Carden, we toiled and stayed ruthless to bowl Blacktown out for 109.
Starting our chase well was pivotal into the outcome of day one and AB and Joel Foster did this effortlessly, getting us to 0-40.
It was then again the class of Jack and Ollie Davies that enabled us to get past their first innings total to set up a potential crack at maximum points on Saturday.
It was very pleasing to connect and gel as a group considering the lack of cricket we have played this season.
It’s put us in good stead, not only for day two but the season ahead.
GAINSY BOYS HELP DELIVER GIFTED IMPORT
We can thank David and Sam Gainsford for luring English import Sophie Morris out for a season with our Premier Cricket women’s side.
Sophie was playing against Sammy in a match in England during their summer and Dave, who was part of the crowd, started asking questions about the impressive left-arm spinner taking it to the blokes.
“(David) saw me playing and spoke to a few people about me and got in contact and here I am,” Sophie told Tah Talk.
“At home I play club, county and regional cricket. From what I’ve seen, women’s first grade is similar to county standard in England,” Sophie told Tah Talk.
Sophie’s also hoping to jump into the social side of cricket our here, having been used to cricket clubs back home featuring a bar and a lively post-stumps atmosphere.
I’m sure the Manly girls won’t let her down in that regard!
